Kahn keeps faith in 'boring' Germans

Germany captain Oliver Kahn can see why many think his team are boring - but the tag does not annoy him one bit.

Kahn was set to lead Germany into their 10th World Cup semi-final today, claiming they were underdogs to succeed against the mass collective will of the Korean nation.

The showdown in Seoul’s World Cup Stadium was expected to result in 10s of millions of Koreans taking to the streets of every town and city wearing their ‘Be the Reds’ T-shirts and willing their team into the history books.

No Asian side has ever got to the final, and 33-year-old Kahn knew Germany would do their utmost to keep that record intact even if they were not able to play the most attractive football along the way.

He said: ‘‘It’s true we do not play very attractive football, but should we be ashamed of that?

‘‘I mean, there are millions of people at home in Germany who are so happy and glad because of our unexpected success.

‘‘I’ve talked to my wife on the phone and sent e-mails to my friends - and they all tell me the euphoria back home is just outstanding.’’

Kahn has been well aware the German nation have seen him as the man to stop Korea’s charge.

But the goalkeeper has also been hugely impressed with the super-fit hosts.

‘‘We have to realise that our next match will be like a marathon,’’ he said.

‘‘They are an incredible team with great spirit and who are very much together.

‘‘In this tournament they have already proved they have got quite some players. They seem to score goals from all departments, and everybody can be influential.

‘‘Although they are not the most physical players, their fitness condition is impressive - and each of us will have to perform to our best even to have a chance against them.’’

Kahn has refused to accept the atmosphere might be as intimidating as playing in Europe.

The Korean authorities were expecting one million fans without tickets to assemble outside the stadium, while another 900,000 could fill two outdoor sites in the centre of Seoul.

But Kahn said: ‘‘It’s simply a dream to play against the host nation in front of such a fascinated crowd. We all wanted this match against Korea.

‘‘I have never experienced such a fever in a country - not even in Spain, Italy, Germany or England.

‘‘Millions of people wearing red shirts the whole day long, I can sense their emotions and I am so much on fire to be part of the match. I just want to play the game now.

‘‘It is a big motivation to say we can be the team that finally beats the Koreans.’’