Only Italy stands in Germany's way as they bid for a place in the World Cup final for the second successive time. For hosts Germany, the clash against Italy in Tuesday's World Cup semi-final in Dortmund will be no walk in the park. The Germans have never beaten Italy in a World Cup game, the latest being the 1982 final when the Azzuri beat the Mannschaft 3-1 to register their last title to date, a curse perhaps? However, it is not only the World Cup statistics that favor the Italians, who thrashed Germany 4-1 in a friendly on March 1st in Florence. Even on the club level, German giants Bayern Munich were sent packing from this season's UEFA Champions League at the hands of AC Milan. Germany skipper Michael Ballack was forced to joke about the situation. We lost 4-1 with Germany and 4-1 with Bayern in Milan," Ballack told reporters on Monday. "Basically, we've got no chance, have we?" Since the defeat to Italy in March, the three-time world champions have enjoyed a nine-match unbeaten run, including five wins in the finals. "I believe the confidence that we have built over the last six weeks is enough to win the next two games and become world champions," Klinsmann said in a press conference. The 41-year-old Klinsmann, who won the World Cup title as a player in 1990, has been struck with the news that midfielder Torsten Frings has been banned from Tuesday's match for throwing a punch at Argentina's Julio Cruz. Yet Klinsmann remains calm and confident. "We always make contingency plans," Klinsmann said before FIFA made its ruling. "It does not matter if someone drops out through suspension or injury, there is always someone to come in," he added.
Zambrotta Klinsmann has can call on Tim Borowski or Sebastian Kehl to deputize for Frings in midfield and contain the anticipated threat from Italy's Francesco Totti. "I'm sorry for Frings that he has to miss the game due to a ban but it gives us a little advantage," Totti was quoted as saying. While Germany will be without Frings, Italy coach Marcello Lippi will have to do without veteran defender Alessandro Nesta. "Nesta is not available," Lippi confirmed on Monday. "He is improving and we tried to get him back but without forcing things," said Lippi. Yet the Italian tactician remains confident in his team's ability to overcome the hosts. "I am extremely proud because this team has an incredible character and spirit, they have coped so well with a lot of injuries and changes to the team. "They are an incredible bunch of lads and everything is possible now. We need to try with all our hearts -- it has worked for us so far," Lippi added. The former Juventus boss also acknowledged that Tuesday's semi-final will not be an easy one. "It will be difficult for us but I think it will also be difficult for Germany," Lippi insisted. Klinsmann echoed Lippi's sentiments, noting that the clash could well be similar their epic match up in the 1970 semi-finals, one which the Italians won 4-3 after extra time. "A classic World Cup semi-final against Italy is something special," said Klinsmann. "Italy are one of the best teams in the world and that is why they are in the final four. They have a great footballing tradition and deserve respect," he added. The winner from Tuesday's match will play the winner from the France-Portugal match in Sunday's final.
