Germany and Brazil Gear up for Battle Royal

The game is a repeat of the 2002 World Cup final, when Ronaldo scored both goals to help Brazil win 2-0, and the German media are billing this match as a chance for revenge three years on.

"Everyone wants to beat Brazil," declared Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira. "All the teams that we play against produce their best game of the year."

Without the competitive edge of World Cup qualifiers, hosts Germany are channeling their energy into the Confederations Cup. But West Germany's 1974 World Cup winner, Franz Beckenbauer, is not sure Brazil are doing the same.

"From watching Brazil I sense they are not really taking this competition seriously," Beckenbauer said. "The will to win is not there and this is a great chance for Germany. I think our name is on the cup."

Germany have failed to beat Brazil since a 2-1 friendly win over Cologne back in 1993. Coach Jürgen Klinsmann played in that game and hopes for a similar result to book a spot in the Frankfurt final on June 29.

Germany hungry

"We are determined to reach the final," vowed Klinsmann. "Brazil are very technical and the current world champions but we have our own attributes."

Since Klinsmann took over as coach in July of last year Germany have lost just once -- a 3-1 reverse against South Korea in December -- with hungry, young players combined with a more attacking approach.

"We cannot beat Germany if we play like they play, we must play the Brazilian way, the way we know how," said Parreira. "We want to win this cup but have to consider the physical condition of our players. Some of them are shattered after long seasons."

Germany will want to play at a high tempo and prevent Brazil from probing for an opening with long spells of possession as Kaka, Ronaldinho and rising star Robinho are all capable of opening an attack on their own.

Germany will field their strongest team with captain Michael Ballack, who memorably missed the World Cup final against Brazil through suspension, back after being rested for the 2-2 group draw with Argentina.

Bayern Munich teammate Oliver Kahn, one survivor from the World Cup loss, will miss the tie with Jens Lehmann in goal as Klinsmann continues to rotate goalkeepers. Bastian Schweinsteiger is the main absentee through suspension but Klinsmann is boosted by the return of Lukas Podolski who could partner Kevin Kuranyi in attack.

Kuranyi was born in Rio and lived there until he was 15 but Brazil's loss is Germany's gain. The Schalke 04 striker has scored ten goals in 14 matches under Klinsmann and now has the chance to gun down his country of birth in the semi-final.

Brazil to bounce back?

Brazil are not short of attacking options themselves although Barcelona star Ronaldinho believes they need to be more ruthless in front of goal. "We need to start converting our chances," confessed Ronaldinho. "Against Japan we were not clinical enough."

Germany have only played in the Confederations Cup twice and on both occasions the three-time World Cup winners have faced Brazil. Back in 1999 Brazil hammered Erich Ribbeck's side 4-0 at the group phase but with home advantage and fresh impetus under Klinsmann, Germany will prove a more difficult obstacle six years on.