Following are quotes from German coach Rudi Voller following Germany's 1-0 semifinal win over South Korea on Tuesday:
(On his analysis of today's match): I think we played very well early on and right from the start. We were very compact on defense. We changed the defense a bit around and played with the line of four, and throughout the game, we were able to create good scoring opportunities. I think we were the deserved winners of the match.
(On Germany's World Cup dream): A few weeks ago, when we played against high-calibre opponents in the group stage, Cameroon and Ireland to be precise, nobody really expected us to even go to the round of 16. But once you've reached the semifinals, there's no denying that you dream about the final, and I think we've played really, really well. We were well organized, and we deserve to be there (in the final)
(On Michael Ballack, midfielder): He did score the winning goal, not only in this game, but in the previous game (against the United States) as well. We have to meet him with the highest respect. It's a great pity he will have to miss the final, not only because he scored the goal, but because he is one of the best players, it's more or less his duty. Even though he knew with another yellow card he would miss the final, he still committed that tactical foul which was utterly necessary. So he placed himself at the service not only of the team but the whole of Germany. The entire country will understand him and applaud him.
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