Ahn loses out, Hamann fit for Germans

South Korea v Germany - Live!

South Korean midfielder Ahn Jung-Hwan failed in his bid to making the starting line-up for the World Cup semi-final with Germany today.

But there was better news for Germany. Midfielder Dietmar Hamann, who twisted a knee in Friday's 1-0 quarter-final victory over the United States, passed a late fitness test.

Korean coach Guus Hiddink waited until the last minute before ruling out Ahn, the golden-goal scorer against Italy in the second round, who has a swollen ankle.

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His absence will be a bitter blow for Korea who are attempting to become the first Asian side ever to reach a World Cup final.

The 26-year-old Ahn has become the pin-up of South Korean football and a firm favourite with the Red Devils.

His place is taken by 21-year-old amateur Cha Du-Ri, who plays for the Korean University side.

South Korea: Lee Woon-Jae, Choi Jin-Cheul, Yoo Sang-Chul, Kim Tae-Young, Lee Chun-Soo, Lee Young-Pyo, Hong Myung-Bo (capt), Hwang Sun-Hong, Park Ji-Sung, Song Chong-Gug, Cha Du-Ri

Germany: Oliver Kahn (capt), Thomas Linke, Christoph Metzelder, Torsten Frings, Carsten Ramelow, Dietmar Hamann, Michael Ballack, Bernd Schneider, Miroslav Klose, Oliver Neuville, Marco Bode

Referee: Urs Meier (Swi)