Three-time winners Italy are up next for Germany in Tuesday's semifinal in Dortmund and the hosts are hungry for more success.

"Our target is to be world champions. We are happy with what achieved but it is not enough for us," 25-year-old Metzelder said at Sunday's press conference.

"As hosts we have a great chance. We have used the atmosphere and developed as a team. We have a lot of confidence and I think the other teams can see that."

Metzelder, a member of the 2002 team that reached the final but who suffered a string of injuries following it, expects the Italy game to be like the Argentina duel with a rock solid backline backed up by lethal forwards.

"I believe Italy will be similar to our Argentina game. They are a good team with a strong defence and very dangerous strikers.

"They beat us 4-1 last time but we know there are two different teams now. Our motivation is to reach the final not revenge."

Italy defeated Germany 4-1 in Florence back in March but this time Jurgen Klinsmann's team have home advantage and Dortmund is a fortress for them.

Germany have never tasted defeat in Dortmund winning 13 of their 14 internationals at the venue.

Metzelder plays his club football on the ground for Borussia Dortmund and expects a red-hot atmosphere on Tuesday.

"I do not know why we are so good in Dortmund," confessed Metzelder. "It is a big venue and the people live and breathe football.

"It will be some atmosphere on Tuesday - one to remember."

Tim Borowski, one of the successful penalty takers against Argentina, expects a real battle against Italy who he says are master tacticians.

"I think it is difficult to play against Italian teams because they have great tactical nous," Borowski said.

"They were not great at the beginning of the finals but they came through. It will be tough but I think we have enough experience to combat them.

"I think you can see in the player's eyes that we want to reach the final. We are in a semi-final which is a big step but we are not getting overconfident."

Top scorer Miroslav Klose, who leads the World Cup goalscoring charts with five, and captain Michael Ballack are both expected to be fit against Italy despite suffering from severe cramp against Argentina.

"Michael (Ballack) and Miroslav (Klose) can both play on Tuesday," confirmed Germany assistant coach Joachim Low.

"Miro collided with the goalkeeper and had calf pain and later cramp but he is fine.

"Michael ran all game and played with cramp against Argentina but he will be ready for Italy."