Such has been Germany's dominance of World football, a semi-final of a major tournament against the hosts in nothing to worry about.
For the Germans, it's actually something they embrace. In their last six semi-finals against the home nation, they have reached the Final each time. Their only loss came in 1958, against Sweden in the World Cup, when they lost 3-1 to the hosts.
The 7-1 win over Brazil is widely remembered as one of the most astonishing games in the history of the game. The two-year anniversary of the Belo Horizonte demolition takes place on Friday, and the comparisons between that game and Thursday's tie with France are striking. Most commentators are finding the game very difficult to call.
On their way to the 2002 World Cup Final, Rudi Voller's uninspiring team defeated hosts South Korea in Daegu. A Michael Ballack goal, four minutes after he was booked sent Germany to the Yokohama final, where they would meet Brazil. Ballack missed the final due to the booking.
Germany's Andreas Moller celebrates scoring the winning penalty against England at Euro 96. Picture by: Neal Simpson / EMPICS Sport
Germany reached the Final of both the European Championship of the 1990s. In 1996, they defeated England on penalties in Wembley, before beating Czech Republic in the final. Four years previously, a united Germany defeated Sweden 3-2 in Solna, before losing to Denmark in the Final.
During the 1970s, West Germany found themselves in the same position that their predecessors would over 20 years later, with two consecutive European Championship semi-finals against the hosts. In 1976, West Germany came from 2-0 down to beat Yugoslavia 4-2 after extra-time. Dieter Muller scored a hat-trick. The team would lose to Czechoslovakia in the final in a penalty shoot-out that is infamous for Antonin Panenka's winning goal.
In 1972 on the way to bating the Soviet Union in the Final 2-0, West Germany defeated Belgium 2-1 in Antwerp. Gerd Muller scored the team's four goals in the four-team tournament.
Since 1958, Germany have advanced from six of their seven semi-finals against hosts. History is certainly on their side. France better be prepared.
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