Dortmund, Germany (My Sportsbook) - The World Cup's host country Germany will try to move one step closer to a tournament win Tuesday as the team faces Italy to start the semifinal round in Dortmund.

The Germans are unbeaten in the World Cup with only one draw thus far and must remain that way in order to reach the tournament's final match. The team battled in its last match for survival past the quarterfinals, earning the victory on penalties, 4-2 over Argentina.

Germany was facing tournament elimination after Argentina's Roberto Ayala gave the South Americans a one goal lead in the 49th minute. With the 90th minute quickly approaching, Germany's Miroslav Klose found the equalizer in the 80th minute to force the two teams into extra time.

The 30 minute window failed to produce a game-winner, leading to the penalty kick shootout, which Germany won in front of its thousands of supporters.

For Italy, it was a similar result in its quarterfinal match but under much different circumstances, as the team found three goals for a 3-0 win over the Ukraine. Luca Toni scored twice with goals in the 59th and 69th minutes and Gianluca Zambrotta added an early goal in the sixth minute to give the Italians the victory over the Ukraine.

Tuesday's semifinal meeting will be the 29th time Italy and Germany have faced each other. Italy holds a strong advantage in overall meetings, with 13 wins compared to Germany's seven. In four previous World Cup meetings, Italy has also held the advantage, winning two and drawing two. Tuesday is the second time the two teams will meet in a World Cup semifinal match. The last semifinal meeting came in 1970, when the Italians found a 4-3 win in extra time.

Italy will try for a third win over Germany in World Cup play possibly without two important players. Defender Alessandro Nesta is expected to miss Tuesday's match due to a groin injury. The defender has missed the team's last two matches. Midfielder Mauro Camoranesi may be out of the starting lineup as well with a knee injury. Marco Materazzi is expected to return after serving a suspension.

Daniele De Rossi continues to be unavailable as he serves a suspension. De Rossi would be able to return to the field if Italy can make it into the finals.

Italy has relied on its defense, which has conceded only one goal, an own goal against the United States in the group stages.

For Germany, injury concerns over Michael Ballack and the team's quarterfinal hero Klose have been put to rest for now. The two have been battling minor injuries and appeared to be struggling towards the end of the match against Argentina. Klose has five goals and leads the goal scorers list in the finals.

The team will also be without Torsten Frings, who was handed a suspension on Monday by FIFA for his involvement in the altercation following the quarterfinal match against Argentina.

Overall, Germany has won 13 of 14 matches in Dortmund, and will attempt to make its eighth trip to the finals. A win would make Germany the first nation to reach the World Cup finals eight times.

Italy is unbeaten in 23 international matches.