Germany look set for the semi-finals at least and after their somewhat fortuitous late win over Paraguay yesterday, they will face either Mexico or the United States, who meet in Jeonju tomorrow, in the last eight in Ulsan on Friday.

Although Kahn claimed Germany must respect Mexico and the United States, he could not stop himself from thinking about the final.

‘‘We have to remain cautious,’’ declared the German skipper.

‘‘The worst thing we can do is underestimate either Mexico or the United States.

‘‘But I think we will have a good chance against either of them.

‘‘From a mental strength point of view, the German team is ready to go to the final. We believe in ourselves now.

‘‘I have this feeling that we are going to reach the final, I really do.’’

For all Kahn’s unbounded optimism, the Bayern Munich goalkeeper still recognised that Germany must play better than they did in this dull second-round encounter.

Paraguay created the better of the few chances there were and Kahn needed to be alert to deny Francisco Arce and Jorge Campos, twice, while Celso Ayala is probably still wondering how he failed to hit the target with a volley from under 12 yards out.

It was a blessed relief to everyone, save the Paraguayans, when two minutes from time Oliver Neuville converted Bernd Schneider’s cross with a sweet half-volley and saved us all from another 30 minutes of this tedious match.

Kahn, for whom victory was a satisfying 33rd birthday present, admitted: ‘‘The first half was an embarrassing performance because we didn’t really play football.

‘‘We just humped balls around and although we hated ourselves for doing it, we couldn’t do anything about it.

‘‘They were dangerous with their long balls and they were playing with two tall strikers.

‘‘The second half was an improvement and I think it was visible that Paraguay were getting tired.

‘‘We played better in the second half and I think we deserved our win.’’

For Kahn’s Bayern Munich team-mate and Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz it had turned out to be a doubly disappointing day.

He had been desperate to score against the country where he plies his trade - and risk a possible ban from the Bayern dressing room - only to be forced off after 30 minutes with a groin injury.

He put his disappointment to one side to wish Germany well and he agreed with Kahn that Rudi Voller’s side will take some stopping.

‘‘It had been a dream for me to play in this match,’’ he said.

‘‘I had been looking forward to it so much, but I had to come off and that was very disappointing.

‘‘But I wish Germany well and I hope they go far. They are a good team with some very good players.

‘‘I think with a bit of luck, they can go all the way to the final.’’

With a bit of luck, they might just indeed.