China Fans for Germany

Germany's women's soccer team will have the support of the People's Republic as they take on the hosts' victors Norway in the first semi-final on Wednesday, Sept. 26.

Before people start accusing the Chinese of rallying against their conquerors out of sour grapes, it must be pointed out that whenever China hasn't been playing, the local fans have been cheering Germany on in astounding numbers. An expected 55,000 will be singing for the German team in Tianjin, a similar number to those Chinese who turned out to watch all of Germany's matches so far.

"There always seems to be more Chinese support at our games than at any of the other games in which the Chinese aren't playing," said German goalkeeper Nadine Angerer. "It's pretty clear that German soccer is liked here very much."

Every self-respecting Chinese fan knows about the careers of legends such as Germany's most-capped player Lothar Matthäus and "Kaiser" Franz Beckenbauer but since the women's team arrived to begin their title defense in China, the locals have found a new team of Teutonic idols.

With 16 goals so far in this tournament, the high-scoring Germans tick all the right boxes for Chinese fans brought up on fast action and avalanches of goals. "The Chinese want to see attack after attack," said German Klaus Schlappner who coached China's men's team from 1992 to 1995.

China's support hits heights against Japan

While the Chinese fans followed Germany's displays against Argentina and England with appreciation, true fandom hit when the Germans eliminated local rivals Japan from the championship. With rolling chants of "Deguo, Deguo" -- "Germany, Germany" -- the Chinese added their voice to the German fans' and celebrated just as wildly as their arch-rivals were sent packing.

The fanaticism isn't just restricted to the stadiums either. Everywhere the German squad goes, a legion of Chinese fans follows. Easily spotted in their team leisurewear in shops and cafes, the German players are besieged for photographs and mementos.

"About 99 percent want the autograph of Birgit Prinz," smiled defender Ariane Hingst.

Germany's star woman, a three-time world player of the year, is a megastar in soccer-crazy Asia and the announcement of her name before matches causes a frenzy in the crowd. "I had no idea that they knew me over here," Prinz said.

Communism beats popularity

Despite the adoration, there are some things that do take precedence over popularity. When Germany were 3-0 up and cruising against North Korea on Saturday, Chinese voices were leant in support to their beleaguered communist sisters. No-one felt betrayed.

"If the spectators support us, it is great fun," said German midfielder Simone Laudehr. "If they shout for the others, then that's only more motivation for us."

The loyalty of the Chinese fans to Germany is unlikely to come into question on Wednesday when Norway, narrow 1-0 winners over the hosts, will feel the heat of the locals after what was seen to be a lucky quarter-final win. The noise is expected to be only marginally less than if the Chinese were meeting Germany themselves for a place in the World Cup final.

Norway stands between holders and final

Germany will be looking to feed off whatever support they can get. While they have only really struggled once in the tournament so far, laboring to a 0-0 draw with England, the Norwegians are tough customers who are far from unknown to the world champions.

The Germans and Norwegians have faced off 28 times in the past, with 12 going Germany's way, 11 to Norway and five draws.

"Norway always belongs among the top nations," said Prinz. "It will be the same here. We can say from intense experience that we expect nothing less."

In the second semi-final on Thursday, Olympic champions the USA meet Brazil in Hangzhou.