TIANJIN -- Norway is eager for vengeance against Germany, and playmaker Solveig Gulbrandsen declared herself ready to exact it when the north Europe rivals clash in the semifinal of the women's World Cup on Wednesday.

Gulbrandsen, who dictates her team's play from midfield, was hampered by a leg injury in the quarterfinal win over China when she wore strapping around her thigh.

"It's feeling okay actually, better than I thought it would," Gulbrandsen said on the FIFA website.

"I was a doubt for the China game to be honest, it's an old injury - I tore the anterior cruciate ligament before - so sometimes it can become a mental issue. I just needed to make sure I was confident in myself to play. But I'm sure I'll be fine for Germany."

Norway will start as underdog against reigning World Cup champion Germany, but the team is determined to compensate for losing the European championship to the same team in 2005.

"We do feel we owe them something after the Euro final and there's a belief in the squad that it's our turn now," Gulbrandsen said.

"We obviously lost that day and, if I'm being honest, we only had ourselves to blame.

"We were too happy just to reach the final and when they scored early, I don't know if we had the belief to think we could come back from it. But this time will be different, I can guarantee you that. We're obviously pleased to be in the semi-finals but there's no way we are satisfied and willing to settle for it."

Germany star striker Birgit Prinz _ the all-time highest scorer in World Cups _ said she is not only expecting a tight game, but looking forward to one.

"That's the interesting part in soccer, it's not interesting when you are better than your opponent and you're just wondering how many goals you will score," Prinz said.

"If both teams are equal and there is pressure, it's exciting, and that's what you train for."

After starting the tournament with an 11-0 thumping of Argentina, Germany was less impressive in a draw with England and a hard-fought win over Japan before returning to something near its best with a 3-0 win over North Korea in the quarterfinals.

"Our other two group games were not so strong, and hopefully we will peak at the right moment," Prinz said.