MONTREAL — As the United States prepares for its Women’s World Cup semifinal game Tuesday against Germany, the top-ranked team in the world, the second-ranked Americans find themselves in a somewhat unfamiliar role as underdogs.

Amid all the preparations, the scouting reports from the veteran defender Ali Krieger may carry extra weight because Krieger, 30, played from 2008 to 2011 for 1. FFC Frankfurt in the Frauen-Bundesliga, the women’s professional league in Germany. She knows many of the country’s top players, either as teammates or as opponents.

Despite having left Frankfurt more than two years ago, Krieger still reads German newspapers and websites to keep her language skills sharp and stay up to date on the league. Asked by a reporter Sunday if she could speak German fluently, Krieger looked hesitantly toward some German reporters with whom she had previously exchanged pleasantries. They smiled and nodded their approval.

Asked if she would be able to understand what the German players and coaches were saying to one another, Krieger laughed.

“Yes,” she said, “but I don’t know how quickly I’ll be able to tell my teammates what they’re doing.”

Krieger, who now plays for the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League, lauded the German team’s attacking abilities. She said the squad had several players who enjoyed one-on-one dribbling against defenders. She said the Germans had quick triggers with their shots, would take chances from anywhere and favored one- and two-touch passing sequences.

“We just have to be aware of that, have good cover, pressure and balance, defensively,” she said.

Midfielder Morgan Brian agreed. Brian played against Germany in the Under-20 World Cup three years ago in a group stage game that Germany won 3-0, and again in the final, which the Americans won 1-0. Brian said that many of the players whom she had found impressive in that tournament were on the current German squad.

“It takes an organized team to defend Germany,” Brian said. “They’re so good on the ball in tight spaces and play really good soccer.”

Germany has scored 20 goals through its first five games, although half of those were in their 10-0 blowout of Ivory Coast on June 7. Striker Celia Sasic, 27, leads the tournament with six goals.

The Americans have scored seven goals in their first five games, and after their opening 3-1 victory over Australia on June 8, they have recorded four straight shutouts. Goalkeeper Hope Solo has 11 saves, the most in the tournament.

While the Americans have been criticized for their conservative play on offense, their defense has been praised.

Krieger, a right back, has been a big part of that, and she was eager to face the team’s biggest challenge of the summer.

“I’m really so happy that we’re playing against the No. 1 team in the world,” Krieger said of the Germans. “I think this is what makes it so fun. This is why we’re here. We want to beat the best team in the world. To win the trophy, that’s what you have to do.”