Korea's national baseball team is one step closer to advancing to the Olympic finals for the first time in eight years.

Korea thrashed underdog Germany 12-to-1 in a called game Wednesday in Taiwan, consolidating its chances of winning a ticket to the Beijing Olympics.

Having won all previous five qualifiers, Korea has virtually secured a ticket to Beijing.

Korea will face Canada for the sixth qualifying match Thursday, with starter Ryu Hyun-jin scheduled to pitch.

KBS TV 2 will broadcast the game live from 7:20 p.m.