In the opening match of the last-16 phase, Pool E runners-up Goller and Ludwig had too much power and guile for Holtwick and Semmler, who reached this stage after two wins from three in Pool A.
Ludwig shone for the victors with some telling spikes and cut shots, and the 21-16 21-15 result was never in doubt.
The all-German draw was a nightmare scenario for the two teams and Goller was relieved to come through the unwanted encounter.
'Before the draw I said two things: "I don't want to play Germany" and "I don't want to play early". We got both, but maybe minus and minus is a plus,' she said.
'The draw was very late. Because of the early match we did not sleep a lot, but we know this team well so we did not have to prepare a lot.'
We will probably play Brazil but we can't do anything about it.
Sara Goller
The German duo are likely to face reigning world champions and gold medal favourites Larissa Franca and Juliana Silva in the next round, assuming the Brazilians overcome lucky losers Madelein Meppelink and Sophie van Gestel of Holland.
'We will probably play Brazil but we can't do anything about it,' Goller added.
'But we have the abilities to beat them. We won the last match against them in Rome in June.'
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