Germany vs. Argentina. The first game that is real challenge for the German team in this World Cup. Until now the German team had it rather easy in the World Cup and for Argentina it was not that difficult easier. From the very beginning Argentina was in the better position. It had more ball contact and was also more often before the German goal than the other way around. So the first half was clear in favour for Argentina, even so it was 0 - 0.
After the break and within 10 minutes of the second half Roberto Ayala took advantage of slack marking to head in a Juan Riquelme corner. It took Germany an other 25 minutes until Michael Ballack's cross was flicked on by Tim Borowski and Miroslav Klose headed it into the Argentina goal.
From that time on the game picked up speed, ether team eager to make an other goal to lead them into the semi-finals. But the game ended 1 - 1, followed by 30 minutes of tense extra-time with no change in the result. Now the Penalty Shoot-Out started with Germany being first. German's Neuville, Ballack, Podolski and Borowski as well as Argentina's Rodriguez were all successful. Argentina's Ayala and Cambiasso efforts where saved by Arsenal keeper Lehmann. The Germans celebrated their fourth World Cup Penalty Shoot-Out success (4 - 2). Now Germany has to face Italy on its way to the Final. but Neuville and Ballack could be at doubt for Tuesday's semi-final match, since they could barely walk during the extra-time in this match.

The match in short (some statistics if you like)

German player

* 01 J Lehmann
* 03 A Friedrich
* 17 P Mertesacker
* 21 C Metzelder
* 16 P Lahm
* 07 B Schweinsteiger (74 T Borowski )
* 08 T Frings
* 13 M Ballack
* 19 B Schneider (62 D Odonkor )
* 11 M Klose (85 O Neuville )
* 20 L Podolski


Argentina

* 01 R Abbondanzieri (71 L Franco )
* 03 J Sorin
* 02 R Ayala
* 04 F Coloccini
* 06 G Heinze
* 18 R Maxi
* 22 L Gonzalez
* 10 J Riquelme (72 E Cambiasso )
* 08 J Mascherano
* 09 H Crespo (78 J Cruz )
* 11 C Tevez


Referee: Lubos Michel (Slovakia)
Att: 72000
Stadium: Berlin¡Çs Olympiastadion
Place: Berlin, Germany


GOALS:

Roberto Ayala (49')
Miroslav Klose (80')


Sent-off: Cufre (after the game, for unsporting behaviour)


Fifa man of the match: Michael Ballack.