Germany make semis after shoot-out win over Argentina

Jun 30, 2006, 19:17 GMT

Miroslav Klose (R) of Germany vies with Fabricio Coloccini of Argentina during the quarter final of the 2006 FIFA World Cup between Germany and Argentina in the Olympic Stadium in Berlin, Germany, Friday, 30 June 2006. EPA/JENS WOLF

Berlin - Hosts Germany dramatically squeezed through to the semi-finals of the World Cup after defeating Argentina 4-2 on penalties in Berlin on Friday.

With the scores locked at 1-1 after 90 minutes, the game entered extra-time and then penalties where the home side converted their four kicks and Jens Lehmann saved from Roberto Ayala and Esteban Cambiasso to set up a semi-final aginst either Italy or Ukraine.

'I think that was expected of me,' said Lehmann who was controversially chosen as Germany No.1 ahead of Oliver Kahn for the tournament. 'As Germany's goalkeeper, you are expected to win on a penalty shoot-out.'

Kahn, raced off the bench, to hug Lehmann, while German chancellor Angela Merkel embraced Franz Beckenbauer, football legend and head of the World Cup Organizing Committee at the end.

However near the centre circle, there were less gratifying scenes as officials were forced to separate players from the two teams. Leandro Cufre, one of the Argentina substitutes, was shown a red card.

'We knew that in Argentina we were up against probably the best team at the moment in the World Cup, and one little mistake - say, a corner - and you'd be behind,' said coach Juergen Klinsmann. 'These are tense matches you've simply got the be able to cope with.'

Man-of-the-match Michael Ballack, who despite spending much of the latter stages limping, stayed on to convert one of Germany's penalty kicks, was emotional afterwards.

'This was sensational,' said the captain. 'It was not an interesting game for the spectators in terms of goals but tactically it was of the highest level.'

After an intense first-half Argentina grabbed the lead in the 49th minute thanks to a Roberto Ayala header from a Juan Roman Riquelme corner.

Germany, who had struggled against a well-organised defence, equalised 10 minutes from time when tournament top scorer Miroslav Klose headed in his fifth goal of the finals.

'It was a fascinating game,' said Klose. 'We were a bit lucky to win on a penalty shootout but we deserved victory. We wanted to take the initiative and dictate the match, and that was the case later on.'

In front of 72,000 spectators at Berlin's Olympiastadion, Argentina dominated possession in the early stages. But neither side was able to assert their authority.

Four minutes into the second half the South Americans took the lead. Riquelme curved in the corner from the right and Ayala, stealing a yard on Klose, headed powerfully past Jens Lehmann from six yards.

Starved of time on the ball, Germany were reduced to throwing long balls into the box. Ballack had a good chance blocked by Ayala, while Maxi Rodriguez crashed a shot into the side netting.

But the home side's more direct tactic finally paid off ten minutes from time. Ballack crossed from the left, Tim Borowski flicked the ball on and Klose, lurking at the back post, dived in front of Sorin to bury his header into the far corner.

After an intense extra-time, Germany, long considered masters on penalty kicks, gave Leo Franco - a second half substitute for the injured Abbondanzieri - no chance with their four kicks. Oliver Neuville, Ballack, Podolski and Borowski all converted.

But while Sorin and Maxi Rodriguez found the net for Argentina, Lehmann saved the second from Ayala, and fourth from Esteban Cambiasso, to send the home fans wild.

'It was very painful for Argentina,' said Argentine coach Jose Pekerman, who announced after the game that he was stepping down. 'It was a great quarter-final played at a high level. I congratulate Germany for a great game and hope the team advances further.'

Asked about Germany's chances of winning the World Cup, Klinsmann remained cautious: 'I think our chances are now 25 per cent. We're one of four teams in the semi-final and we're facing another very tense match.'