A tear for Argentina

There were ugly scenes after the shootout with players jostling each other on the pitch.

Germany now play Italy or Ukraine in the semi-finals. “We always believed that we’d come back (from a goal down in normal time)”, said German coach Juergen Klinsmann.

“Penalties are always the toughest way to go out but we are very proud of this team. Five of them could still play for the under-21s and they’re backed by fantastic older players.”

Ayala had put Argentina ahead with a flying header four minutes into the second half and the South Americans looked comfortable until goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri was forced off with an injury in the 71st minute. Germany threw on Tim Borowski four minutes later and his intervention led to the Germany equaliser.

Michael Ballack crossed from wide on the left, Borowski nodded the ball on and Miroslav Klose beat replacement keeper Leo Franco with a well directed header. Christoph Metzelder headed over from a corner and Luis Gonzalez smacked a shot well wide with the only clear chance in extra time.

Argentina had controlled a cautious first half played under grey skies at the Olympiastadion.

That was sensational,” said Germany captain Ballack. “The match was maybe not so interesting for spectators but it was a match at a very high level. The team fought to the end.

“Of course, there’s always luck when it comes to penalties but I think the team really deserved to win.”

Germany 1 (Miroslav Klose 80’) & 4 (Oliver Neuville, Michael Ballack, Lukas Podolski, Tim Borowski in Pen shootouts)

Argentina 1 (Roberto Ayala 49’) & 2 (Julio Cruz, Maxi Rodriguez in Pen shootouts)

–Kevin Fylan