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The first teams to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup were the German footballers, who after extra time and a penalty shootout in the 11-meter series defeated Argentina.
Berlin Olympiastadion, 72,000 spectators Referee - Luboš Michel (Slovakia) Germany 1 - 1 Argentina (11m penalty shootout 4-2) 49' [1 - 0] Roberto Ayala 80' [1 - 1] Miroslav Klose
Germany: Lehmann, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Lahm, Schweinsteiger (74' Borowski), Frings, Ballack, Schneider (62' Odonkor), Klose (85' Neuville), Podolski. Argentina: Abbondanzieri (71' Franco), Sorin, Ayala, Coloccini, Heinze, Maxi, Gonzalez, Riquelme (72' Cambiasso), Mascherano, Crespo (78' Cruz), Tevez.
The match was more lively at the start by German footballers, who could score already in the 7th minute of the match when a penalty kick was awarded to Argentina's goal. Lukas Podolski took the penalty, and although his shot was not strong, Roberto Abbondanzieri could only catch the ball on the second try.
Perhaps the best chance to score in the first half was for Michael Ballack, who, after over 15 minutes of playing, dangerously shot towards the goal following a great pass by Bernd Schneider, but the ball went just wide of the goal.
After this episode, the territorial advantage shifted to the Argentinians, and at a certain moment their ball control was more than thirty percent higher. Luis Gonzalez, Juan Pablo Sorin, Juan Roman Riquelme were actively involved in their attacks, but were met by the high German defenders.
The second half was also fairly active, with the Argentinians starting off strong and scoring immediately after the break. A corner was awarded to the Germans, and Juan Roman Riquelme, the team's specialist on set pieces, stepped up to take it. After his pass into the penalty area, Valencia defender Roberto Ayala headed the ball into the goal, giving Argentina the lead.
Right after this goal, the Germans started playing more actively and aggressively, while the Argentinians, after giving up their territorial advantage, resorted to counterattacks. During one of these, Maxi Rodriguez could have increased the lead, but after a pass from Carlos Tevez, his strong shot hit the net from the other side.
With about 20 minutes left of regular time, Argentina's goalkeeper R.Abbondanzieri suffered a rib injury after a clash with Miroslav Klose and was forced to leave the field, being replaced by the inexperienced Leonardo Franco, who the Germans decided to "test" a few minutes later. However, the long-distance penalty shot went over the goal.
But the wait for a goal was not long - L.Franco scored after ten minutes. After receiving a pass from M.Ballack, Tim Borowski, who had been on the field for only six minutes, headed the ball to Miroslav Klose, who also headed it into the goal.
Neither team managed to score during the remaining ten minutes, so they had to go into extra time. During extra time, both teams played a slow game, and it took a penalty shootout to determine the winner.
The Germans were the first to take the penalties. Oliver Neuville scored accurately, putting the Germans ahead. Julio Cruz responded with a precise shot, but M.Ballack's shot was also accurate and unstoppable. Meanwhile, Roberto Ayala's shot was saved by Jens Lehmann.
L.Podolski increased Germany's chances by scoring the third penalty of the shootout, and Argentina could no longer make mistakes. T.Borowski scored accurately, putting the Germans ahead at 4-2. Germany's goalkeeper Jens Lehmann ended all the hopes of the Argentinians by saving Esteban Cambiasso's shot - the hosts celebrated victory after a tense battle.
