Super Germany humiliates Argentina 4-0
Germany stormed into the semi-finals of the World Championship by convincingly thrashing Argentina 4-0 in a game where Maradona’s team was unable to capitalize on the talent of Messi, Higuain, Di María and Tevez.
Klose scores in Germany-Argentina game
After just three minutes, the Germans took an early lead when a cross into the area, found Muller free of any marking and headed to the bottom of the goal. Sergio Romero, the Argentine goalkeeper, had major responsibilities in this goal, since he was badly positioned.
Argentina was slow to react, but when freed from the shackles of the German defensive tried through various shots, to beat Neuer. Di María was one of the most active, but rarely did the South American team create real danger.
Germany defended well, had a solid midfield and calmly waited for the right moment. In the second half they struck the fatal blow to the passionate but ineffective Argentina team when Klose scored at 68 minutes making it 2-0.
On 74 minutes, after another incursion by the German attack, on the left flank, the ball landing with Friedrich, which make an easy 3-0. The rout was consummated at 89, when an unmarked Klose took advantage of another deadly counter attack from the left followed by a cross, pushed the ball calmly into the back of the goal giving Germany an impressive but well deserved 4-0 victory.
Germany is now qualified for the semi-final, and will play Spain, winner of the other quarter final match against Paraguay.
Spain in semi-finals for the first time
In an uneventful first half, in which Paraguay was able to reduce Spain’s use of its trump card, ball possession, the scoring opportunities were very scarce and the match was almost all played in the midfield.
Iniesta in Spain-Paraguay game
The interval arrived with a goalless draw and just one shot on goal by Paraguay with Vincente del Bosque’s team being completely shackled by the defensive pressure and effectiveness of the South Americans.
The second half would be completely different, with Paraguay winding down and Spain getting more ball possession. Still, it was Paraguay that had the first chance on goal, with Cardozo being brought down on 56 minutes by Pique in the penalty box. Cardozo missed the penalty as it was saved by Casillas.
One minute later, it was Paraguay’s Alcaraz that commited a foul in the penalty area against David Villa, who made a meal of it when he felt he was touched. Xabi Alonso scored the penalty, but the referee ordered the penalty to be repeated because some Spanish players had run into the area prematurely. On the second attempt Alonso missed when keeper Villar saved the second shot, and avoiding a Spanish lead.
From here on the game gained much more momentum and Spain began to take over the game. At 82 minutes after two shots hit the post, David Villa gets a well placed shot in and puts Spain in the lead 1-0.
For the first time in its history, Spain go into the semi finals of a FIFA World Cup and will meet Germany, who humbled Argentina with a 4-0 rout earlier today.
