Germany, Spain proceed to semi-finals

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Durban - For the third time in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Germany went on a four goal rout, this time to send Argentina home at the quarter-final stage.

Diego Mardona's men, that included one of the best players in the world Lionel Messi, were unable to get past an organised and challenging Germany defence and ended the match goalless.

Rising star Thomas Muller yet again found the net for Germany, this time quite early in Cape Town. 2006 Golden Boot winner Miroslave Klose then joined the elite club of 100 caps, as he moved closer to Ronaldo's [Brazil] 15 goal achievement in the World Cup tournaments.

Klose, making his international debut in 2001, scored in the 68th minute and Arne Friedrich grabbed his first for his country just minutes later.

In the dying stages of the game, Klose bagged his 14th World Cup goal.

Bastian Schweinsteiger and Muller tightly marked Messi, and Carlos Tevez was also kept in check and unable to attack effectively.

Muller will miss the semi-final following his yellow card received in the first half.

The match was attended by some special guests including, President Jacob Zuma, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, actors Charlize Theron and Leonardo DiCaprio.

Injured German captain Michael Ballack was also at the Cape Town Stadium and was shown on his feet as the Germans ran riot on the field in an enthralling contest, beating Argentina 4-nil.

Meanwhile, Spain have booked themselves a place in the semi-final after beating Paraguay 1-nil. Paraguay has become the fourth South American nation to exit the tournament.

Spain will now face Germany in the second semi-final in Durban at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.