FIFA World Cup 2006 - Germany penalise Argentine nerves

July 1, 2006 Fifa World Cup 2006 - Quarterfinals Argentina return home on frail nerves Germany 1 - 1 Argentina (4 - 2 on Penalties) Italy 3 - 0 Ukraine The first pair of quarter finals have been played, four of the eight teams were in action. But it seemed for most part that there was but one match last evening. A renewed, resurgent Germany playing the magically energised Argentina in a match fit to be the finals of the greatest sporting event, outside the Olympics.

The Italians could be forgiven if they arrived in a dark grey suit, engulfed as they are under clouds of match fixing and bribery. Thirteen of their team play for clubs under investigation, but Marcello Lippi has done a marvelous job of combining his resources to create a team that is drawing references to the one in 1982. Parallels aside, Francesco Totti strode through the midfield creating opportunities, Luca Toni made his presence felt in front of goal while the defense was held together by the excellent efforts of Gianluigi Buffon and Fabio Cannavaro. After starting with a whimper, they are slowly but surely preparing to leave with a bang. And Germany will challenge that come 04 July.

Just prior to the World Cup, the German team must have felt like the disowned children of a much maligned uncle. Heaped with criticism, the coach and players have put in clinical performances game after game as they showered the fans in joy and enabled a nation to rediscover its identity. Suitably embraced, they now seem ready to dance with destiny on 09 July.

Maxi Rodriguez tormented the Germans with pace and power as he raced down the lines. A few minutes into the second half, he forced a corner. Roberto Ayala went lunging at the ball as a swirling Riquelme corner kick presented itself, and like predator on a racing prey, made telling contact. Germany has played much of their football on the cunning of the coach and the energy of an early goal. Can they cope with coming from behind, against their skillful opponents? After all, deep disappointment awaited one of these strong contenders. But despite falling behind, Germany stepped up the ante, constructed attack after attack as they put the Argentinean defense under pressure. Meanwhile, as so often they do, the Argentine coach Jose Pekermen settled for a one goal advantage taking off both Hernan Crespo and Juan Roman Riquelme. Michael Ballack had an imposing presence in the midfield and an 80th minute cross from the left was nudged forward by Borowski for Klose to score from close range. The teams were level, but the spirit rested firmly with the Germans. Extra time was played out as both teams prepared for the inevitable shoot out. The home team held their nerve and head converting four on the trot, even as Roberto Ayala missed his shot. Esteban Cambiasso would want to be remembered for that wonder of a goal in their opener, but with a final act in which he missed a penalty he may want to forget that he was here at all. Germany went into raptures as Argentina grasped the tragedy at hand.

Ukraine rested their hopes in Andriy Shevchenko, who was effectively neutralised by the Italians. Early in the first half Gianluca Zambrotta cut in from the right before unleashing a bazooka off his left foot from 25 yards. Barely five minutes, and Italy was in the lead. Despite Ukraine's best efforts, who attacked through an added forward the equaliser wasn't coming as Shevchenko and his men failed to test the goal. Francesco Totti was busy stomping his best performance so far. A third of the second half was done, Italy still had the advantage of a goal. Totti curled on into the box, off a short corner and Luca Toni had ample space to head a second. As if matters weren't sealed for Ukraine, Toni picks a Zambrotta pass almost on the goal line and slots home a third goal to wrap a place in the semi-finals.