Magical Germany rout Argentina..

14:00 GMT, July 3, 2010
Green Point Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa





Argentina
0 - 4
Germany

Six days after turfing England out of the World Cup with a magical display, Germany cast their spell on Argentina with a brilliant quarter-final performance.

Argentina were buried thanks to a third-minute goal from Thomas Muller and two second-half efforts from Miroslav Klose either side of one from Arne Friedrich. Even Diego Maradona would had appreciated it had he not been in the opposite dug-out. An imperious masterclass from a side on the march.

Games of this magnitude can often be dull, sterile affairs, where two giants cancel each other out completely. This spectacular never had a chance of being that way.

An Argentina team containing Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez, managed by one of the most creative forces there has ever been, is not exactly set up to defend. Germany's talents are not as well known. But over the past week Joachim Low's team have made some statement.

Another star name destined to leave South Africa without making a significant mark, or scoring a goal, Messi did his best with the scraps that were offered without making the mesmerising burst or defence-splitting pass his team craved.

On the touchline, Maradona stood, knowing the difference between a great player and the absolute best is their ability to produce when the pressure is at its greatest, as he did in 1986. Since then, Germany have gained revenge, both in the 1990 final and the quarter-final four years ago.

In his amusing dismissal of England, German skipper Philipp Lahm said he wanted to win inside 90 minutes, for his country to finally defeat a big team. It was time for his youthful team-mates to announce their arrival.

First, a prone Muller stabbed the ball into space and set Podolski free to present Klose with a tap-in.

Then, pushing forward even though the game was won, Friedrich was on hand to finish from close range after Schweinsteiger had cut through the Argentine defence like a knife through butter.

Klose finished the rout and with another four-star performance, Germany roll into the semi-finals with every chance of lifting the trophy.

Scoring Summary

Argentina	Germany
	Thomas Müller (3')
	Miroslav Klose (68')
	Arne Friedrich (74')
	Miroslav Klose (89')

Match Stats

Argentina

Germany

20(7)	Shots (on Goal)	18(6)
20	Fouls	14
5	Corner Kicks	4
5	Offsides	0
53%	Time of Possession	47%
2	Yellow Cards	1
0	Red Cards	0
2	Saves	7

Match Information

Stadium:	Green Point Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa
Attendance:	64,100
Match Time:	14:00 GMT
Official(s):	Ravshan Irmatov

Man of the Match: Bastian Schweinsteiger 

MATCH SUMMARY

Man of the Match: Bastian Schweinsteiger - The Bayern Munich star provided the assists for Germany's first and third goals and was imperious in midfield throughout the match. In defence he was tenacious in the tackle and going forwards he invariably made the correct pass at the correct time.

Argentina verdict: Diego Maradona's side started slowly and then never recovered after conceding the early goal. There was plenty off huff and puff as Argentina fought to get back into the match but they never really created any clear-cut chances, despite all their possession. As La Albiceleste pushed forward they played into the hands of Germany's quick counter-attacks and were picked off late on.

Germany verdict: Joachim Low's side started the match on the front foot, scored an early goal after just three minutes, and never looked back. There was no chance this attacking, high-tempo German team would sit on their lead and there were shades of the onslaught against England in the previous match as Die Mannschaft carved open their opponent's defence time and again. Klose's first goal after 67 minutes left the Germans strolling down Easy Street for the remainder of the match.

Could do better: Nicolas Otamendi - The Vélez Sarsfield defender suffered a torrid time at right full-back, but to be fair to Otamendi he is a centre-back by trade. He struggled to contain Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil and was hauled off after 70 minutes as Argentina chased the game.

Stat attack: Germany have not conceded a second half goal in this World Cup.