Germany Knocks Argentina Out of World Cup

Berlin, Germany (Sports Network) - Jens Lehmann stopped two of the four shots he faced in the shoot-out round to lead Germany over Argentina, 4-2 on penalty kicks, in the quarterfinals at Berlin`s Olympiastadion. Miroslav Klose scored in the 80th minute to tie it at 1-1 and send it into overtime for Germany, which is moving onto the semifinals for the 11th time. Germany became the third host team in as many World Cups to win a quarterfinal match on penalties. In 1998 France got by on a shootout, and four years later South Korea also moved on in the same fashion in front of its own fans. Jurgen Klinsmann`s side will now play the winner of the Italy/Ukraine match on July 4. Roberto Ayala scored the sole goal for Argentina, which has not reached the semifinals since winning the championship in 1990. Ayala netted his first goal of the tournament in the 49th minute directly off of a Juan Riquelme corner kick. Ayala broke free at the top of the goal area, and with a header found the back of the net down low. Klose knotted the affair at one in the 80th minute with his fifth goal of the tournament. From eight yards out, the tournament`s leading scorer placed the ball just inside the left post with a header down low. After two 15-minute periods in overtime, the match ended at 1-1 after extra time. The teams looked fatigued as they both used up all their substitutes in regulation. Oliver Neuville was the first shooter in the shoot-out round and buried the ball in the left corner to give Germany the early edge. However, substitute Julio Cruz quickly knotted it at one with Argentina`s first shot from the spot. Michael Ballack, who was struggling with a leg and groin injury in the second half, gave the Germans a 2-1 advantage on the following shot. Ayala then stepped up for Argentina, and Jans Lehmann turned his shot away, as Germany led the rest of the way. Lukas Podolski and Tim Borowski would convert two more penalty kicks for Germany before Lehmann saved Esteban Cambiasso`s shot to seal the win. Germany improved to 4-0 all-time in a World Cup penalty-kick shootout. Friday`s match marked the nations` fifth meeting at a FIFA World Cup. (Copyright 2005 by The Sports Network)