Germany Beat Argentina 4-0 while Spain Eliminate Paraguay

Germany 4 – Argentina 0
Match Report

Germany ripped Argentina to pieces on the way to securing their place in the World Cup semi finals. It was the third time that the team have scored four times in this year’s tournament in what was a truly impressive display.

After Thomas Mueller’s early header in the third minute to put the team in front, Germany seemed to cope with ease before having a late burst in the game to finish off Argentina. They are now looking in great shape to become the world champions once again, after twenty years of chasing.

There were moments which reminded us of the game against England last week, Argentina was caught out by Germany’s speed and accuracy on the counter attack. The only down side for Germany is that Mueller was booked meaning that he will miss their match against Spain later in the week.

Three minutes into the game Schweinsteiger swung in a free kick which Mueller headed home to open the scoring beating Sergio Romero from the Argentinean defence. Klose had the chance to make it 2 – 0 when Mueller broke into the area and passed to him in front of the goal, but his shot went over the crossbar wasting the opportunity.

Schweinsteiger was making sure that Messi couldn’t really impose himself on the game so Argentina’s attempts to score were mainly limited to shots from distance. As half time came close Argentina did get better with good attempts from Angel Di Maria and Gonzalo Higuain, however, Germany were still attacking well.

With the beginning of the second half Argentina managed to put some real pressure on the Germans and almost scored immediately, however, Di Maria’s shot from outside the box just went wide of the goal.

Argentina proceeded to dominate for 20 minutes and Tevez had a shot at goal blocked by Per Mertesacker, and Germany’s keeper Neuer was kept very busy as there were multiple attacks on his goal.

However, the Germans soon hit back with a lethal attack that saw two near identical goals scored in very quick succession. First Podolski ran into the box from the left and passed to Klose to give him the easiest of tap-ins, shortly after Schweinsteiger crossed to Arne Freidrich who hit the ball home from near the post.

This spelled the end of the game for Argentina with neither Messi nor Maradona able to find to spirit needed for a late comeback.  The match ended with a wonderful goal from Klose, his fourteenth of this World Cup to put the final touches on a dominating victory.

Spain 1 – Paraguay 0
Match Report

Villa finally managed to break the deadlock in this match after 82 minutes as his ball hit the post, rolled across the line, hit the other post and then came to rest in the net. This was a heart breaking moment for Paraguay, they have never reached the quarter finals before and had an excellent chance to take the lead earlier on but Oscar Cardozo’s spot kick was saved by Iker Casillas.

Cardozo’s penalty came at 57 minutes, and in the next three Spain also received a penalty from the referee. Xabi Alonso managed to score on his first attempt, but there was a retake due the Spanish players coming into the area which he missed.

To some eyes it seemed as if Justo Villar then fouled Cesc Fabregas as he tried to collect the rebound, but a third penalty was not awarded, in the mean time Sergio Ramos had claimed the loose ball but his shot was stopped on the line.

However, these were basically the only moments of excitement in a game that had very few other opportunities. This will be Spain’s first appearance in a World Cup semi final; however, they need to raise their playing if they are to beat Germany on Wednesday.

The passing which their game is famous for was not really present and Fernando Torres proved to be out of form and was withdrawn from the match after 56 minutes.

Paraguay seemed to settle into the game much faster than Spain and had some promising opening opportunities. Within the first minute Jonathan Santana had a good shot at goal and Spain were continually having problems dealing with crosses from wide areas.

Cristian Riveros headed a ball wide and Antolin Alcaraz and Santana both managed to escape the players marking them but could not quite follow through with a goal. Nelson Valdez looked to have scored just before half time; however, it was ruled offside.  Valdez looked to be onside but there was doubt about Cardozo who had attempted but failed to head the cross with went to Valdez.

It did look like Spain were going to take control in midfield, however, Paraguay consistently managed to slow them down. Paraguay also had some good attacking moments, just before half time Valdez wasted an excellent position on a terrible shot.

Xavi had a chance for Spain before the break in true showman style; he flicked the ball up with one foot and shot on the turn but the ball just went over leaving Spain frustrated over the break.

Finally Villa managed to equal Emilio Butragueno’s Spanish record of five goals at a World Cup finals stage, set back in 1986, scoring the goal which sent his side through to hte next round.

Paraguay had a chance to equalise late in the game but Casillas managed to block Roque Santa Cruz’s attempt.  Villa almost managed a second goal seconds before the end of the game, but this would have been harsh on Paraguay.