Germany is in the semifinals after a winning a stirring World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina. The hosts showed tenacity and resourcefulness to come back from a goal down after it looked as though Argentina was set to shut up shop and grind out a defensive 1-0 win. Argentina went ahead through a wonderful header from Roberto Ayala from a Juan Roman Riquelme corner, and looked in control and even like a second might be on the cards until Coach Jose Pekerman decided to take out his tiring playmaker Riquelme. The Argentines lost all their imagination after that. Minutes later, Roberto Abbondanzieri, Argentina's goalkeeper was forced out through injury, giving Pekerman, who resigned after the game, fewer subs to work with. Then, on 80 minutes, a great centering ball from German captain Michael Ballack was flicked on perfectly by Tim Borowski into the path of Miroslav Klose, who headed home with venom. Argentina pressed back, had one questionable penalty appeal denied, but the game would go into extra time, where neither team really looked like winning the match. Ultimately, it was Germany's day at the penalty spot, as the excellent Jens Lehman denied Argentine goal-scorer Ayala and Esteban Cambiasso from the spot.

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