England v Germany, Free State Stadium, Bloemfentein
The English did not start good, and the Germans took full advantage of that. In the 20th minute, German goalkeeper Neuer smashed the ball down the pitch, and some dreadful defending from Upson allowed Miroslav Klose to finish past James. 12 minutes later, Germany were at it again, with some beautiful football, before Podolski 5-holes James with very little angle. It was a horrific start from the English. In the 37th, Upson made up for his mistake by heading Gerrard's cross over Neuer's head. Hardly any time had passed when Frank Lampard brilliantly chipped Neuer from about 20 yards; the ball rattled the ball and dropped in and bounced back out, and it appeared that England were level. But the referee's assistant somehow did not see the ball bounce at least a yard and a half inside the goal. The English were outraged. England finished the half the better side, but must have felt robbed, as they deserved to be 2.2 with the Germans, but it was England 1.2 Germany. In the 50th, a free kick to England from maybe 40 yards out, and Lampard smacked the bar yet again. Well, apparently it was just not Frank Lampard's night. Then in the 67th, a brilliant counter from the Germans had Thomas Mueller beat David James at the near post. It would be a desperate final 20 minutes for the English. 3 minutes later, Ozil outran Gareth Barry, and layed it across for a simple double for Mueller. England were surely on their way home now. Gerrard nearly got one back for them, but an acrobatic save from Neuer denied that. That's how it would end, but how much different would the result have been if the official had seen the ball cross the line in the 38th minute. Heartbreak and outrage for England, final score: England 1.4 Germany
Argentina v Mexico, Soccer City, Johannesburg
This exact match-up came up in 2006, with a memorable strike from Maxi Rodriguez in the 98th minute won it 2.1 for Argentina. That was before Lionel Messi was the best player in the world. Early on though, Mexico could have easily been 2.0 up, with Salcido hitting the bar from range, and Guardado missing by centimeters. It wasn't long before Argentina found their grove, with Messi nearly lobbing Perez. In the 26th, Messi played a superb through ball to Tevez, Perez came out to claim it but spilled it, so Messi lobbed it over and Tevez nodded it in. Clearly it was offsides though? No call, and Argentina were up 1.0. 6 minutes later, dreadful play from Osorio, giving the ball right to Higuain, who rounded Perez and cooly scored his 4th of the tournament. Halftime: Argentina 2.0 Mexico. In the 53rd minute, some scrappy play from Tevez and Messi, as the ball fell for Tevez at the edge of the box, and he riffled the ball past Perez into the top corner. Maybe the best goal of the World Cup so far. Don't think Carlos Tevez has too many complaints about the Jabulani after that goal. In the 72nd, the young Hernandez, had a stunning turn, and hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Not much Argentina could do about that one. But it wasn't enough. Final: Argentina 3.1 Mexico.
Quarter-finals
It will be an entertaining battle between Germany and Argentina, as Lionel Messi will be in search of his first goal of the competition. Shouldn't really matter though, the 23-year-old is carrying the nation this month. This match-up went to penalties in Germany in 2006, but it's entirely different now.
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