Argentina v Germany, Green Point Stadium, Cape Town
Things certainly didn't start well for Argentina, who gave up a free kick on the corner of the box just inside 3 minutes. Schweinsteiger swung it in, and Thomas Mueller's near-post run header bounces off of Romero, and in. A dream start for Germany. Klose nearly made it two shortly after. Then a handball by Mueller 20 yards away from goal was called, and he was shown yellow, meaning Mueller will miss the next match. The free kick went right into the wall, then played back through, where Higuain scored, but 4 Argentine players were offsides. Easy decision for the AR. Halftime: 0.1. Many good chances at the beginning of the 2nd half, but no goals. But in the 68th, Podolski played it across to an offsides Klose, who tapped it into an empty net. No offsides was given, and Germany were up 2.0. 6 minutes later, Schweinsteiger sprinted down the left before squaring to the defender Friedrich, who scored from close range. It looked like the world's best was on his way out. Every time Lionel Messi touched the ball, he was surrounded instantly be 4 Germans. How frustrating. Then in the 88th, the Germans sealed it. Ball whipped in from the left, and an easy tap in for Klose, who scored his 14th career World Cup goal, only one behind the record of Ronaldo, who had 15. An absolute thrashing of Argentina, final score: Argentina 0.4 Germany
Paraguay v Spain, Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesbug
Some good chances early on for Paraguay, but they didn't take advantage of it. Spain found their rhythm, and Paraguay were seeing very little of the ball. But in the 41st, a ball fell for Nelson Valdez, who smashed it past Casillas. But he was flagged for offsides. Very controversial, as Pique was stepping, it was played, but it appeared Valdez was onside. Cardozo, who challenged for the cross, was in an offsides position. Lucky break for Spain, as the 1st half was scoreless. Then in the 58th, a corner for Paraguay, and Pique grabs Cardozo by his arm, and it's a penalty for Paraguay, and a yellow for Pique. Cardozo steps up, but CASILLAS GUESSED RIGHT AND HOLDS ON FOR THE SAVE! Casillas throws it down the pitch for David Villa instantly, and he appears to be clean through, but is fouled 7 yards out by Alcaraz, and a penalty less than a minute later on the other end! Xabi Alonso steps up, and scores, but the referee is not happy with the Spanish entering the box before the ball is kicked. A retake for Alonso, THIS TIME IS SAVED, BUT HE DOESN'T HOLD IT! Fabregas comes in to tap in a rebound, but Villar, takes him out, no call, then Sergio Ramos' effort is cleared off the line! 3 penalties taken, and the only one that was scored was ordered a retake! Incredible! 2 minutes later, Iniesta curls one towards the top corner, but is denied by Villar! Finally, in the 82nd, Iniesta charges forward past 2 defenders, before playing Pedro wide, who HITS THE POST, and it comes to Villa, who hits BOTH POSTS BEFORE GOING IN! Fortunate finish for Villa, but the goal was always coming. Casillas is tested soon after that, but makes a very good save. But the full time whistle finally comes, and the Spanish are into the semi finals for the 1st time in their history! Final score: Paraguay 0.1 Spain
Semi-final
A repeat of the 2008 European Championships final, where Torres scored his first goal of the tournament in Spain's 1.0 victory. This is entirely different now, though. Different players, and a much bigger stage. Villa is healthy, and has 5 goals, and leads the race for the golden boot. Should be a thrilling encounter as the 3rd to final match of this, so far thrilling World Cup 2010.
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