Day 15

The first of the Pre-quarter finals saw hosts Germany take on Sweden and the match had the Germans all fired up. With Podolski and Klose, Germany had one of the best goalscoring pair in this tournament and it did not take them long to cement that fact as well. With just 4 minutes on the clock, Podolski put one past the Swedish custodian and 7 minutes later, added a second. The Germans were in total control and enjoyed much of the possession as well. The Scandinavians looked woefully out of place on the field and were unable to find the same spirit with which they played against England. After the break they came on stronger but were reduced to 10 men, when Lucic was sent off for his second bookable offence. All the Swedes wanted was to pull one back and the opportunity fell to Larsson, but unfortunately, the dependable striker sent the ball skywards from the spot - in what is possible his last international game for Sweden. What an end to an illustrious career! Certainly, not the way it should have ended. But at the final whistle, there was only one team rejoicing, and it was the new look Germany - under Klinsmann - who are marching on strongly towards Berlin!
Germany 2-0 Sweden
4,12-Podolski(GER)

With the first Quarter finalist already decided, Argentina took on Mexico in an all South American affair. Argentina were expected to have a cake walk, but the Mexican captain Marquez had other ideas and stunned Argentina by opening the scoring. The Argies were on the backfoot and looked vulnerable for the first time in this World Cup, but were soon on level terms by a Borgetti-Crespo combination. Though it looked like Borgetti headed into his own goal, Crespo had a touch to it and was credited for it as well. With the match evenly poised, there attack was flowing from end to end, with tackles flying high and shots keeping both the keepers very busy. Try as they might, Argentina were just not able to breach the Mexican last line - marshalled by the outstanding Marquez. In a bid to clinch the game, Tevez and Messi were brought on, but they failed to find the net, though a goal by Messi was disallowed. As the final whistle was blown, both the teams were ready to fight it out in Extra time and Maxi Rodriguez struck for Argentina - much to the dismay of the Mexicans - to send them through. Though Argentina are through to face the Germans, in what could be a pulsating QF, they were not as convincing as people expected the to be, and a few questions remain unanswered. If Sorrin lifts the Cup in Berlin, the questions will fade away into oblivion, but anything short of that will open the flood gates and Perkerman and Co. will have a tough time facing the media and the fans!
Argentina 2-1 Mexcio AET
6-Marquez(MEX), 10-Crespo(ARG), 98-Ridriguez(ARG)