Day 19

The quarter finals are underway and what a better start than the hosts taking on Argentina. With Argentina starting as hot favouirtes and Germany with the home support, it certainly looked like an interesting battle between Europe and S.America. Argentina started well and finally took the lead in the second half through an Ayala header. The Germans seem to be pegged back by the south Americans and with just 10 minutes left on the clock, Klose revived German hopes by heading in the equaliser. Klose's equaliser came 8 minutes after Riquelme had been substituted - a move that seemed to have backfired. Argentina had had to take off their first choice keeper - Abondanzieri as well, as he had injured himself in a collision with Klose. With Extra time looming, both teams were not in too much of a hurry. After 30 more minutes of some fantastic football, though much of the posession and attack came from Argentina, the Germans hung on for the Penalties. With Lehmann between the posts, they had the advantage over the substitute Franco of Argentina. The spot kicks started and Lehmann saved kicks from Ayala and then Cambiasso to send Germany to the Semi's and a not so happy Argentina back home. After the game, there was more drama as player and officials from either team exchanged blows for around 90 seconds and had to be seperated by the officials. The turning points of the game were the injury to Abbondanzieri and more notably the substitution of Riquelme! Argentina needed him on the field and Perkermen made a mess by taking him off. And certain questions remain unasnwered as of now. Why was Riquelme taken off? To defend? Why was Messi not brough on??? As the Argentine fans ponder over, the Germans are looking at the Italains!
Germany 2-1 Argentina PS(4-2)
49-Ayala(ARG), 80-Klose(GER)
PS:Neuville(GER)-Scored, Cruz(ARG)-Scored, Ballack(GER)-SCored, Ayala(ARG)-Saved, Podolski(GER)-Scored, Rodriguez(ARG)-Scored, Borowski(GER)-SCored, Cambiasso(ARG)-Saved.

Italy start their game agianst Ukraine knowing that if they get through, they face Germany in the Semi's. They never looked troubled from the kick off and soon took the lead through a super drive from Zambrotta. With the lead in hand, and Shevchenko cutting a lone figure up front for Ukraine, Italy seemed to have a rather easy outing here. And soon enough, Toni onpened his scoring books -at the right time- and finished the game with a brace. Ukraine struck the woodwork twice but were not able to convert any of their attempts and Shevchenko was anonymous for long spells. Italy are getting their act together at the right time. With their strikers, especially Toni, finding the mark it will put more than a smile on any Italians fan's face. Now, they look at the German front line which has been firing on all cylinders and will be a real test for the Italian defence, which has - technically- not conceded a goal, albeit for the own goal by Zaccardo. With a place in the finals on the cards, the Azzurri will have to produce a fine display - better than what Argentina did - to see the Germans off. Personally, I think Germany are not as tough an opponent for Italy as Argentina. But the German army looks too strong and will be full of confidence after their win and the Italians should be wary of the threat and make sure they have the last laugh!
Italy 3-0 Ukraine
6-Zambrotta(ITA), 59,69-Toni(ITA)