Kein mehr (Results of the quarter-finals)

Germany v. Argentina looked to be a sleeper until Argentina struck in the second half and radically changed the pace of the game. Suddenly Germany was forced to pour on the attack in an effort to find the equalizer. Find the equalizer they did, on a perfectly brilliant flick off the head of Borowski to the head of Klose, who promtly flicked the ball into the corner of the net, just inches from the outstretched hands of the substitute GK Franco. This strike hit doubly deep for Argentina; not only was it the equalizer, but Argentina was most certainly mismanaged at this point in the game after having removed Crespo and Riquelme which severly reduced the offensive punch of Argentina. With the Argentinean GK Abbondanzieri leaving the field in the 71st minute, ARG also had the unenviable task of bringing on their second stringer late in the game as the Germans were intensifying their assault. One can't help but wonder if the German goal that cleared by mere inches, if that, would've been saved had Abbondanzieri still been in the game. After two periods of scoreless overtime, the advantage was clearly with the Germans in the PKs. Germany had a clearly better GK in Lehmann, who had played brilliantly toward the end of regulation and in the OT to preserve the tie. Germany had survived several defensive lapses that almost cost them the game but in the PKs none of that mattered. The German kickers blasted every kick strong and true and Argentina faltered as Lehmann (in true German form referring to a sheet filled with scouting information on the PK habits for the opposing side) came up with some essential saves. Germany defeated their toughest opponent they've faced thus far in the tournament and Argentina has four years to ponder what might have been.

Italy finally seems to be realizing that goals are scored at the opposite end of the field from which their GK is standing. And score they did on the underwhelming Ukranian side. Ukraine simply didn't have enough firepower on the pitch to hold off the Italians. Toni finally found his mark in netting two goals within 10 minutes of each other. Despite a possession % far in favor of Ukraine and some threatening strikes on goal, it was clear who was in control for most of this one. But what a difference a couple minutes can make. After Ukraine came agonizingly close to scoring the eqalizer, Italy counterattacked and Toni netted his first goal of the tournament in the 59th minute, which appeared to break the backs of the Ukrainian side. Truthfully, it was a good run for Ukraine in their first appearance in the tournament. For Italy, they continue to display their almost impenetrable defense (no one has scored a goal on them yet; and own goal is the only GA on their balance sheet) and their offense appears to be on the move. Could Italy finally be willing to play exciting football?

Poor England. Owen out with injury. Lampard clearly off his mark. Rooney ousted after seeing red. Beckham largely ineffective outside of set plays and then down with an injury. The lonely Crouch lumbering around up top futiley trying to make something happen. Despite all these hardships England took Portugal to the limit and beyond to a PK session. But it was obvious this team simply didn't have the nails to make it into the next round as they were soundly stomped in the PK session. Portugal didn't look that impressive against the showless English side but, regardless, they escape with a win and look to be one of the weaker teams in the semi-finals despite a stacked roster sheet.

France seems to know a secret that many teams don't but they could probably sell for a significant percentage of most country's GDP. That secret is how to beat Brazil. France turns out to be the giant-killer yet again in dismissing Brazil with a brilliant Zidane-Henry strike in the 57th minute. Brazil was clearly stunned and played the part of a giant, lumbering after the ball and seemingly unaware that a 1-0 France score would send the pre-tournament favorites back to Rio. The Brazilian pace was clearly off and unable to create any of the magic that is normally typical of Brazil. Zidane seems to be ready to lead his squad to the final...does this 34 year old have enough gas to get there?