Miroslav Klose of Germany scored two goals to cruise past Argentina in a 4-0 victory at Cape Town on Saturday, sending the team to the semi- finals.
Thomas Mueller and Arne Friedrich added to the score, while Klose moves into second place in all time World Cup goals with 14, one shy of Brazilian great Ronaldo.
These two teams are no strangers as they met in the 2006 World Cup quarter- finals with Germany as the victor. Argentina looked for pay back and boasted a squad that had yet to lose a game at the 2010 final.Germany though did not waste any time and exposed a weak Argentine defence.
Three minutes into the game, Bastian Schweinsteiger took a free- kick into the box which Mueller flicked into the net to get his fourth goal of the tournament. But this was no fluke goal as Germany proved that they had speed and attacked a stunned Argentine side.
Despite not scoring a goal, Schweinsteiger was named man of the match as he his sublime play broke down Argentina time after time. The Bayern Munich player had a strong game and was dangerous throughout.
Argentina scored in the 36th minute but was quickly called offside. Mueller was called for a handball and was given a yellow card which means he will miss the next match.
Germany would put it out of reach for the Albiceleste after going up three nil on a set piece. Friedrich would score his first international goal on a tap in, a shot set up by Schweinsteiger.
Today’s match marked Klose’s 100th cap and he celebrated with two goals. In the 68th minute, Lucas Podolski sprinted down the pitch and crossed a perfect ball to Klose who had an easy tap in. Klose would add another goal with a cross by youngster Mesut Oezil.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Carlos Teves were held off and rendered ineffective. Messi would leave the tournament with no goals scored and an overall disappointment for a team who seemed to show consistency throughout.
Germany will next face Spain in the quarter- finals on Wednesday.