World Cup 2010, Argentina Vs. Germany: Germans Walk Over Argentines, Into Semifinals

Three goals in the final 22 minutes gave Germany an easy 4-0 victory over Argentina, qualifying them into their third consecutive World Cup semifinal.

The Germans were up after three minutes through Thomas Müller, the 20-year-old attacker heading home a Bastian Schweinsteiger dead ball for an early 1-0 lead.

Thought a push from Argentina at the end of half that saw half-chances for Ángel Di María and Gonzalo Higuaín, Germany took their 1-0 lead into a second half that opened with up-and-down play, though neither team was initially able to create scoring chances.

That changed in the 68th minute when Müller, on the ground, fed a pass behind the right side of Argentina’s defense for Lukas Podolski. The left winger made for the near post and, once he got goalkeeper Sergio Romero to commit, fed a ball into the six yard box for Miroslav Klose, who converted to give Germany a 2-0 lead.

Six minutes later Argentina put the match away, again exploiting the right side of Argentina’s defense. Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger was able to dribble through that side, get to the by line and cut a pass back for central defender Arne Friedrich, who right-footed home is first international goal.

Near the end of the match, Podolski earned another assist when he floated a ball to Klose, who volleyed a ball past Sergio Romero for his 14th World Cup goal, putting Germany up 4-0.

With the goal, Klose tied Gerd Müller for second all-time in World Cup goals. The German striker is now behind Brazil’s Ronaldo for the all-time lead.

The only bad news for Germany came near the end of the first half, when a hand ball called on Thomas Müller earned the attacker a yellow card and, having carried a card into this match, a suspension for Wednesday’s semifinal.

There, Germany will play the winner of Spain-Paraguay, to kick-off in Johaneesburg later today.