Germany took one step closer to their dream of lifting a fourth World Cup crown after the hosts defeated ten-man Sweden 2-0 on Saturday in Munich to book their place in the quarter-final against Argentina. The South Americans beat Mexico 2-1 after extra-time in Leipzig later that evening.
Germany got off to the perfect start with Lukas Podolski scoring twice in the first 12 minutes - making it three goals in his last
two outings - as Sweden's defence fell apart. Defender Teddy Lucic was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 34th minute giving Sweden a mountain to climb.
Henrik Larsson had the best chance to get his team back in the
match but missed a penalty at the beginning of the second half,
blazing over.
With just four minutes gone Miroslav Klose surged through on goal. Sweden goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson stopped him in his tracks but the ball fell kindly to Podolski and his shot went in off the hapless Lucic. It was Podolski's second goal in a row and the third was not long in coming.
In the 12th minute Podolski, who will play on this ground for
Bayern Munich next season, accepted a pass from Klose and curled a left-footed shot in for 2-0. German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann had hardly made a save in his first three matches but was called into action to stop a smart turn and shot by Ibrahimovic.
Eight minutes into the second half Sweden were then handed a
lifeline when Larsson was fouled by Christoph Metzelder in the
penalty area. But Larsson, winning his 93rd cap, hammered his spot-kick over the crossbar to the dismay of the Sweden fans.
Germany captain Michael Ballack then saw a fantastic drive
tipped onto the post. The new Chelsea man was shooting at will and could have had a hat-trick but he was left still searching for his first goal at these finals.
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Germany took one step closer to their dream of lifting a fourth World Cup crown after the hosts defeated ten-man Sweden 2-0 on Saturday in Munich to book their place in the quarter-final against Argentina. The South Americans beat Mexico 2-1 after extra-time in Leipzig later that evening.
Germany got off to the perfect start with Lukas Podolski scoring twice in the first 12 minutes - making it three goals in his last
two outings - as Sweden's defence fell apart. Defender Teddy Lucic was sent off for a second bookable offence in the 34th minute giving Sweden a mountain to climb.
Henrik Larsson had the best chance to get his team back in the
match but missed a penalty at the beginning of the second half,
blazing over.
With just four minutes gone Miroslav Klose surged through on goal. Sweden goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson stopped him in his tracks but the ball fell kindly to Podolski and his shot went in off the hapless Lucic. It was Podolski's second goal in a row and the third was not long in coming.
[bild2]
In the 12th minute Podolski, who will play on this ground for
Bayern Munich next season, accepted a pass from Klose and curled a left-footed shot in for 2-0. German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann had hardly made a save in his first three matches but was called into action to stop a smart turn and shot by Ibrahimovic.
Eight minutes into the second half Sweden were then handed a
lifeline when Larsson was fouled by Christoph Metzelder in the
penalty area. But Larsson, winning his 93rd cap, hammered his spot-kick over the crossbar to the dismay of the Sweden fans.
Germany captain Michael Ballack then saw a fantastic drive
tipped onto the post. The new Chelsea man was shooting at will and could have had a hat-trick but he was left still searching for his first goal at these finals.
