Germany fans get in party mood by Berlin's Brandenburg Gate ahead of the biggest match of the tournament so far Argentina supporters arrive at the Olympiastadion station in good voice as they begin their final approach to the ground For those not lucky enough to have tickets, a big screen at the fan fest in central Berlin provides a view of the action Lukas Podolski has an eventful start to the game collecting a booking and having Germany's first shot in the early minutes Carlos Tevez, in for Javier Saviola, tests Germany's defence as he goes in search of his second goal of the tournament In the middle of the park, Juan Roman Riquelme looks his usual creative self as he attempts to fashion an opening goal A golden chance falls to Michael Ballack in the 17th minute but his attempt to head home goes narrowly wide The ever-dangerous Hernan Crespo keeps Christoph Metzelder on his toes as the hosts' backline holds firm Bastian Schweinsteiger has a chance to break the deadlock but it comes to nothing as the half ends goalless The second half starts badly for Germany as Roberto Ayala's powerful header, from Riquelme's corner, finds the net The goal, only Ayala's seventh in 105 appearances, sparks wild celebrations as Argentina get a foot in the semi-finals The South Americans' hopes are hit when a collision with Miroslav Klose leaves goalkeeper Roberto Abbondanzieri injured The hosts' hunt for an equaliser comes to an end 10 minutes later when top scorer Klose stoops to head them level With both sides looking for a late winner, Maxi Rodriguez takes a tumble in the box but gets only a booking for his efforts The teams end normal time locked at 1-1, hastening Jurgen Klinsmann onto the pitch to discuss extra-time tactics As extra-time wears on it is evident that Ballack is struggling and some running repairs are employed to keep him going Argentina have the better of the extra 30 minutes with Tevez continuing to cause problems for Germany's defence The game goes to penalties and the sides trade spot-kicks until Ayala's weak attempt is blocked by Jens Lehmann Germany's unerring players move the score to 4-2 making Esteban Cambiasso's penalty crucial but he sees it saved This time it is the turn of the hosts to celebrate as they book a semi-final place against Italy or Ukraine in Dortmund
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