Match Number: 778 Date: 30 Jun 2006 Location: Berlin Competition: World Cup 2006, Quarterfinals GERMANY: Lehmann A. Friedrich, Mertesacker, Metzelder, Lahm B. Schneider (62. Odonkor), Frings, Ballack, Schweinsteiger (74. Borowski) Klose (86. Neuville), Podolski ARGENTINA: Abbondanzieri (71. Franco) Coloccini, Ayala, Heinze, Sorin Gonzalez, Mascherano, Maxi Rodriguez Riquelme (72. Cambiasso) Tevez, Crespo (79. Cruz) Attendance: 72,000 (sold out) Scoring: 0:1 Ayala (49.) 1:1 Klose (80.) Penalty kicks: Neuville, Ballack, Podolski, Borowski - Cruz, Ayala (x), Maxi Rodriguez, Cambiasso (x) Referee: Lubos Michel (Slovakia) Yellow cards: Podolski, Odonkor, A. Friedrich - Sorin, Mascherano, Maxi Rodriguez, CruzAn epic battle between two teams going out to win. Argentina had looked very good in the early rounds, and were favored, but World Cup fever was certainly exploding across Germany, and the crowd played a huge role in firing up Klinsmann's squad. In general the Argies had a slight edge, and most felt that when they took the lead after halftime, they were home free. But Miro Klose struck back with a fine goal, and then after battling through overtime, Germany easily won the penalty shootout as Jens Lehmann stopped two shots.
The main negative for the Germans was that Torsten Frings was red carded along with Cufre for outrageous behaviour after the match, which would cost the Germans dearly in the next round.