Germany reach semis after penalty drama

BERLIN, June 30 (Reuters) Germany clinched their place in the World Cup semi-finals after winning a penalty shootout over Argentina 4-2 today, the first quarter-final having finished in deadlock 1-1 after 120 minutes.

German keeper Jens Lehmann was their hero, saving the second and fourth penalties.

Miroslav Klose had grabbed an 80th minute equaliser to keep hosts Germany's dreams alive in normal time, heading into the corner after Tim Borowski had nodded on captain Michael Ballack's cross.

It was just reward for a period of sustained German pressure after Argentina had gone ahead after 49 minutes when central defender Roberto Ayala headed in from eight metres out.

The first half was closely fought but reduced to mainly a midfield duel with Ballack going closest with a free header from a cross on the German right. Extra-time petered out with barely a clear-cut chance for either side before penalties.

Reuters PK VV2320