On the pitch

30 Jun 2006

Italy crush Ukraine

Italy set up a semi-final date with Germany Friday night when they beat battling Ukraine 3-0, helped on by a brace from striker Luca Toni.

Gianluca Zambrotta scored their opener after 6 minutes with a fierce 25 yard drive and the score remained the same until half-time despite Italy dominating.

Ukraine came within a hair's breadth of levelling twice only to go two down when Francesco Totti sent in an inch perfect cross for Toni to nod home unmarked after 59 minutes.

Toni enjoyed equal service from Zambrotta ten minutes later, escaping his marker to tap into an open goal from a cross along the by-line to make it 3-0 and bury any hopes Ukraine still harboured.

Lehmann lives up to great expectations

Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann may have looked cool during his match winning penalty shoot-out preformance on Friday but he said later he had felt the weight of the nation on his shoulders.

"As a German goalkeeper it is always expected of you that you will hold up in a penalty shootout," said the Arsenal keeper after his two stops handed Germany a 4-2 win.

Lehmann said: "That was a quarter-final, but the big challenge is coming up now. People should celebrate. I'll get ready for Tuesday."

Germany face either Italy ofr Ukraine in a semi-final in Dortmund on Tuesday.

Germany beat Argentina on penalties to reach semi-finals

Jens Lehmann was the hero for Germany as he saved two penalites in the shoot-out against Argentina to help send his side into the semi-finals after the two teams finished 1-1 after 120 minutes.

Roberto Ayala who opened the scoring on 49 minutes went from hero to villain as he had his poor spot-kick saved by the Arsenal custodian while Germany rattled home their first four kicks past reserve keeper Leo Franco.

Esteban Cambiasso then needed to score to keep his team alive but again Lehmann guessed the right way and saved well to send the majority of the 72,000 crowd into hysterics.

Oliver Neuville, Michael Ballack, Lukas Podolski and Tim Borowski were all fautless with their penalties as again Germany showed their pedigree with the match on the line.

Germany won the shootout 4-2.

Following Ayala's opener, the German reaction was ferocious as they threw everthing forward with the sudden reality that their World Cup dream might be slipping away but were given a break when Argentine 'keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri was forced off injured after being clattered in the ribs by Klose.

Captain Michael Ballack swung in a left foot cross that Tim Borowski flicked perfectly into the path of Miroslav Klose and the Werder Breman marksman made no mistake with a close range header on 80 minutes to set up the penalty dramatics.

Pekerman quits after World Cup loss

Argentina coach Jose Pekerman announced he was standing down from the post shortly after the penalties loss to Germany in the World Cup quarter-finals here on Friday.

The 56-year-old former youth team coach was promoted to the senior national side two years ago replacing Marcelo Bielsa who was in charge of Argentina at the last World Cup.

His side went down 4-2 on penalties to Germany after the game had finished tied 1-1 at extra-time.

"I think Argentina lived up to its status of favourites even if we lost. That's how it goes with penalties, but I have to congratulate Germany. They fought very hard to advance. It's just a shame for us," he said directly after the match.

Italy lead Ukraine 1-0 at h-t

Italy were leading Ukraine 1-0 at half-time of their quarter-final in Hamburg on Friday after a stunning early goal from midfielder Gianluca Zambrotta.

Ukraine defended doggedly but the first half hour was one-way traffic for Italy marked after 6 minutes when Juventus' Zambrotta unleashed a ferocious 25 yard drive that Ukraine keeper Oleksandr Shovkovskyi could only palm into the back of the goal.

The winners play Germany on Tuesday in Dortmund.

Germany deserved win says Ballack

Germany captain Michael Ballack said his side deserved to beat Argentina on penalties here on Friday to move into the World Cup semi-finals.

"A penalty shootout is always a wrench but I think the team richly deserved it (the victory)," said the 29-year-old playmaker, whose cross led to the equalising goal by Miroslav Klose in the 80th minute.

Ballack had converted his spot kick as Germany won 4-2 on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in extra-time.

"This team has had a real momentum since the start of the World Cup," added Ballack, who missed out on the 2002 final loss to Brazil because of suspension.

We can win the World Cup, says Sven

Defiant England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said Friday his team are good enough to not only beat Portugal but go on to win the World Cup.

"I am extremely confident that this team we have can go all the way," he said.

"In football, you never know with red cards, own goals, but we have the quality to do it."

Eriksson will pit his wits with Luiz Felipe Scolari, who has twice shattered English hopes in major tournaments, masterminding quarter-final wins in the 2002 World Cup with Brazil and Euro 2004 with Portugal.

"We are better, we have a better squad, we have a better team," he said in reference to their added experience.

"We are still a young team but we have a lot of experience in the team too, so I am very confident and the players are much more confident today than they were two or four years ago."

Gerrard wants licence to roam

Steven Gerrard has called on coach Sven-Goran Eriksson to stick with the 4-5-1 formation so he can play the way he does with Liverpool.

The 26-year-old has had more restrictions placed on him by England than at Liverpool, with Eriksson traditionally favouring two strikers up front.

Michael Owen's injury has forced Eriksson to play 4-5-1.

"That suits me down to the ground, it's a lot closer to the role I play at Liverpool so if the manager decides to go 4-5-1 it suits me," he said ahead of England's quarter-final clash with Portugal on Saturday.

"It gives two midfielders the freedom to attack, and you've got a holding role midfielder to do most of the defending duties.

"I know people talk about that formation as a 4-5-1 but it almost becomes a 4-4-3 if you like, and you have more options out wide."

Kaka and Emerson on the mend

Brazil midfielders Kaka and Emerson could both yet make the starting line-up for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final with France after both of them said they were recovering well from knocks to their right knees.

"I feel good," said the 24-year-old AC Milan ace Kaka, who scored the winner in the 1-0 victory over Croatia in the group stage.

"I certainly haven't had a reaction yet. However we will see what it is like on Saturday," added Kaka, who injured his knee in the 3-0 win over Ghana in the last round.

Emerson said that he was optimistic at making it.

"I feel fine and very optimistic," said the 30-year-old.

"However training is one thing, a match quite the other.

"This is going to be a highly unpredictable match, where one has to be at one's best," added the Juventus midfielder.

Lampard and Neville fit for Portugal

Frank Lampard and Gary Neville were both declared Friday and will take their places in England's starting line-up for their World Cup quarter-final showdown with Portugal.

Chelsea midfielder Lampard twisted an ankle in training on Thursday and was reported to be an injury worry, but coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said he had fully recovered.

"He's fit, 100 percent, no concerns at all. He will play," he said.

Manchester United defender Gary Neville, who has missed the last three games with a calf injury, is also fit and will play, handing the side a massive boost.

"Yes, he is okay and yes he will play," said Eriksson of Neville, who will win his 81st cap.

Earlier Friday Lampard and Neville took part in training at the Aufschalke Arena here and neither showed any indication that he was struggling.

Portugal sweating on Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal coach Luis Felipe Scolari admitted that he is sweating on the fitness of key winger Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Saturday's quarter-final match against England.

Ronaldo resumed light training on Wednesday after picking up a thigh injury in the second round win over the Nethlerlands last weekend.

The Manchester United player caught a boot from Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz early in the ill-tempered 1-0 win and was replaced after 34 minutes.

He was not present during the first quarter-hour of Thursday's on-field training open to the media and also did not take part in Friday's open session.

"We don't know about Ronaldo," said Scolari. "We're still awaiting word on his fitness.

"I'll decide if he plays just a couple of hours before the match," said the Brazilian.

Roof to be closed for England game

England's World Cup quarter-final match with Portugal in Gelsenkirchen will be played with the stadium roof closed, FIFA officials said Friday.

Temperatures were expected to soar again in western Germany getting up to 28 degrees Celsius and the match is scheduled as the first of the day's two games at 5:00 p.m. (1500 GMT).

Several England players have complained of being exhausted during earlier games played under a hot sun and steamy conditions.

Germany-Argentina in penalty shoot-out

Germany and Argentina were still locked at 1-1 after extra-time in their quarter-final in Berlin on Friday, which will now be decided on a penalty shoot-out featuring Argentina's reserve 'keeper.

Argentina have also substituted both Hernan Crespo and Juan Roman Riquelme, who would certainly have taken penalties.

First choice 'keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri was forced off injured after being clattered in the ribs and was replaced with Leo Franco after 71 minutes.

Germany's Miroslav Klose levelled the match on 80 minutes after Argentina's Roberto Ayala had headed home a corner after 49 minutes.

Germany-Argentina 1-1 at extra-time h-t

Germany and Argentina were still locked at 1-1 at half-time of extra-time in their quarter-final in Berlin on Friday.

Germany's Miroslav Klose levelled the match on 80 minutes after Argentina's Roberto Ayala headed home a corner after 49 minutes.

Argentina forced the breakthrough four minutes into the second half when a Juan Riquelme corner found the head of Roberto Ayala who got in front of Miroslav Klose and sent a stooping header past Jens Lehmann.

Argentine 'keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri was forced off injured after being clattered in the ribs by Klose and reserve 'keeper Leo Franco was thrown into the fray but was helpless on the German equaliser which arrived in dramatic fashion on 80 minutes.

Captain Michael Ballack swung in a left foot cross that Tim Borowski flicked perfectly into the path of Klose and the Werder Breman marksman made no mistake with a close range header.

Germany and Argentina in extra-time

Germany and Argentina went to extra-time Friday after Miroslav Klose levelled the match on 80 minutes to cancel out Roberto Ayala's opener for the South Americans just after half-time.

Argentina forced the breakthrough four minutes into the second half when a Juan Riquelme corner found the head of Roberto Ayala who got in front of Miroslav Klose and sent a stooping header past Jens Lehmann.

The German reaction was ferocious as they threw everthing forward with the sudden reality that their World Cup dream might be slipping away but were given a break when Argentine 'keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri was forced off injured after being clattered in the ribs by Klose.

Reserve keeper Leo Franco was thrown into the fray but was helpless on the German equaliser which arrived in dramatic fashion on 80 minutes.

Captain Michael Ballack swung in a left foot cross that Tim Borowski flicked perfectly into the path of Klose and the Werder Breman marksman made no mistake with a close range header.

Germany and Argentina heading for extra-time

Germany and Argentina will go to extra-time after Miroslav Klose levelled the match on 80 minutes to cancel out Roberto Ayala's opener for the South Americans just after half-time.

Argentina forced the breakthrough four minutes into the second half when a Juan Riquelme corner found the head of Roberto Ayala who got in front of Miroslav Klose and sent a stooping header past Jens Lehmann.

The German reaction was ferocious as they threw everthing forward with the sudden reality that their World Cup dream might be slipping away but were given a break when Argentine 'keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri was forced off injured after being clattered in the ribs by Klose.

Reserve keeper Leo Franco was thrown into the fray but was helpless on the German equaliser which arrived in dramatic fashion on 80 minutes.

Captain Michael Ballack swung in a left foot cross that Tim Borowski flicked perfectly into the path of Klose and the Werder Breman marksman made no mistake with a close range header.

Germany and Argentina locked 0-0 at h-t

Hosts Germany and Argentina are level at 0-0 after 45 minutes of tense action in which the South Americans dominated possession but failed to hit the mark, while Michael Ballack had the best chance of the half with a powerful header that flew just wide of the top corner.

The German captain nearly sent the majority of the 72,000 crowd into celebration but could not quite steer his header home with the goal gaping and Argentine keeper Roberto Abbondanzieri rooted to his goaline.

However Argentina grew in strength towards the break and threatened to open up the home defence who were sometimes sluggish and sloppy with their clearances.

The winner will meet either Italy or Ukraine in the semi-finals who play later Friday.

French have no fears over Spanish referee

The quality of the refereeing has been a hot topic at this World Cup and further fuel was added to the flames, for conspiracy theorists at any rate, with the appointment of a Spanish referee for France's quarter-final with Brazil.

Eyebrows were raised by some Gallic supporters at the decision to assign Luis Medina Cantalejo the match after France knocked his fellow countrymen out of the competition in Tuesday's 3-1 last 16 win in Hanover.

Yet French veteran defender Lilian Thuram said he had faith in the ability of the 42-year-old, who awarded Italy a stoppage time penalty against Australia, to be completely impartial in Saturday's game.

"I trust the referee to be the guardian of the game's integrity," the 34-year-old cornerstone of France's experienced backline said here on Thursday.

"I don't think it's necessary to question the work of the referees," the Juventus player added.

Germany unchanged, Argentina surprise with Tevez

It was crunch time for World Cup title hopefuls Germany and Argentina as the two footballing powerhouses line up for the eagerly anticipated quarter-final clash on Friday.

Hosts Germany are hoping fan power can drive them into the last four and a 72,000 capacity crowd was packing into Berlin's Olympic Stadium for the match-up with both sides hoping to be back at this venue for the final on July 9.

Argentina coach Jose Pekerman made three changes to the team that beat Mexico in extra-time with the biggest surprise seeing Javier Saviola dropped to the substitutes bench for Corinthians starlet Carlos Tevez.

Fabricio Coloccini came in for Lionel Scaloni in defence while Luis Gonzalez returned in midfield.

Germany coach Jurgen Klinsmann, part of West Germany's victorious 1990 team, stuck with the same 11 players that defeated ten-man Sweden 2-0 in the second round.

Zizou and Ronny a sideshow says Juninho

The Brazil and France World Cup quarter-final is much more than just a clash between two of the game's giants, Brazilian midfielder Juninho said on Thursday.

"It is not the Zidane-Ronaldo match, it is France-Brazil," insisted 31-year-old Juninho, who may start Saturday's match if Kaka does not recover from a right ankle injury.

France beat Brazil on penalties in the 1986 quarter-finals and 3-0 in the 1998 final.

Juninho, whose Lyon clubmates Florent Malouda and Eric Abidal are likely starters for France, said he thought the two teams had different thoughts about what winning the match might mean.

"For France at the moment it would be a huge result to be in the last four whereas for Brazil it would be an under-achievement."

Figo hoping for one over 'good friend' Beckham

Portugal captain Luis Figo has vowed to put personal friendship with his England counterpart David Beckham to one side when the two teams clash in Saturday's quarter-final.

Figo played with Beckham at Real Madrid before he moved on to Inter Milan last season.

"David's a very good friend of mine," the 33-year-old said on Thursday.

"I spent a good time with him in Madrid. I respect him as a player and I don't pay attention to his critics.

"He always gives his best for his country. He's the captain of England and one of the best players we have in football at the moment."

"I just expect that on Saturday night I'll be more happy than him," smiled the Portuguese midfielder.

We have to raise our game again insists Thuram

France played their best football for some years to beat Spain in the second round, but Lilian Thuram says they'll have to improve further if they are to have any chance of derailing Brazil's title defence on Saturday.

"It was good to come up against a talented team in Spain in the second round, we had to raise our game," said the 34-year-old Juventus defender of the 3-1 last-16 win over Spain.

"Now we have to raise it again for Brazil, not only in terms of quality of play but also our level of concentration."

France are something of a bogey team for Brazil who lost to les Bleus in the 98 final and at the 1986 World Cup in Mexico on penalties.

Neville fit for Portugal clash

Gary Neville declared himself fit on Thursday and desperate to play against Portugal in the quarter-finals.

The 31-year-old showed no signs of the calf injury that has kept him out of the last three matches during Thursday's training.

"I'm confident that my calf is fully fit. I've trained the last two days and have no problems with my calf," said the Manchester United captain.

Coach Sven-Goran Eriksson considers Neville's experience crucial to the England team.

"His experience over many years might be very important in a game like this against Portugal," Eriksson said this week.

"I don't think there is any risk in playing him as things stand."

We don't have a Brazil complex: Henry

Thierry Henry made plain on Thursday the fact that it was the five time world champions Brazil waiting for France in the quarter-finals was largely irrelevant for him and his teammates.

"Whether it's against Brazil or whoever it's still a match we have to go out and win," the 28-year-old Arsenal striker argued ahead of Saturday's last eight clash in Frankfurt.

"But if you want to win the World Cup you've got to make it happen, just because it's Brazil it doesn't mean it's more difficult or more exciting.

"We're not thinking in our minds the whole time that we're facing Brazil.

"A lot of people were saying we'd lose to Spain on Tuesday, and it'll be the same this time.

Lampard injury fears ease

Frank Lampard is expected to be fit for England's World Cup quarter-final showdown with Portugal after concerns over a late injury scare eased Friday.

The 28-year-old Chelsea midfielder twisted an ankle in training on Thursday and was reported to be an injury worry ahead of England's meeting with the Portuguese in Gelsenkirchen.

But an FA spokesman said Lampard was expected to take a full part in training later Friday, indicating that he was likely to play.

Lampard has struggled for form during the tournament, but coach Sven-Goran Eriksson regards him as a key member of the England line-up especially for his goal-scoring abilities.

"The goals are just not going in for me, chances which I would normally eat up," he said.

"Unfortunately it's the World Cup and I've now gone four games without a goal although they're going in during training.

Zidane misses training

French skipper Zinedine Zidane missed training on Thursday due to a leg injury but was expected to be fully fit in time for Saturday's quarter-final clash against Brazil.

Team officials said the 34-year-old playmaker spent the morning getting treatment on the injury at the team hotel instead of joining the rest of the squad for a workout.

Zidane scored the final goal in the 3-1 win over Spain that took the French into the last eight after missing the previous match due to suspension.

The only other player to miss training was reserve defender Gael Givet who was said to be feeling unwell.

First choice full-back Will Sagnol started the session but did not finish it apparently protecting an injured right ankle.

Scolari sweating on Cristiano Ronaldo

Portugal coach Luis Felipe Scolari admitted that he is sweating on the fitness of key winger Cristiano Ronaldo ahead of Saturday's quarter-final match against England.

Ronaldo resumed light training on Wednesday after picking up a thigh injury in the second round win over the Nethlerlands last weekend.

The Manchester United player caught a boot from Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz early in the ill-tempered 1-0 win and was replaced after 34 minutes.

He was not present during the first quarter-hour of Thursday's on-field training open to the media and also did not take part in Friday's open session.

"We don't know about Ronaldo," said Scolari. "We're still awaiting word on his fitness.

"I'll decide if he plays just a couple of hours before the match," said the Brazilian.

Germany will beat Argentina says Beckenbauer

Two-time World Cup winner Franz Beckenbauer said on Thursday he was confident Germany would be able to beat Argentina in the quarter-finals and said home advantage could be the key.

"This match will be interesting because both teams are at the same level," said Beckenbauer, who is the chief organiser for this World Cup.

"Argentina played excellently in their first three matches and our team was able to improve with each game.

"Perhaps home advantage will make a difference tomorrow but I am pretty confident that Germany will make it to the semi-finals," he concluded.

The eagerly awaited quarter-final on Friday will take place in the 72,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in Berlin.

Brazil are below par says Gilberto Silva

Defender Gilberto Silva has joined the chorus of those who say that Brazil are under-performing at the World Cup.

The reigning champions have won all four games they have played and scored 10 goals for just one against, but even coach Carlos Alberto Parriera has been critical of their form to date.

Gilberto Silva said he agreed and that further progress had to be made if the South Americans were to win a record sixth crown in Berlin on July 9.

"I really believe that we are not playing to the best of our ability right now," the Arsenal player told the FIFA World Cup website.

"We can play much, much better than this and we will need to if we want to go to the final."

Brazil play France in the quarter-finals in Frankfurt on Saturday.

Injury scare for Lampard

England have a late injury worry ahead of Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Portugal in Gelsenkirchen with midfielder Frank Lampard needing treatment for an ankle knock.

The 28-year-old Chelsea player suffered the injury in training and was undergoing treatment to make sure he is available for the match in Gelsenkirchen.

Lampard has struggled for form during the tournament but coach Sven-Goran Eriksson regards him as a key member of the England line-up especially for his goal-scoring abilities.

Voted second best player in the world this year behind Ronaldinho, Lampard has vowed to rediscover his touch in front of goal.

"The goals are just not going in for me, chances which I would normally eat up," he said after the Ecuador game.

"Unfortunately it's the World Cup and I've now gone four games without a goal although they're going in during training.