It is a pity that both these sides were pitted against each other in what was a match-up of the two best teams so far in the tournament. No one, I am sure would disagree that Argentina and Germany had so far played the most eye-catching football so far in the tournament. But as had happened so often in the past it was efficiency that won over improvisation and spontaneity and the Latin Americans were sent crashing out from the last eight of a tournament they had been earmarked to win. The tears of Javier Mascherano and Maxi Rodriguez said it all.

As aforementioned, it was an intense encounter; a typical quarterfinal tie. Avoidance of defeat was the primary goal as both sides felt each other out during the opening phase. Argentina controlled the match for the most passes but they hardly looked adventurous as the young German team stood firm, marshalled expertly by Torsten Frings and Michael Ballack. The first half though, was mostly Argentina and the German captain had a sub-par attacking performance but put in immense legwork alongside Frings. Tevez looked sprightly but Riquelme and Crespo both struggled. The playmaker saw little of the ball in advanced areas and was quickly ushered off possession by the Germans. That proved vital as the South Americans often lacked the vital final ball.

A goal, if it would come, would likely come from Argentina and that was how it materialised. Roberto Fabian Ayala of all people heading in a right wing corner early in the second-half from Juan Riquelme to leave the Germans shell-shocked.

That forced the Germans on the offensive improving the game as a spectacle and although the Germans pressed a goal was not forthcoming as Ayala and Heinze stood firm.

But with fifteen minutes remaining Jose Pekerman quite possibly signed his death warrant as he withdrew Riquelme and bought on Cambiasso. A defensive move that would prove fatal. However in defence of the coach it should be mentioned that his options were limited with an injury to goalkeeper Abbondanzieri. However that still did not explain how Lionel Messi or Javier Saviola inexplicably failed to appear and why Julio Cuz came in place of Crespo. Perhaps Pekerman had enough faith in his defenders to ride off the storm.

His faith was not repaid though as the Germans worked a fine move to get back on terms. Ballack crossing for Borowoski to flick on a header which Klose buried into the net. 1-1 with 80 minutes on the clock.

Both sides played for extra time and although Argentina wanted to wrap the game up in extra time it did not happen as the Germans held firm with typical resilience and organisation. Ballack playing on with sheer willpower despite cramps.

And when it went to penalties there was only ever one winner. Only one German has ever missed a penalty in a shoot-out and neither of Neuville, Ballack, Podolski or Borowski looked likely to add to the tally. As for Argentina it was ironic that Ayala, a hero in the match, and Esteban Cambiasso, another outstanding performer, had their shots saved by Lehmann; who has been catapulted into Germany's new hero.

The Germans go through and an outstanding semifinal tie with Italy beckons.

As for the Argentines, it is back home to lament yet another loss. They can count themselves unlucky but in the end they cracked in the crunch. There will be more World Cups for Messi and Tevez but spare a thought for Ayala and Crespo. We may have seen the last of two great players of this era.

For their part the Italians never looked in trouble against a Ukraine side who really lacked quality to ever bother a side loaded with as much talent as Italy. Even without the imperious Alessandro Nesta, the Azzurri oozed class and Zambrotta lashed in a blinding 25-yard shot off his left foot that set the ball rolling. From then on there was no looking back and Luca Toni of Fiorentina, who had failed to find the net so far, got two for good measure, a header and a simple tap-in. The front man will have his confidence restored and the Italians will also be buoyed by the news that none of their players will be suspended for the semifinal.

Francesco Totti looked in fine form as he linked play superbly and Mauro Camoranesi put in a hard-running display. The defence as usual looked solid and if they were ever caught out, the best custodian in the world was on hand to bail them out.

Italy look to be hitting form at the right moment and a clash with the hosts could well be the highlight of the tournament.