With Germany having made it four out of four shootout wins against Argentina and England having made it four out of five losses after missing three of four kicks Bild explained patiently: "The ball has to go in the goal."

Only a yellow!
The stadium announcer in Berlin's Olympic Stadium is to be allowed to carry on after World Cup organisers initially said he would be replaced after encouraging Germany in the quarterfinal win over Argentina.

The German announcer had told the predominantly German crowd in the stadium in Berlin, "Ladies and Gentlemen, our team needs our support" during the match.

Stadium announcers at World Cup matches must remain neutral according to FIFA rules.

But after initially facing losing his place the announcer has been told that he may continue.

"We have given him a yellow card and he has got the message," organisers said.

Prodi to inspire Azzurri
Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi intends to cheer on Italy against Germany in their their semifinal on Tuesday.

"I will follow the match between Italy and Germany. It will be a tough match and therefore I must back the Italian team," Prodi said, adding he had been invited to attend by German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

"Sporting events are a part of bilateral relations," Prodi said.

Tropical trip
German Defence Minister Franz Josef Jung says and his delegation will prolong their stay in Libreville, where he is visiting German peacekeeping troops, for a few hours so he can share with the forces the atmosphere of the semifinal between Germany and Italy, which the soldiers will follow on screen.

"We will fly off after the team has won," said Jung.

Waiting for treble
The World Cup is still waiting for its first hattrick after 138 goals scored in the opening 60 games.

With just four games left nobody has notched a treble and this could be the first tournament without one.

Portugal star Pauleta hit the last one in Korea against Poland four years ago.

He now has the chance of a repeat against France in the semis.

Miroslav Klose of Germany is also looking for a repeat having hit three goals against Saudi Arabia in 2002.

There have been 46 hattricks in total to date.

New generation
German striker Lukas Podolski's good form at the World Cup, where he has scored three goals, has seen him earn a new contract with clothing firm Adidas.

"Lukas Podolski represents a new generation of players who will make their mark on international football in years to come," said Adidas' Herbert Hainer.

Podolski, who has just joined Bayern Munich from Cologne, has already been involved with the firm for two years.