Penalties in Berlin

As certain as the rising sun: Germany wins on penalties.



We're headed to penalties. A poignant shot of two thoroughly dislikable goalies, Lehmann and Kahn, who even hate each other, talking before the shootout begins. Hopefully we'll find out later that Kahn was actually telling Lehmann he sucks, but I doubt it.

Neuville makes, Cruz makes, Ballack makes, Ayala MISSES, Podolski makes, Rodriguez makes, Borowski makes (is it me or was he picked 18th by the Wizards last night?), and Cambiasso MISSES. And it's over - Germany advances!

Devastation for Argentina. Their players are now either bawling or throwing punches, possibly at Oliver Bierhoff, a German staff member and former player. You hate to see that...yada...yada...yada. Argentina played some great footie this Cup, but they looked beatable against Mexico and today they really sat back and defended far too much after going up a goal. Still, these scenes are all too reminiscent of their tearful exit four years ago. Mascherano, Cambiasso, Lucho Gonzalez...they're all shattered. Gabriel Heinze might kill someone. But it's adios for Argentina.

So it's onto the semis for ze Germans. Argentina has a much deeper talent pool, with players like Aimar and Messi and Saviola that would all warrant starting spots for most other countries, Germany included, but you can only play 11 at a time - and right now, Germany's 11 can beat anyone. Pekerman will be questioned for playing so defensively for the last half hour, as well as for taking off Riquelme and not playing Messi at all, but he tried to hold on and fell only 10 minutes short. Once Klose scored, it was over; and especially when it came to penalties, everyone knew what was coming. Some things in soccer are written in stone: England's fans will riot, Spain will choke, and Germany will win penalty shootouts. Alvidazein, or something like that.