Don't cry for Germany, Argentina

BERLIN – There's no end to Germany's resourcefulness and tenacity at this World Cup.

The Germans relentlessly wore down Argentina, scored a tying goal in the 80th minute Friday, then won it 4-2 in a penalty-kick shootout as goalkeeper Jens Lehmann stopped two shots and the hosts made all four of theirs.

The end was marred by pushing and shoving on the field, with several Argentine players surrounding the referee before order was restored.

Rather than getting desperate when they fell behind for the first time in the tournament, the Germans pressed the attack and beat Argentina's backup goalkeeper Leonardo Franco on Miroslav Klose's header to pull even 1-1.

After a scoreless extra time, Germany grabbed a spot in the semifinals opposite the Italy-Ukraine winner by dominating the shootout against the second-string keeper, who never came close on any of the shots.

So the party heads to Dortmund on Tuesday as the hosts seek their fourth world title. Argentina heads home exhausted, unable to stave off the determined Germans.