Soccer: Ballack goal puts Germany into semi-finals

1.30am

ULSAN - Superb goalkeeping by Oliver Kahn and a first-half header from Michael Ballack earned Germany a 1-0 victory over a gutsy United States team and a place in the World Cup semi-finals tonight.

Kahn pulled off three superb saves in the first half, the best from Landon Donovan in the 17th minute, before Ballack headed home a Christian Ziege free kick in the 39th minute.

The Americans, rank outsiders against the three-times champions, played neat football in attack and were tough in defence, and the Germans were lucky to escape unpunished in the 49th minute after a frantic goalmouth incident.

Kahn partially saved a Gregg Berhalter shot and Torsten Frings seemed to handle the ball on the line.

Germany now play either Spain or co-hosts South Korea on Tuesday in Seoul in their first World Cup semi-final for 12 years.

- REUTERS

nzherald.co.nz/fifaworldcup

Groups and team lists
Stars
Schedule
Points tables
Previous winners and key statistics

Interactive graphics:
Groups and team profiles