Like It Is

Germany 1 Argentina 1. (Germany wins 4–2 on penalties).

Wow! What a close match this was! Terrific game. Germany beats Argentina 4–2 on a penalty shoot out. Argentina was leading after Roberto Ayala’s goal at 49 minutes. But then, with 10 minutes left Germany equalised with Miroslav Klose’s goal, his fifth of the tournament.

The quarter-final was 1–1 after extra time. These were two really good teams and you just knew that one of them was going to go home in tears. When it went to penalties I was holding my breath. Germany scored from their first four kicks, but Argentina missed two – sending the hosts all the way through to the semi-final. Well done Germany. Great match.

I felt sorry for Argentina at first – who looked and probably were – in total shock.Their players were in tears, particularly the ones who missed the penalties. They really believed they were going through. I was only sorry for them until I saw what was happening on the pitch after the game, though. That reminded me what poor losers they are. Winning is important, but nobody likes a poor loser.