Matchwinner Michael Ballack used his head to propel Germany into the World Cup semi-finals nodding the only goal in today’s 1-0 win over a battling United States side.
But Ballack nominated future Bayern Munich teammate Oliver Kahn as his man of the match. Ballack headed in a Christian Ziege cross on 39 minutes to down the hard-working Americans - but it was a string of Kahn saves which prevented a shock comeback by the USA.
"We put the pressure on but we had problems finding space. We knew we weren't going to go through just like that," said Ballack. "Kahn made some great saves and we're happy to have such a great keeper."
Kahn made a series of saves as the Americans showed they would not go down without a fight. Landon Donovan had the first real chance in the 18th minute, beating Ziege and then firing a left foot shot that forced a desperate save from Kahn to put the bad the post.
After 30 minutes Donovan was put clear again on the left wing and Kahn again had to parry his narrow angle shot wide of the post. Then Donovan found Eddie Lewis clear on the edge of the German penalty area and Kahn fisted away Lewis' shot before making another spectacular save from a John O'Brien shot close in.
Most of Germany's 13 goals in the event have come from headers - although for once five-goal Miroslav Klose drew a blank.
And Ballack said the Germans kept putting their opponents under pressure with a steady stream of crosses.
"We knew deadball situations are our strength. It was a tough bit of work tonight - but it worked out. We're happy to be in the semis."
AFP