Germany captain Michael Ballack said the hosts were worthy victors over Argentina on Friday. Ballack scored in the 4-2 penalty shoot-out triumph to see Jurgen Klinsmann's men into the semi-finals after the sides ended 1-1 after extra time.

"That was sensational," said Ballack. "The match was maybe not so interesting for spectators but it was a match at a very high level. The team fought to the end."

A Miroslav Klose header forced extra time with just ten minutes of normal time remaining, nodding home to cancel out Roberto Ayala's 49th-minute opener from a corner.

"It was their first chance on that set piece. We knew how they'd do their set pieces. It was a super header from him but our team fought back hard and scored a beautiful goal.

"We're on a good run at the moment. Since the start of the World Cup we've done very well and played at a very high level with very few mistakes."

Keeper Jens Lehmann was the hosts' real hero though, saving two of Argentina's four penalties - including the decisive one from Esteban Cambiasso.

"To win the quarter-final is fantastic for us," said Lehmann. "We had super shots (in the penalties). And it's just expected that a German goalkeeper makes the saves."