The Hindu : Sport : Germany beats Sweden, in last eight

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Sunday, Jun 25, 2006

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Germany beats Sweden, in last eight

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MUNICH: Lukas Podolski scored two early goals on Saturday to give Germany a 2-0 win over Sweden and a place in the World Cup quarterfinals.

Podolski scored in the fourth and 12th minutes, with forward partner Miroslav Klose playing a big role in both. Podolski now has three goals in the tournament.

Sweden defender Teddy Lucic was sent off in the 35th minute and striker Henrik Larsson wasted a penalty in the 53rd to make matters worse.

Germany has now won four games in a row, and looked better in each. Juergen Klinsmann took over as coach two years ago, promising to bring Germany its fourth World Cup title. It may not have been an empty promise.

Much maligned before the World Cup after a string of lacklustre warm up matches, many Germans were sceptical of the team's chances. But the doubters have become believers, and carried on by euphoric home crowds, Germany is a contender.

Germany got off to a fast start. Michael Ballack passed to Klose, who faked two defenders and cut inside. Diving goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson made the save but the ball bounced back to Podolski, who shot it into the net.

The second goal was even prettier. Klose collected a pass just outside the box, drew three defenders and slipped a reverse pass into space for Podolski, who drove a left-footed shot past the goalkeeper. Bernd Schneider had another chance in the 84th, sending a shot off the post after a deflection.

``Berlin, Berlin, we're going to Berlin,'' the crowd began singing, referring to the July 9 final in the German capital.

The Germans did not sit on their lead. Isaksson had to dive to his right to make a one-handed save on Ballack's shot from 20 yards, then Klose headed high and Schneider shot wide. By then, the chants had become a bit less respectful.

"You are only furniture suppliers," sang the crowd, no doubt with Ikea in mind. — AP

KNOCKOUT: WORLD CUP 2006

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