Penalty Kick Thriller

Before the Panelty Kick shootout, 23 German players together with their coach encouraged each other. They are the best team!

Don't cry for failure, Argentina. It makes me think about Madonna's song "Don't cry for me, Argentina". It was taken after match. German players were celebrating, but Argentina's player crouched in the corner. This is WC!

It is a long day today. I feel exhausted now. German faced their second opponent after Group Match, which was also the strongest one until now: Argentina. They finally got their victory in Penalty Kick shootout. I usually don't like Penality Kick shootout, because it is too cruel. It usually happens when both teams are strong and can not win over each other. Actually Penalty Kick shootout tests player's technique, spirit and luck for the whole team.

Today's quarter-final between Germany and Argentina was really excellent. Both teams played very well. Argentina players have good personal technique and also cooperate with each other. They controlled the first half of the match. German's defenders were holding on the first half, but their strikers were disappointing. Argentina got their first goal at 49th minute, which made the host fall behind first time in the tournament. I felt desparated at that time, because it was already second half and German players were still not in their best conditions. However, this goal not only broke German's gate, it also activated German spirit: never give up. German players woke up after this goal and started their strong attacking from 50th minute. Different to other teams, they were not hurry and nervous. They organized their attackings very well and got their goal on 82nd minute by Klose. It was a fantastic goal, which saved Germany. Klose was brilliant!

During the extra match, they still couldn't break up the draw, but only one team could go into Semi-Final. I didn't want to see it at all, no matter who won, it was not a happy thing. I sort of felt that German would win over Argentina, because German people are just as machines, they are difficult to get nervous. It is just their personality. Argentina is a team full of energy, but compared to mental strongness, Germany has advantage. In order to say Lehmann is excellent, I think it is because German's personality. When their players stood in front of the penalty area, they looked so calm, but Argentina's players were opposite. Of course, German beat Argentina 4 over 2 in Penalty Kick. I was so moved when I saw German players stood arm in arm on field during Penality Kick shootout, and I also felt happy when I saw Kahn wish Lehmann good luck and gave his advice to him. I know it is sincere.

I saw Klinsmann's smile in Berlin again, together with every German player's happiness. They deserve this victory. They even played Bowling after match to amuse their fans. But on the other side, I saw Argentina players' tears, which made me feel sad. I like Argentina too, although not as much as Germany. I enjoy watching their technique. They play like Latin dance. I really respect them today. I was crying when I saw Batistuta's tears in 2002 World Cup when Argentina lost in quarter-final. He was not in field today, but the sadness was the same. I am happy for German's victory, but I also respect Argentina's good performance and feel sad that they couldn't go further. They are far more better than Italy, but unfortunately they meet German too early. This is the first time I can not feel completely happiness when I see German's victory in WC.

On July.4th, Germany will play with Italy in Dortmund. I hope they could win and they must win. I don't think this year's Italy is qualified for Final, just like England is not qualified for Quarter-Final, even though I like England.