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| Germany beat US, Brazil dash England's World Cup hopes |
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Superb goalkeeping by Oliver Kahn and a first－half header from Michael Ballack earned Germany a one－nil victory over a gutsy United States and a place in the World Cup semi－finals. Earlier, in Friday's first world cup quarter－final game, Brazil came from behind to beat England 2－1 in Shizuoka, Japan.
German midfielder Michael Ballack rose to nod home a Christian Ziege free kick in the 38th minute.
But the Americans, rank outsiders against the three－times champions, played neat football in attack and were tough in defense.
The Germans were lucky to escape unpunished in the 49th minute after a frantic goalmouth incident.
They now play either Spain or co－hosts South Korea on Tuesday in Seoul in their first World Cup semi－final for 12 years.
For another European team, England, they have never beaten their bogey team Brazil in a world cup finals game.
Earlier on Friday, their historic victory looked like it was in the making when Michael Owen capitalized on a mistake by Brazilian defender Lucio to net the ball in the 23rd minute.
But Barcelona star Rivaldo equalized for Brazil in the second minute of first－half injury time with his fifth goal in five games.
In the 50th minute, Ronaldinho curled a fantastic free－kick over English goalie David Seaman from 35 meters.
But seven minutes later, the Brazilian forward was controversially sent off for fouling Danny Mills, a harsh decision for what was generally a clean game. Despite being a man down, the South Americans kept possession and control through most of the second half.
The result establishes Brazil as firm favorites to win the World Cup final in Yokohama on June 30th. The four－times champions now play either Senegal or Turkey, who meet on Saturday.
Editor:LHJ
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