South American Futbol - Libertadores, Sudamericana, World Cup 2010

Argentina and Paraguay knocked out of World Cup

Argentina crashed out of the 2010 World Cup at the hands of Germany while Spain squeezed past Paraguay on Saturday knocking out all South American teams except for Uruguay coming into the semi-finals.

Germany’s 4-0 thrashing of Diego Maradona’s men was just as surprising as the Netherlands shock defeat of Brazil on Friday. South America had dominated the early stages of the World Cup, with European powers England, Italy and France all sent home early. Europe took revenge in the quarter-finals knocking out three of four South American sides left in the tournament — South America’s 5th contender Chile was knocked out in the round of 16 by Brazil.

Germany’s avalanche of goals started as early as in the third minute with Thomas Mueller taking advantage of a free-kick by Astian Schweinsteiger, surprising the Albiceleste defense with a well-placed header. The Germans scored three times in the second half after swift counter attacks down the flanks. Miroslav Klose added two goals to his personal tally and Arne Friedrich ended the rout with a simple tap-in after another defensive blunder from the Argentine defense.

In Johannesburg, Paraguay put up a long hard fight right until Spain converted in the 83rd minute. New Barcelona signing David Villa scored the decisive goal after reacting to an effort by Pedro that hit an upright, slotting in the rebound to give Spain a 1-0 win.

Earlier both sides missed penalties in the space of five minutes. Benfica striker Oscar Cardozo had his weak penalty saved by Iker Casillas and minutes later Xabi Alonso’s effort — which found the back of the net — was disallowed for encroachment. Paraguayan goalkeeper Justo Villar saved his second attempt.

In the semi-finals Spain will face Germany in Durban on Wednesday, while Uruguay take on the Netherlands in Cape Town on Tuesday.