European Championship preview

Ireland's top athletes have travelled to Barcelona this week to compete in the European Championships, and now perhaps more than ever, medal hopes are high.

The marquee names of David Gillick, Derval O'Rorke, Paul Hession and Allister Cragg are likely to need an improved personal best to come home with gold but there is an even more remarkable member of the travelling party.

23 year old Derryman, Jason Smyth will line out in the 100 meters this afternoon and become the first Paralympian to compete at the championships. Smyth explains his disability: "The quality of my vision is about 10% compared to that of a person with full sight,"

His personal best of 10.32 seconds over the short distance is not likely to be enough to claim a European title, but Smyth's aim will be to qualify from the first heat.

The draw, however, has hurt him as he wil be pitted against the worlds fastest white man, Christophe Lamaitre. Also in the qualification heat are Britain's Mark Lewis Francis and Italian Fabio Cerutti who are both medal contenders. That trio have all recorded faster times this season than Smyth's personal best but he is staying upbeat and looked at the positive aspects:

"It is a tough heat but I am happy that the first round is in the evening rather than the usual early start for the first round of the 100 metre at championships, I am not really a morning person so I will not have to get up too early which suits me just fine."

The Derry native knows that he is likely to need an improved personal best time if he is to advance, but is happy in that knowledge: "It is basically a final for me. Every race will be like that."

Already this morning, Rob Heffernan has missed out on a medal, finishing fourth in the 20km walk and Ireland will hope of a better return later this morning. David Gillick's personal best of 44.77 makes him favourite for gold over 400m despite Belgian Jonathan Borlee matching that time this season.

The Ballinteer man is not the least bit perturbed by pressure of that tag saying earlier this year; "It's better to be going in as one of the favourites rather than people saying I've no chance."

Qualification gets under way at 11am (local time, 10am in Ireland) and having finished sixth at the world championship, the top European, Gillick is surely anxious to get out on the track. Joining him will be fellow south Dubliner Brian Gregan, and Tullamore's Gordon Kennedy.

Later this week; Paul Hession and Stephen Colvert will race the 200 metres on thurday morning . That afternoon the fiele in the 5000 metres will see Allister Cragg test his worth. Derval O'Rourke, the top european in her event at last years world championship will have to wait until Friday before hitting the 100 metre hurdles.

Jaded Springboks seek home comfort after pointless road trip

Another week of Tri-Nations rugby and another 30 points conceded by the holders, South Africa. This time around it was Australia doing the damage putting them to the sword 30-13 in Brisbane.

15 points from the boot of Matt Giteau was the telling factor. The centre was outstanding, orchestrating Aussie attacks with aplomb. Although he was wayward with two attempts at goal, he appears to have put his nightmare display against England well and truly behind him thanks to a more relaxed kicking motion.

Post match, springbok captain John Smit admitted he is relieved to be taking the long haul flight for a rest week. After three heavy defeats in which they were thoroughly outplayed and at times, in Brisbane, looked completely out on their feet:

"yeah its nice to get home" said Smit, "but we are disappointed we're not taking any points to the people back home."

Taking some pointers from their brothers across the Tasman, the Wallabies ran the ball at every opportunity, nullifying the powers of Morne Steyn:

"Thats the style we want to play all the time" said captain Rocky Elsom "playing it is not as easy as it seems, it didn't go perfectly in the beginning but we just stuck to it and it payed off."

South Africa have not managed a win in Brisbane in almost 40 years, and on the field they would need every possible advantage they could turn the tide. Off the field, head coach, Peter DeVilliers was doing all he could to apply the pressure on the referee. Insinuating midweek that two consecutive wins for the All Blacks were orchestrated by the powers that be in order to boost interest in next years World Cup.

"I've got my own observations about the last two tests" said DeVilliers. "Maybe I can't say it in public. But, they do have a world cup in New Zealand next year and maybe it was the right thing for them to win the games so they can attract more people."

Once again, the Boks were hampered by an early yellow card. Jaque Fourie penalised for a dangerous tackle after lifting the ball carrier's legs above shoulder height. Any sense of injustice from South Africa could be tempered by the second half binning of Quade Cooper, the fly-half committing an identical offence.

After Steyn and Giteau had traded long range penalties, the hosts took points from their first two visits to the 22. And, it could have been more had James O'Conner's try not been ruled out for a forward pass.

The Springboks kept their heads, methodically advancing forward bit by bit. And, but for a tremendous tackle from David Pocock, they would have been right back in the game before half time. Pocock was an incredible defensive asset throughout, and just minutes later he turned a South African ruck on his five metre line into a penalty to relieve the tension.

Just before the break, Rocky Elsom stole a line out without the requiring a lift. That platform allowed Giteau's silky hands to push the visitors left and right before the centre, besieged by three tacklers,somehow squirted a pass between Habana, Ruan Pienaar and Steyn. Drew Mitchell made the entire continent fear the worst as he took three juggling touches, before controlling the loose ball and touching down for five points giving his country a 17-3 lead at the halfway point.

That man again, Giteau stretched the lead after another bout of extreme pressure. The Brumbies star was stretching his thigh as O'Conner kicked the next close range penalty to nudge the scoreboard to 23-3. The offender in this instance, BJ Botha, was binned for cynically slowing the ball down.

The game was now out of reach for the Bok's but Cooper's ten minute lay off allowed the visitors to dampen the mood of the crowd. Their lusty rendition of Advance Australia Fair now seemed a distant memory as Fourie and Gurthro Steenkamp issued five point ripostes. However, with Steyn off the field, the kicking of Pienaar left plenty to be desired. The new Ulster recruit wayward with both conversions leaving them facing down the barrel of a pointless road trip.

Five minute form the end Will Genia put them out of their misery. The scrum-half earning his reward for feeding Wallaby backs with perfect ball all night, sniping in under the posts to seal the victory.

Cole chooses the Kop

Liverpool continued their summer recruitment drive by snapping up Joe Cole on a four-year contract thought to be worth in the region of £90,000 per week to the former Chelsea star.

The England international was a man in demand since his contract expired at Stamford Bridge. Today he has ended the long transfer saga by committing himself to Roy Hodgson's Reds following Serbian striker Milan Jovanovic, who also arrives courtesy of the Bosman ruling.

A statement by the club said that they were "delighted to confirm the signing of Joe Cole on a four year deal

"The England midfielder has agreed personal terms with the reds and will undergo a medical in the next 48 hours."

After becoming a free agent this summer Cole had vowed to concentrate on his country's ill-fated World Cup campaign in South Africa. But after their early exit from the tournament the attacker was the subject of intense speculation, and it was believed Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur led the chase for the London lad's signature.

Despite falling behind Solomon Kalou and Florent Malouda in Carlo Ancelotti's pecking order, the Italian this morning insisted the decision to allow Cole leave on a free transfer was down to "economic" reasons.

"It was a problem between the club and Joe Cole, not me. We spoke about this, but when the problem is with money, it is not my problem."

The Italian added that the release of three first team regulars this summer might help to reinvigorate his squad:

"It is difficult to keep a player all the time in one squad.

"I think Joe Cole, like Michael Ballack and Julian Belletti did a fantastic job. I want to thank them but now is the time to change."

Ancelotti's signing of Yossi Benayoun from Anfield early this summer means that Cole will effectively be trading places with the Israeli.

Liverpool's managing director, Christian Purslow along with Hodgson will be thrilled at the switch after receiving £5 Million for a 30-year-old Benayoun.

Cole was once a regular thorn in the side of the Kop, scoring numerous important goals on Merseyside as Chelsea marched to successive titles under Jose Mourinho.

Now the 28 year old will replace a player who was considered by many to be one of the Red's most creative influences in recent years. but was often marginalised by then coach Rafael Benitez.

Phil Thompson, who has captained and managed Liverpool FC, says that the addition of Cole signal's "a new era" for the club.

Speaking with Sky Sports News Thompson said, "I'm absolutely delighted."

"We need that player, the catalyst between midfield and attack. It all adds up for me.

"Joe Cole has that bit of character, he can do something out of nothing, he has that creative ability that (Fernando) Torres comes alive to, (Steven) Gerrard too."

Thompson also pointed out how Cole's signature will trigger increased enthusiasm and hope among long suffering supporters, and believes the club can reap the rewards by way of a financial windfall from ticket and shirt sales.

"It's the kind of news all fans wanted. We've got thousands of people waiting for season tickets but everyone is going to be renewing them now. Everyone will have Joe Cole's name on their shirt.

"It's the start of a new era, we'll be looking for more new players and it could be a glorious summer for the fans. They will be delighted."

10 out of 10 All Blacks send Bok's packing

Another Scintillating performance from New Zealand gave them a 31-17 win over South Africa who are now a full 10 points behind the All Blacks in the Tri-Nations standings.

Irish referee's take no guff from Springboks with the number four on their back. Last week Alan Lewis gave Bakkies Botha an early yellow card, now with Botha beginning his nine week suspension for a separate incident Alain Rollaind spotted the incumbent, Danie Roussouw tapping the forehead of Richie McCaw on the side of a ruck. The move was intended to rile McCaw and it did. Rolland, evidently, felt the contact was too close to the eye as he reversed the penalty and sent the second row for a 10 minute breather.

Roussouw had turned a kickable penalty, 40 metres from goal into a 10 point haul for the hosts. Had Dan Carter not been struggling with the boot, it would have been even worse, the fly-half put a potential seven points left of the posts in that period.

Against 14 bodies, the All Blacks thrived, Maa Nonu was first to touch down after just six minutes. A typical Kiwi move, full of quick rucking, angled running, offloads, perfect passes and with Nonu, a clinical finish in the corner. Unstoppable for 14 mere mortals.

Just four minutes later, Jacques Fourie turned over possession just across the halfway line, Piri Weepu, collected the loose pill and strode straight through the middle of the park before picking an expert pass to Mils Muliaina flying on the right wing. The fullback barely broke stride and had enough pace to outstrip, Jean DeVilliers and Mourne Steyn in his trip to the line.

However, the Springboks cannot be carved open quite so readily when they have the full compliment of players. And by the time Carter had finally registered his first kick of the night to make the score 13-0, the hosts were struggling as much as the visitors to develop a pattern in testing conditions.

For all New Zealand dominance early on, South Africa battled their way to within seven points by half time; Ricky Januarie attacked off a line out, off loading to DeVilliers, the resulting ruck feeding Roussouw, who managed to redeem himself for the early yellow card by bundling over the line near the posts.

Coming out for second half at 13-7, Morne Steyn will have been delighted to notch his second kick, an early penalty further narrowed the gap and Carter must have wondered if his profligacy with the boot would come back to haunt him, and when Rene Ranger touched down his first test try, the Crusaders 10 missed again from the touchline.

The answer to Carter's quandary was given just minutes later when Weepu took over kicking duties, landing a 40 metre penalty from the right side through swirling winds. The makeup of the wind is more familiar to Weepu who plays his Super 14 rugby with the aptly named Wellington Hurricanes and on seeing their hometown hero dissect the post the Westpac stadium suddenly had a carnival atmosphere, entirely ignorant of the howling wind and sheeting rain.

That joyous rapture paled in comparison to the introduction of Israel Dagg. The young fullback on in place of winger Rene Ranger,produced a scintillating solo try leaving four would be springbok tacklers for dead before wriggling into the corner.

Dagg collected the ball on the 22, faced with none other than Pierre Spies and Schalke Burger, he left them grasping thin air as he wisped inside. With those two back row behemoths behind him, the sight of Zane Kirschner was a mere formality.

With Jimmy Cowan now on in place of Weepu, even Carter was kicking straight again.

Burger later grabbed a try to give some hope of a losing bonus point, but 31-17 it remained and the All Blacks will be delighted with their 10 out of 10 start to the Tri-Nations.

South Africa, have no time to rest, and although weary, must stop off in Brisbane to face Australia next week before returning home. If they are to retain any hope of the Tri-Nations crown then four points against the Wallabies is a must.

New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Rene Ranger, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Piri Weepu, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Tom Donnelly, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock

Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Sam Whitelock, 19 Liam Messam, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Aaron Cruden, 22 Israel Dagg

South Africa: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Jean de Villiers, 13 Jaque Fourie, 12 Wynand Oliver, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Francois Louw, 6 Schalk Burger, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Danie Rossouw, 3 CJ van der Linde, 2 John Smit (c), 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp

Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 BJ Botha, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Ryan Kankowski, 20 Ruan Pienaar, 21 Butch James, 22 Gio Aplon

Liverpool wait to learn extent of Torres Injury

Premier League side Liverpool FC will today find out how long, star striker, Fernando Torres is to be sidelined.

The Spaniard ruptured a thigh muscle in extra time of his country's 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in Sunday's World Cup final. Initial fears thought the 26 year old could miss up to a month of the new season. However, Peter Brukner, the club's head of sports science, is confident that a scan undertaken on Tuesday will reveal less damage than first suspected.

Speaking to LFC TV, Brukner said: "It certainly looked like it might have been bad. But it seems not too bad." Before pointing out that the lure of a World Champions medal was enough to push Torres through the pain barrier:

"He certainly walked up the steps to receive his medal without too many problems, so we are optimistic it is not going to be too bad."

Torres has been ravaged by injuries in the past year, a factor fans of LFC point to when considering their inconsistent form last term.

With reported interest from Chelsea and Manchester City, the number nine has been linked with a move away from Anfield as the Red's look to claw back some of the reported £350 Million worth of debt.

However, the sight of Torres wearing a Liverpool scarf whilst celebrating with the World Cup in Madrid should inspire some confidence amongst Kopite's that El Nino will not be on the move this summer.

Bok's wounded and without Botha for rest of Tri-Nations

14 months to go until the World Cup and New Zealand got their Tri-Nations campaign off to a flyer with a, four try to nil, master-class over reigning champions South Africa.

Five points apiece from Conrad Smith, Maa Nonu, Kieran Reed and Tony Woodcock were just rewards for the All Blacks. The centre's grounding their scores in the opening period while it was fitting that forwards added the gloss in the second half after clear-cut dominance in both the scrum and line out set the foundations for a 32-12 win.

Midway through the last decade the All Black's set a trend for the rest of the world as they kicked long up field, confident of defending whatever was thrown back at them. The whole world followed suit but, at Eden Park on Saturday, they had come full circle.

The long-range prowess of Mourne Steyn lurked just behind the halfway line and it was a concerted ploy from the hosts to run every ball in the first half. Despite, conceding territory and the lead to the Springboks, the silver fern's kept on going.

With Bakkies Botha in the bin, Mils Muliaina found an acre of space and exploited it to the full, racing almost fifty yards before he needed to offload to the ever-available Richie McCaw. The captain had Smith on the overlap and, noticing only Victor Matfield providing outside cover, the smooth running centre hit the accelerator and found the corner with ease. Speaking after the full time whistle, McCaw underlined that the philosophy of running in his camp, does not signify a carefree attitude:

"You can have a go from your own half as long as you look after the ball and do the little things right."

By and large, the little things were done perfectly. Aside from an early drop from Muliaina, who has faced calls in recent weeks, for his jersey to be given to young pretenders like Corey Jane and Israel Dagg. The decibel level of that criticism would have increased greatly in his own head after the spilling the ball under little or no pressure. But the fullback took little time to redeem himself, providing the break that led to Smith's opening try.

Those opening 20 minutes could yet be a defining part of the Tri-Nations if the Kiwi's go on to reclaim the title. But, it was the opening seconds that may provide the biggest blow to South Africa's campaign.

Jimmy Cowan raced to a loose ball ahead of Botha, but feeling he had been held back, the second row displayed his (now customary) red mist, head-butting Cowan in the back of the head as he lay flat on the grass.

Referee Alan Lewis missed the incident but the big screens in Auckland did not, and a chorus of boo's followed Botha until he was eventually handed a nine-week ban yesterday, which rules him out of international fixtures until the autumn.

The Blue Bull's forward has apologised to all and sundry since being handed the layoff:

"I sincerely regret the incident, I have let my team, my country and my family down and I have done an injustice to the springbok jersey and what it stands for."

There are plenty outside of South Africa who would contest that; the Botha brand of foul play is exactly what the Springbok jersey stands for.

Botha has previous in this regard, in the Super 14 meeting with the Stormers this year he took less than 30 seconds to aim a head butt at (now international team-mate) Gio Aplon. Cowan, like Aplon is a much smaller man than Botha and was brutishly targeted in the opening minutes of the game.

The 30 year old's unreserved apology would seem a touch more sincere if the offences were not almost identical and Graham Henry's assertion that: "He's probably lucky he didn't get more than nine weeks" is being very kind to the lock.

"I truly regret my actions" continued Botha, "and will make sure that I put the extended time away from the game to positive use and return to playing with the right attitude."

If Botha does come back with the "right" attitude, it will be his first time, and he could then claim to have achieved everything in the game.

Matfield and his pack will have better days. But the Black set-piece was irresistible, a dominant scrum and three turnover scalps off Bokka line out ball.

Tom Donnelly and Brad Thorne were stand out performers up against the best second row in the world. On this form Graham Henry's side can aim for a 10 point haul after the second meeting in Wellington next Saturday, but the head coach was keen to play down the dominance of the scoreboard and will focus on the strengths of the "wounded" Boks to ensure complacency is not a factor:

"We're surprised by the magnitude of the result. The score line was blown out of proportion, I'm sure things will be more realistic next week.

"We'll get our feet back on the ground and see what alterations we need to make.

"They'll be a wounded animal next week and they'll play accordingly. They're a quality side with bright players and they're well coached. They'll improve immensely so it will be a more difficult game."

United interest in Sneijder "real" confirms Moratti

Manchester United are pursuing star playmaker Wesley Sneijder, Inter President Massimo Moratti has confirmed today.

But having already allowed Jose Mourinho to leave the San Siro this summer, Moratti insists that he has not yet been tempted to sell any of his top stars. Though a closer look at the figures may yet twist his arm. Speaking to Sky Italia, Moratti said:

"The interest from Manchester United in Sneijder is real, but I didn't look into it in an attempt not to fall into temptation."

The Inter supremo also confirmed that he had received offers for star fullback Maicon, and unsettled striker Mario Balotelli. but despite being linked with the richest clubs in the world, Moratti rebuffed the bids: "Offers for Balotelli and Maicon have been too low."

Mourinho is thought to have made Maicon one of his main target as he looks to tighten up the Real Madrid rearguard. While Balotelli has this week emerged as a target of Manchester City, where he would be welcomed by former coach Roberto Mancini.

Moratti however, has rubbished reports that "Super Mario" has asked to leave the Serie A champions, instead suggesting the players agent may have drummed up some artificial interest. "It seems like an advertising campaign to me. In any case, Balotelli has not come to me to ask to be sold." The clearly frustrated President adding: "I don't understand why a problem has to be created."

Lahm friction pushes Ballack out of German camp.

Germany captain Philipp Lahm has ignited another row ahead of tomorrows crunch semi-final meeting with Spain saying he will not give up the armband when long-term skipper, Michael Ballack, returns to the fold.

Before the quarter final meeting with Argentina, Lahm was scathing in his criticism of the opposition accusing the South American's of being bad losers. Today in an interview with, German daily, Bild his comments hit closer to home:

"It's obvious that I'd like to keep the captain's armband. The job gives me a great deal of enjoyment. Why should I then give it up by choice?"

While the Bayern Munich fullback is the official World Cup captain. It was widely believed that Ballack, who suffered an ankle injury in Chelsea's FA Cup final win over Portsmouth, would pick up the baton once back to full fitness.

The 33 year old, who recently signed for Bayer Leverkusen, was present for his country's quarter final win over Argentina on Saturday. But his return to Europe on Monday has prompted speculation that there is friction between he and the stand in skipper after the Bild article.

As the leader of the most exuberant side at the tournament, Lahm is clearly reveling in his new role and enjoying the increased weight on his shoulders:

"If you do the job out there on the pitch and you have it under control, as in my case, you want more. You want more responsibility." Lahm added, "you want to take care of it all, that is the case with me."

The storm has caused team manager Oliver Bierhoff to pour cold water on the issue on Tuesday morning, insisting:

"There is no dissent whatsoever, not even a hint of conflict," adding that, "it is an unfortunate coincidence that Ballack's departure and Lahm's statement coincided."

Bierhoff, who scored the winning goal in Euro '96, maintained that the departure of the former Chelsea midfielder was for fitness reasons. As he looks to recover from the ankle injury in time for the beginning of the season with new club, Bayer Leverkusen. "He (Ballack) decided that it was better to continue treatment in Luxembourg."

Bierhoff would not criticise Lahm for the comments instead continuing the theme of allowing free speech as endorsed by head coach Joachim Lowe.

"We have freedom of speech in the team and need players willing to speak their mind. It is rather like when a player says he is disappointed to be left out; are you supposed to be annoyed that he is disappointed?"

"But in the end, it is the coach who makes the decision over who is captain."

As if news of discontent in their young squad was not bad enough, Paul the octopus has chosen Spain to win out in Wednesday's semi-final. The mollusk, based in an Oberhausen aquarium, has successfully predicted all of Germany's World Cup results so far including the defeat to Serbia in match day two.

German style sends argentina crashing out

Germany sent Argentina tumbling out of the World Cup at the quarter final stage for the second World Cup in succession, this time thoroughly overpowering them in a 4-0 victory.

Miroslav Klose's double brought him level with his country's all time record World Cup goalscorer, the great Gerd Muller, who also has 14 goals at the finals.

At just 20 years of age, Thomas Mueller, is one who has every chance of one day competing with Klose for the record. His header in the third minute was the perfect start and was his fourth goal of the tournament.

Diego Maradonna has, in the last month, gone from being considered a madman who should not be given the reigns as an international coach, to a revered figure who magically dissolves pressure from his players and fills them with a deep sense of calm. This defeat may return him to square one.

Joachim Loew, in contrast, has always been happy in the background. But, the style of play from Germany at this tournament, and also four years ago when he was assistant to Jurgen Klinnsman, will surely earn him job offers from all over Europe no matter what the result of his next two games.

It took just 59 seconds for Germany to lay down a marker. Javier Mascherano picked up the ball in his own half and was run down, Audi A4 style by Klose. After a week of harsh words directed from the German camp towards South America, they were now ready to talk on the pitch.

Just a minute later they had the lead, Nicolas Otamendi fouled Lucas Podolski on the left wing, giving Sebastian Schweinsteiger the perfect angle to swing in his cross which was met by Mueller. The glancing header hitting the shin of Sergio Romero before crossing the line.

Schweinsteiger looked capable of conducting the remaining 84 minutes however he pleased. He and fellow field marshal, Sami Khedira, overpowered Mascherano, the lone rebel in the Albiceleste engine room.

But as Messi dropped deeper in search of possession, Germany drifted closer to their own goal. Manuel Neuer was called upon for the first time; midway through the first half he raced out to smother Messi's through ball before Carlos Tevez could capitalise.

The European side still threatened on the counter attack, from Gabriel Heinze's mistake Mueller drove into the box via the right hand channel with the presence of mind to pull back to Klose, but the veteran striker would have to wait before adding to his goals tally, sidefooting over the bar from just behind the penalty spot.

The score remained 1-0 at the break as Argentina began to exert more pressure. Gonzalo Higuain tapped into an empty net, but the effort was ruled out as Carlos Tevez had collected the ball in an undeniably offside position before squaring to the prolific number nine.

Messi, unsurprisingly looked the most capable of unlocking the door. But, as the game became stretched he, Tevez and Higuain, were all guilty of trying to dribble through the wall of black shirts when passes were available. As they tried desperately to force the issue, the opposition looked ever calmer and more composed.

The fate of Maradonna's star studded squad was sealed on 67 minutes, the tenacious Khedira won a tackle on the edge of the area and, while he lay on the ground, played in Podolski. Displaying the clarity of thought which characterises this incarnation of Germany, he looked up and squared to Klose, allowing him a tap in to make the score 2-0.

The game was up and Schweinsteiger gave even more weight to his case to be player of the tournament. The Bayern Munich midfielder breezed past a flurry of tackles in the penalty area before reaching the byline and pulling back for Arne Friedrich, who managed to finish with his left foot. Brazil may have gone home but Samba football is still here.

Mesut Ozil had been been a peripheral figure compared to his previous match-winning display's. But he helped put the icing on the cake, floating a left foot cross onto the right foot of Klose, whose assured first touch was a side foot volley to the corner of the net.

Messi, had one last effort in stoppage time but a shot straight at Neuer summed up his second disappointing Copa Mundial and denies him of a chance to playing against his teammates in the Spanish squad

Argentina (4-3-3): Romero, Otamendi (Pastore '70), Demichelis, Burdisso, Heinze, DiMaria (Aguero '76), Mascherano, Maxi, Messi, Higuain, Tevez.

Germany (4-3-3): Neuer, Lahm, Friedrich, Mertesacker, Boateng (Jansen '72), Khedira (Kroos '78), Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Muller (Trochowski '83), Klose, Podolski

Referee: R Irmatov (UZB)