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Hero Lehmann helps Germany into semis

Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was the toast of Germany as the hosts progressed into the semifinals of the World Cup with a sensational 4-2 penalty shootout win over Argentina on Friday. With the game unsettled at 1-1 after extra-time, Arsenal goalkeeper Lehmann stepped up to save spot-kicks from Roberto Ayala and Esteban Cambiasso to ensure celebration parties across Germany.

Luis Figo 'is not Jesus Christ'

Luis Figo is no saint, as he proved against The Netherlands, and he plans to make David Beckham's life hell when Portugal tackle England in Saturday's quarterfinals. Figo was given the all-clear to play after Fifa ruled out further action for a headbutt on Holland's Mark van Bommel in the second round match which saw 16 players booked and two from each side sent off.

Penalty heartbreak for Aussies

Francesco Totti scored from the penalty spot in injury time to lead Italy to a 1-0 win over Australia and into the quarterfinals of the World Cup. Italy striker Luca Toni nearly scored four times before the Italians were reduced to 10 men in the 51st minute when Marco Materazzi was sent off for bringing down Marco Bresciano just outside the area.

Scolari shrugs off yellow fever

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari shrugged off the chaos that marred Portugal's 1-0 win over The Netherlands, officially the dirtiest match in World Cup history with an accumulated 20 yellow and red cards. The Brazilian said while Deco should not have been one of the four players sent off, similar scenes were relatively common in South America.

Beckham bends it back at critics

David Beckham hit back at his critics with a trademark freekick against Ecuador that took England into the World Cup quarterfinals, and he was revelling in his moment of glory. The England captain curled his shot past Cristian Mora in the 60th minute to hand his side a 1-0 win and a showdown with Portugal.

'Brazilians of Africa' prepare to make history

African rivals have shown their support for Ghana's World Cup squad, with visits from star players and letters of support encouraging the Black Stars ahead of a second-round match with mighty Brazil. "The other African teams were eliminated. Now we represent Ghana and Africa," said captain Stephen Appiah.

Beckham lifts England to victory

David Beckham scored with a free kick in the 60th minute on Sunday to lead England to a 1-0 win over Ecuador and a spot in the quarterfinals of the World Cup. Beckham sent in a curling free kick from about 25m that beat diving goalkeeper Christian Mora.

Superb goal seals Argentina's victory

A superb goal eight minutes into extra time by Maxi Rodriguez sealed Argentina's 2-1 win over Mexico in Leipzig, Germany, on Saturday and a mouthwatering clash with Germany in the World Cup quarterfinals next Friday. Regulation time had finished 1-1 after two goals in an action-packed first quarter of the game.

'Berlin, Berlin, we're going to Berlin'

Germany are starting to get that championship look. It took the hosts a mere 12 minutes to break down Sweden 2-0 on Saturday, becoming the first team to reach the World Cup quarterfinals. It was a one-sided win over what was billed as one of the top European teams heading into the tournament.

Black Stars shine as Africa decline

For a team nicknamed the Black Stars, Ghana have certainly produced the brightest note for Africa at the World Cup finals. The debutants have finally confirmed the talent that has been seen in many of their youth teams down the years but never been replicated on the world stage.