Klose brace destroys Argentina

Six days after turfing England out of the World Cup with a magical display, Germany cast their spell on Argentina with a brilliant 4-0 quarter-final victory.

Argentina were buried thanks to a third-minute goal from Thomas Muller and two second-half efforts from Miroslav Klose either side of one from Arne Friedrich.

Even Diego Maradona would had appreciated it had he not been in the opposite dug-out. An imperious masterclass from a side on the march.

Nicolas Otamendi brought Lukas Podolski down by the touchline, Bastian Schweinsteiger curled the free-kick to the near post. Muller escaped Otamendi's attentions and rose unchallenged to head home after three minutes.

The youngster should have sent a firm header into the corner. Instead, he got the faintest touch which deceived Sergio Romero. It shot off the Argentina keeper's leg and rolled into the net.

Klose wasted a golden opportunity to double the advantage when Muller capitalised on Gabriel Heinze's error and squared for the veteran frontman. On his 100th appearance, it should have been his 51st goal. But he rushed the opportunity and side-footed over.

After being hurt so badly so quickly, Argentina at least managed to clear their heads and began to respond. The problem was Germany's defence was rock solid, their movement choreographed superbly.

Lionel Messi did his best with the scraps that were offered without making the mesmerising burst or defence-splitting pass his team craved.

First, a prone Muller stabbed the ball into space and set Podolski free to present Klose with a tap-in.

Then, pushing forward even though the game was won, Friedrich was on hand to finish from close range after Schweinsteiger had cut through the Argentine defence like a knife through butter. Klose finished the rout in the final minute.