Germany thrash Argentina to book semi spot

Germany crushed Argentina 4-0 with a sparkling display of attacking football on Saturday to book their spot in the World Cup semifinals along with Spain who beat a plucky Paraguay two hours later.

Germany, who outsmarted their lackluster opponents, got off to a dream start when Thomas Mueller snatched his fourth goal of the tournament, heading in a curled Bastian Schweinsteiger free kick after just three minutes.

Miroslav Klose, making his 100th international appearance, doubled Germany's lead in the 68th minute when Lukas Podolski out in a perfect pass from the left and the striker tapped in from close range.

Defender Arne Friedrich got a third with his first international goal in the 74th minute, finishing from a meter out after Bastian Schweinsteiger's cross, before Klose completed the rout with his second in the 89th minute.

Dictating the pace early in the first half, Germany refused to fall back after their quick lead, pressing high in Argentina's half and coming close to a second through Sami Khedira and Klose.

Germany, who beat Argentina on penalties at the same stage of the tournament in 2006, gradually allowed their opponents to come forward, and responding with lightning-quick counter-attacks.

Germany now play the winners of the other quarter-final between Spain and Paraguay later on Saturday.

Spain beat Paraguay

Meanwhile, Spain striker David Villa fired his team into the World Cup semi-finals with a late goal to sink plucky Paraguay 1-0 at Ellis Park late on Saturday.

The game was heading for extra-time after both sides missed a penalty in a dramatic 90 minutes before Villa got his fifth goal of the tournament to set up a last four clash with Germany, who earlier thrashed Argentina 4-0 in Cape Town.

Until the goal, the hard-working South Americans had successfully nullified Spain's normally dominant midfield and created the clearer chances in a closely-fought first half.

The match burst into life shortly before the hour when the referee ruled that Spain defender Gerard Pique had hauled down Paraguay striker Oscar Cardozo in the penalty area.

As Spain pressed for a winner, midfielder Xavi, who went close with a fizzing volley in the first half, drove narrowly wide and Andres Iniesta drew another fine save from Villar.

Villa, top scorer in the tournament, then grabbed the winner in the 83rd minute from a rebound after substitute Pedro had hit the post following a brilliant run by Andres Iniesta.