Germany ready to face Argentina

Berlin:

All 23 men in German coach Juergen Klinsmann's squad trained with the prospect of Argentina looming on the horizon. Germany takes on Argentina in the quarter finals on Friday. They've battled hard so far and there would appear to be no let-up in that work ethos. There was no rest for the Germans as they try to continue confounding the critics and progress through to the finals of the 2006 World Cup. Juergen Klinsmann's side were, frankly, in a shambolic state before the start of the tournament, whipped 4-1 in a friendly in Italy and under fire from all quarters. But they've been quietly impressive, with Lukas Podolski and Miroslaw Klose providing the deadliest strike combination so far witnessed. And with quality such as Michael Ballack in the side, they can't be discounted from making a date in Berlin on July 9. (AP)