We can go all the way : Germany

Germany's overjoyed players declared they could win the World Cup after triumphing in a thrilling penalty shootout against Argentina here on Friday to move into the semi-finals. Argentina took a 49th-minute lead through Roberto Ayala but Miroslav Klose equalised with a header in the 80th minute.

When extra-time failed to separate the teams, Germany won the penalty shootout 4-2 after Jens Lehmann saved spot kicks from Ayala and Esteban Cambiasso, sending the Olympic Stadium into a frenzy.

Torsten Frings, who was tireless in midfield for Germany, said the young team had come of age.

"We will drive each other forward and we are confident we can go all the way.

"We've put out Argentina so why not. This generation is really growing up." Lehmann said he had felt Germany's many wins on penalties in the past weighed heavily on his shoulders.

"As a German goalkeeper it is always expected of you that you will hold up in a penalty shootout," said the Arsenal keeper.

Germany's semi-final will take place in Dortmund on Tuesday when they will face either Italy or Ukraine, depending on the result of the quarter-final later on Friday.

Lehmann said: "That was a quarter-final, but the big challenge is coming up now.

"People should celebrate. I'll get ready for Tuesday." Germany's young striker Lukas Podolski had a frustrating match but stepped up to slot his shootout penalty past Argentina's substitute keeper Leonardo Franco.

"I didn't really think too much about it, I just said to myself make sure you hit it sweetly," Podolski said.

"The atmosphere in the dressing room afterwards was indescribable."