Frings misses out on semi-final after FIFA ban

FIFA has suspended Germany midfielder Torsten Frings for tonight’s World Cup semi-final against Italy.

Frings, aged 29, was banned for punching Argentina forward Julio Cruz in a fracas which followed the quarter-final between the two countries. He has been given a two-match ban, but the second match is suspended meaning he will be available for the World Cup final, if Germany qualify.

Team manager Oliver Bierhoff said he was disappointed.