Records may be smashed after Klose encounter

THIS has been a record-breaking World Cup for Miroslav Klose whichever way you look at it: he earned his first red card in a Germany shirt against Serbia, his 50th international goal against England, his 100th appearance against Argentina and now, before the semi-final against Spain, he is one goal away from equalling Brazil legend Ronaldo’s all-time record of 15 goals in World Cup matches.

He is already the only player to score five goals in back-to-back tournaments (2002 and 2006).

Not that these records bother him. “Given the choice, I would rather be world champion than beat Ronaldo’s record,” is how Klose put it after the 4-0 win over Argentina. “But I still have the same approach whether things are going badly or if I’m doing well, and it’s all about working hard.”