Neuville grabs late win for Germany - match report

Oliver Neuville struck with just two minutes remaining to send Germany through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

This disappointing second-round match in the Jeju World Cup stadium seemed destined for extra-time and penalties before Neuville fired home his first goal of the tournament to beat Paraguay.

Neuville’s goal means Germany have won all five of their last appearances at this stage of the World Cup by just the one goal.

Crucially for Germany, Michael Ballack shrugged off his calf problem to play and the midfield star managed two early attempts, which went wide, from a header and a free-kick.

Paraguay, who sensationally beat Slovenia 3-1 here on Wednesday to reach the last 16, began to assert themselves and Denis Caniza fired wide of the left-hand post of birthday boy Oliver Kahn, who is 33 today.

Francisco Arce went closer with that powerful right foot of his when he left fly from a 25-yard free-kick, which Kahn punched clear.

Roque Santa Cruz had been injured early on and despite treatment, the Bayern Munich striker failed to run off the knock and had to be replaced on the half-hour mark by Jorge Campos, who scored Paraguay’s second goal against Slovenia.

Paraguay continued to create the better chances and Celso Ayala squandered by far the best opening so far when, totally unmarked, he volleyed wide from Jose Cardozo’s right-wing cross from around 12 yards out. Cardozo looked none too pleased with his team-mate’s effort.

Paraguay threatened again and Kahn produced a good one-handed save to push Campos’ right-foot drive over for a corner.

Bernd Schneider should have done better from a chance in the opening minutes of the second half when he shot straight into the grateful arms of Jose Luis Chilavert after Marco Bode had picked him out with a right-wing cross.

Campos was a real threat on the left for Paraguay and Kahn did well to hold his rasping left-foot drive.

Neuville briefly brightened up the dull proceedings with a swerving right-foot drive from outside the area, which Chilavert clasped in his shovel-like hands.

On the whole, though, this was a disappointing match between two sides who had managed to score 17 goals between them in the group stage.

The thought of extra-time and penalties began to creep into everyone’s minds - and that wasn’t a pleasant thought given the excitement level so far.

Then with two minutes remaining, Neuville saved everyone from such a fate.

Schneider broke down the right and crossed to the edge of the six-yard box where Neuville cracked the ball home on the half volley.

To complete Paraguay’s woe, Roberto Acuna was sent off in stoppage time for lashing out with his elbow.