Germany advances to World Cup quarterfinals

Posted 7:01AM on Saturday 15th June 2002 ( 23 years ago )

SEOGWIPO, SOUTH KOREA - Germany advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals on Oliver Neuville's goal in the 88th minute, giving the three-time champions a 1-0 victory over Paraguay on Saturday. Germany has reached the final eight in every World Cup appearance except in 1938. The Germans struggled all game to finish their attacks, but finally got the decisive goal as extra time loomed. Neuville swept in a 6-yard right-footed shot after Bernd Schnieder broke down the right wing and sent in a perfect cross. Germany faces Mexico or the United States in the quarterfinals on Friday in Ulsan, South Korea. The Germans beat the Americans in the first round of the 1998 World Cup. In 1986, they defeated host Mexico in the quarterfinals in a penalty kick shootout. Paraguay ended the game with 10 men after Roberto Acuna was ejected in second-half injury time. It is the second straight World Cup in which Paraguay was knocked out on a late goal in the opening game of the second round. Paraguay lost to eventual champion France in 1998 on an overtime goal. In a listless first half that saw Paraguay striker Roque Santa Cruz limp off in the 30th minute, neither side could scratch out many clear chances. The Paraguayans came closest in the 35th minute. Jose Cardozo chipped the ball into the middle, where Celso Ayala was unmarked. But he sent his shot into goalkeeper Oliver Kahn's arms from 10 yards. Moments later, Kahn leaped high to tip Jorge Campos' swinging shot over the bar. The game picked up in the second half. Germany came close in the 47th when Neuville broke down the right side of the penalty area and sent the ball back to Schneider, With plenty of space, he rifled his shot straight at goalie Jose Luis Chilavert from 8 yards. Moments later, Paraguay broke upfield and Campos, who outran his defender, lashed a fierce left-footed drive that forced a diving save from Kahn.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2002/6/193535