Germany came from behind to beat Argentina after a dramatic penalty shootout as Jurgen Klinsmann's side progressed to the semi-finals of the World Cup.

Jens Lehmann was Germany's hero, saving two spot-kicks as the hosts won 4-2 on penalties, after the game had ended 1-1 after two hours of action.

The Arsenal shot-stopper kept out efforts by Roberto Ayala and Esteban Cambiasso while Germany scored with all four of their penalties.

It was probably a fair result as Germany had been the more attack-minded side during normal and extra-time.

The first half was a very tight affair with only one clear-cut chance created. It came in the 17th minute when Michael Ballack powered a header narrowly wide.

The match opened up after the break but it was Jose Pekerman's side that took the lead three minutes into the second period with their first effort on goal.

Poor marking by the hosts allowed Ayala to rise above Miroslav Klose as he headed home Juan Roman Riquelme's corner.

Germany responded well, and when Roberto Abbondanzieri flapped at Bastian Schweinsteiger's corner, the ball fell to Ballack whose effort was blocked by Ayala.

The Argentina keeper was hurt in the incident and had to be replaced by Leonardo Franco.

Argentina should have made it 2-0 in the 73rd minute when Maxi Rodriguez drilled a shot into the side-netting after being set up by Carlos Tevez.

It proved to be a costly miss as, with ten minutes of normal time left, Klinsmann's side equalised. Ballack's cross was headed on by substitute Tim Borowski and Klose headed past Franco to register his fifth goal of the tournament.

Chances were few and far between in extra-time as both sides seemed resigned to the shootout lottery but it was Lehmann and not Franco who proved to be the penalty hero.

Tempers became frayed after the game with Gabriel Heinze in particular losing his cool and there were reports that punches were thrown in the after-match melee.