BERLIN, June 29 (UPI) -- Germany has been able to take control of its World Cup games with early goals but any scores are rare against quarterfinal foe Argentina.
The host Germans play Argentina Friday in Berlin with the winner moving to the tournament semifinals July 4 in Dortmund.
The Germans are making the tournament easier on themselves with early goals that allow them to keep their game plan intact while opponents need to scramble to try to get back to even.
In three of its four World Cup games Germany has scored in the first six minutes, and half of all its World Cup goals have been in the first 17 minutes of games. That includes an elimination game in which Germany was up 2-0 within 12 minutes of the opening whistle.
"I can't explain why we're scoring so many early goals," said German's Miroslav Klose, who has two early goals. "The crowds are roaring us on from the kick-off and we're always really up for it. What's happening in Germany at the moment is unbelievable and it gives us an enormous lift."
Any goals against Argentina are dear. Argentina has given up just two goals so far, although one was of the early variety.
Argentina's Maxi Rodriguez said: "Germany are tough opponents but we have to think about ourselves. Argentina are capable of beating anybody."
