Diego Maradona described Argentina's humiliation at the hands of Germany as the toughest day of his life.
Miroslav Klose scored twice as Germany went through to the World Cup semi-finals with a 4-0 victory at the Green Point Stadium. It left Lionel Messi, the world's best player, sobbing in the dressing room and Maradona hinting it could be the end of his colourful reign as Argentina coach.
"I may leave," was his initial reaction before tempering it with a more considered response. "We will see what happens," he continued. "I haven't thought about leaving. I have to check that with my family and the players and there are things I have to consider."
He added: "But as coach and player the type of football people like is this one. Touch the ball, rotate, run, Argentina can't play a different style."
It was no match for a German team who had destroyed England 4-1 in the last 16 and who now have every chance of making it through to next Sunday's final in Soccer City, Johannesburg.
Not surprisingly German coach Joachim Low was delighted with another exciting and mature performance from the youngest German World Cup side in 76 years.
Low said: "My team showed great resolve, a great willingness to win and in doing so it was a true champion's performance. There was a lot of ambition in the team to win this game and enormous speed. It was really impressive."
Low singled out 32-year-old striker Klose, whose two goals on his 100th cap took him level on 14 World Cup goals with German legend Gerd Muller.
Low said: "I'm thrilled for Klose. He is truly impressive, such a wonderful and successful player. He has scored more than one in every second match. Klose has been outstanding in 2002, 2006 and 2010, he has always put on a top quality performance.
"Very few players could hold a candle to him. This is truly a feat to stay in the history books."
Source: PA
