|PIC1|Germany made it through to the Semi-Finals of the World Cup Friday, after beating Argentina 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out. The game in Berlin ended tensely with a 1-1 draw after extra-time with neither side managing to secure the victory.

Argentina, many people’s favourites after some great performances in the earlier stages, led the game when Roberto Ayala took advantage of slack marking to head in a Juan Riquelme corner after 49 minutes.

It seemed as if that would be enough, but with just 10 minutes to go of normal time Michael Ballack's cross was flicked on by Tim Borowski and Miroslav Klose headed home his fifth goal of the tournament.

In penalties, Germany scored all of their first four spot-kicks, but for Argentina Ayala and Esteban Cambiasso both missed to send the host nation through, to the joy of thousands of ecstatic German fans watching.

The tense match spilled over at the climax however, when players and officials from both sides clashed on the pitch.

FIFA is likely to view footage of the incident and may decide to take action against one or both of the teams.

Jose Pekerman coach of Argentina, quit his position following the quarter-final defeat, amid criticism over his substitutions as his side led 1-0.

|PIC2|Germany, will now play Italy in the semi-final in Dortmund on Tuesday 4 July, after the Italians won convincingly 3-0 against the Ukraine.

Meanwhile Christian social concern groups are applauding a new Congressional Resolution that has emerged in the US, which has urged Germany to combat sex trafficking during the World Cup games.

The resolution (H.Res. 860) was passed unanimously in a bipartisan effort this week to urge Germany to denounce practices that have encouraged prostitution and have as a result contributed to the exploitation of women and children.

Concerned Women for America (CWA), America’s largest public policy women’s organisation, was quick to applaud the Resolution to combat sex trafficking.

“Congressman [Chris] Smith has been at the forefront on so many positive efforts to protect women and children; CWA applauds his leadership in bringing the sex trafficking problem at the World Cup to international attention,” said Dr. Janice Shaw Crouse, CWA’s head for anti-trafficking efforts in a statement released by the Christian group.

Smith (R- NJ) is vice chairman of the House International Relations Committee and author of the legislation.

|AD|“The hearings on Capitol Hill and now this resolution point up the necessity for Germany to act quickly,” Crouse added, “to counter the situation it has created that fosters exploitation and abuse of women and children.”

Similarly, Focus on the Family’s Senior Analyst for Media and Sexuality, Daniel Weiss, also praised the passing of the Resolution.

“We applaud the effort of the U.S. Congress to take these steps towards the German government, encouraging them to stop the spread of human trafficking,” said Weiss.

“I think that the U.S. has given a strong response to this terrible development. I hope to see the U.S. continue to take strong steps for Germany or any other country that is not doing enough to stop trafficking.”

Weiss noted that Germany several years ago had legalised prostitution with the hope to end human trafficking but instead saw an increase in the country.

“Germany is virtually alone in ignoring the ramifications of their pro-prostitution policies,” said CWA’s Crouse. “Even the coaches of the competing teams recognise that international athletic events should not be used to promote such victimisation of women.”

Crouse concluded, “From most reports, fans at the World Cup have got the message – real men don’t abuse women. As sex slavery has been exposed, the sex shacks and brothels have been largely shunned, and those who planned for big profits are coming up empty-handed. This is a major victory for those who care about women and children.”





Daniel Blake & Michelle Vu
Christian Today Correspondents