Mueller’s goal gives Germany 1-0 lead over Argentina at half of World Cup quarterfinal

Germany leads Argentina 1-0 at halftime

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — Thomas Mueller’s goal has given Germany a 1-0 lead over Argentina at halftime of their World Cup quarterfinal match.

Mueller’s fourth goal of the tournament came in the third minute, when he headed in a Bastian Schweinsteiger free kick after Lukas Podolski was fouled.

The 20-year-old winger then created a scoring chance for Miroslav Klose in the 24th minute. But Klose shot over the goal from 12 meters.

Argentina’s Gonzalo Higuain had a goal disallowed because several players were offside in the 36th minute.

Lionel Messi was tightly marked and had a quiet first half, while Germany midfielders Schweinsteiger, Mesut Oezil and Sami Khedira enjoyed huge amounts of space in the center of the pitch.