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Ballack heads Germany to semifinal

Lucky 13: Ballack makes the difference for Germany

ULSAN, South Korea (CNN) -- Michael Ballack headed Germany to their 10th World Cup semifinal with a 1-0 win over a spirited USA side.

The midfielder leapt to meet Christian Ziege's free-kick six minutes before half-time and settle a game that the unfancied Americans were unlucky to lose.

Germany, who have conceded just one goal in the tournament, join Brazil in the last four after the tournament favourites came from behind to beat England 2-1 in Friday's other quarterfinal. (Match report)

On Saturday South Korea meet Spain and Turkey play Senegal.

The Americans, who enjoyed their best campaign since 1930, tore at the three-times champions.

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Keeper Oliver Kahn made three sharp saves while Scottish referee Hugh Dallas enraged the USA players by waving away penalty claims when Torsten Frings, standing on the goal line, appeared to handle the ball.

Kahn dived low to tip away Landon Donovan's shot after the American had darted past a defender.

Donovan was also set free on the right in the 30th minute but as he bore down on goal he hesitated and Kahn blocked his shot. The keeper then made a reflex save from Eddie Lewis's drive.

But Ballack's firm header rocked the USA and Miroslav Klose nearly made it two when his header came back off the bottom of a post.

Kahn was nearly embarrassed midway through the second half when Claudio Reyna spotted him off his line and lobbed a volley goalwards. But as the keeper charged back the ball dropped just wide.

Handball? Frings escapes

Klose had a chance to settle the tie seven minutes before the end but keeper Brad Friedel was alert to the danger.

Germany were nearly made to pay a minute from the end when Tony Sanneh at the far post headed into the sidenetting.

Germany Oliver Kahn; Christoph Metzelder, Sebastian Kehl, Thomas Linke; Torsten Frings, Bernd Schneider, Dietmar Hamann, Michael Ballack, Christian Ziege; Miroslav Klose, Oliver Neuville

USA Brad Friedel; Eddie Pope, Pablo Mastroeni, Gregg Berhalter; Tony Sanneh, Landon Donovan, Claudio Reyna, John O'Brien, Frankie Hejduk; Eddie Lewis, Brian McBride

Referee Hugh Dallas (Scotland)