SOGWIPO, South Korea -- There are some soccer matches that fly past in a frenzy of rapid thrusts, parries and counterthrusts. This was not one of those.
This was a poor game of few opportunities, disappointing endeavor and little excitement for a crowd that must have expected more from Germany, World Cup winner not too many years ago, and Paraguay, which can play some exciting football when it is unshackled.
For the record, a goal in the 87th minute by Oliver Neuville settled this dour encounter, putting Germany through to the last eight of the tournament.