"We have a strong belief in Jens Lehmann," Klinsmann said.
"As a former striker, I don't want to face him, and he proved that," he said.
When Lehmann made the final save by diving to his left, the German players, who had been standing arm-in-arm on the field, sprinted to mob him. The crowd, which less than an hour before sensed an early end with their team down 1-0, erupted with singing, flag-waving and chants.
Several players twirled towels and their jerseys as they toured the Olympic Stadium pitch in exultation.
"I don't live in Germany, so I am really enjoying this, seeing how the fans are celebrating with us," Lehmann said.
The Argentines trudged off with a painful defeat. The end was marred by pushing and shoving on the field, and Germany assistant coach Oliver Bierhoff said, "Per Mertesacker was struck with full force in the leg by an Argentine reserve player, he was on the ground, the players started going for each other."
Argentina's Leandro Cufre, who did not play, was given a red card after the shootout.
By the end of extra time, the limping Ballack didn't have much left, and was unable to chase loose balls.
"I would have gone out, but we already made three substitutions. So I had to tough it out," said Ballack, who was cramping up.
RSS