Record-breaking Klose

Right at the moment that Miroslav Klose went into the history books in the semifinal against Brazil he decided to do something a bit out of the ordinary. He decided not to celebrate his goal with his trademark forward flip. Instead, he slid onto his knees and stretched his index finger into the Belo Horizonte sky.

"As I scored my goal I got hit and so I wasn't able to do the flip," he said in his usual understated way, in his post-match interview with German broadcaster ZDF.

This, even though his second goal in Germany's 7-1 demolition of Brazil, truly was a special moment. The goal wasn't necessarily one of Klose's best. His first attempt was parried away by Brazilian keeper Julio Cesar, but the 36-year-old striker smashed home the goal on the second attempt. He's now scored 16 goals at the World Cup finals, making him the highest goal-scorer in the history of the tournament. It's a record that could stand for a long time.

"It is an amazing achievement from him, especially to do it in Brazil," said Germany coach Joachim Löw after the game. "I am very happy for him."

As luck would have it, Klose took the goal-scoring record off Brazilian ex-player Ronaldo. The Selecao superstar was commentating up in the stands when his record was broken.

A team effort

After the game, Klose didn't miss a chance to commend his fellow players and the team's substitutes for the amazing performance against Brazil.

"We started brilliantly," he said. "We have shown that we can work together in training, we really are one unit."

In addition to his goal-scoring record the Lazio-based striker also broke another record on Tuesday night. He is the first player in World Cup history to appear in four World Cup semifinals. Back in 2002 he was on hand for Germany's 1-nil victory against South Korea. Then came two semi-final losses against Italy (2006) and Spain (2010). Now, he's in the final.

Klose will, however, miss out on a third record at this World Cup, for most tournament appearances. He's now played 23 times for the German team, two games behind German defensive midfielder Lothar Matthäus.

Accompanied by loud applause from the German fans, Klose was subbed out on 58 minutes, being replaced by André Schürrle. Joachim Löw wants to keep him fit for the final on Sunday. That will be his 137th game for Germany and perhaps his last. He'll hope to cap off his career as world champion and it would definitely be a fitting end. Who knows: perhaps he'll manage another goal. That would be his 72nd in German colors.