Germany gave their deadly enemies Argentina a 4-0 beating in Cape Town's Green Point Stadium on Saturday to romp into the World Cup semifinals.

Thomas Mueller's third minute goal eased the Germans' nerves and Miroslav Klose scored twice and Arne Friedrich added one in the second half.

Three minutes into play, Bastian Schweinsteiger delivered an inswinging free kick from the left and Thomas Mueller got in front of Nicolas Otamendi to glance the ball goalwards, which hit keeper Sergio Romero's right leg before flying into the net.

That was the quickest goal and Mueller's fourth at this World Cup, beating English Steven Gerrard's effort against the United States.

Germany were menacing on every attack, coming at the Argentina backline with fleuncy and precise passing and reminding people of Germany's mercilessness in their 4-1 trouncing of England in the second round.

Argentina's first decent chance came at the 22nd minute when Lionel Messi curled the ball behind the back of the German defence for Carlos Tevez, but Manuel Neuer was quick enough to snatch the ball.

At the 24th minute, Muller raced down the right and crossed to Klose, who blazed over from 11 meters.

After the half-hour mark, Argentina became alive as Neuer was forced to pull off two saves in a quick succession.

At the 37th minute, Messi's shot hit the wall, but from the rebound Argentina got the ball in the net - however, that was useless because four Argentine players were offside.

Two minutes later, German forward Lukas Podolski struck narrowly wide of Sergio Romero's left-hand post.

In the last action of the half, Messi skipped past Bastian Schweinsteiger, only to blaze over from 20 meters.

Maradona's side returned after the restart to give Germany a scary moment as Angel di Maria blasted a 25 meters shot which had Neuer diving before it flew a meter wide of the post.

A few moments later, Tevez struck the ball from close range, which smacked hard into the face of Per Mertesacker.

Argentines kept Neuer busy after the hour mark, who saved three strikes from Tevez, Messi and Angel di Maria.

Germany turned out a more efficient team.

At the 68th minute, Muller, while scrambling on the ground, passed to Podolski, who broke into the Argentina area and cut the ball across goal, narrowly past the Argentine keeper, and to Klose, who tapped home easily.

Six minutes later, German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger shook off three opponents and cut the ball back to Arne Friedrich, who tapped in while falling down.

When the unbeatable third went in, Maradona sank his head on the back of son-in-law Sergio Aguero, who was about to come on as a substitute.

Klose, playing his 100th international game, scored his second goal - his fourth in South Africa and 14th in his three World Cups - as he volleyed Mesut Ozil's cross into the net in the 89th minute.

Germany, who have now scored 13 goals in five games, will take on the winners of Paraguay-Spain game in Durban on Wednesday.

Germany coach Joachim Loew said the youth and speed was the key to their lopsided victory.

"Argentina are an experienced and aggressive side but they are inconsistent in defence," said Loew. "The German team are young and speedy enough to take advantage of their defensive loopholes."