Second round and quarter-finals

In the second round, Germany beat Paraguay 1-0 on a late goal by Oliver Neuville in a tense, defense-dominated encounter while England thrashed previously-impressive Denmark 3-0. In the Spain-Ireland match, the two teams drew 1-1 and penalties gave Spain a place in the quarterfinals. Sweden and Senegal had a 1-1 match and it took a Golden goal from Henri Camara in extra time to settle the game. The United States won over Mexico 2-0 behind the goals of Brian McBride and Landon Donovan. Brazil defeated a surprising Belgium 2-0, while Turkey ended co-hosts Japan's run with a 1-0 win. The other co-hosts, South Korea, beat Italy on a golden goal, 2-1. South Korea's win ensured that, for the very first time in the Cup's history, teams from each of Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and Asia reached the quarter-finals.
In the quarter-finals, Ronaldinho's free kick sailed over the stunned David Seaman as Brazil beat England 2-1. The United States lost to Germany 1-0 by a Michael Ballack goal. They demanded the referee give a penalty for a goal-line hand ball by Torsten Frings, but to no avail. South Korea got another win, beating Spain on penalties after a 0-0 draw, becoming the first Asian team to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup, eclipsing the record of their North Korean counterparts when they reached the quarter-finals in 1966. There was much controversy over South Korea's second round and quarter-final victories being the results of match fixing scandals. However complaints were dismissed and the victories stood. Turkey continued their remarkable run, stopping Senegal's own with a 1-0 golden goal victory.