HEADLINES

n Germany’s Torsten Frings was banned from the World Cup semifinals after a disciplinary committee found he punched Argentina forward Julio Cruz in a postmatch fracas in the quarterfinals.

“The judgment pronounced on Frings was the result of the unequivocal television images showing his assault on Cruz. Neither the (German federation) nor the player could refute the objective evidence at hand,” the committee said in a statement.

Frings’ absence is a major setback for Germany. The midfielder has been one of Germany’s best players, creating attacking opportunities and carrying out a lot of the defensive work in tandem with captain Michael Ballack. Frings is likely to be replaced by Sebastian Kehl, a rugged Borussia Dortmund midfielder with similar qualities.

n A German motorist who crashed his car through a concrete barrier around Berlin’s World Cup fan mile and injured 26 people is under investigation for attempted murder.

Berlin officials have said they believe the driver intentionally broke through a barrier near the capital’s landmark Brandenburg Gate on Sunday in an effort to seek attention.

HISTORY

European teams have won every World Cup played in Europe except for the 1958 tournament in Sweden, which was won by Brazil. No European team has won a World Cup title outside of Europe.

STATS

Of the 331 yellow cards handed out so far, Ghana’s Asamoah Gyan had the most of any player, with four. Australia’s Mark Viduka has committed the most fouls with 16 in four games, followed by Ecuador’s Luis Valencia, who had 15 in four games. Australia’s Tim Cahill, England’s Owen Hargreaves and France’s Thierry Henry all have 14. Hargreaves and Henry have played in five games.

QUOTABLE

“All we can do now is accept the decision. We will now concentrate on the Italy game and we are optimistic that Frings will return for the final.” – Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff said after learning Frings had been suspended.

for Tuesday’s semifinal.