Silences his critics with a sparkling comeback

Only days ago he had been sent off in their Group D defeat by Serbia and had to sit out Germany's narrow 1-0 win over Ghana that sent them through the group stage.

The discussion as to whether he was too old had again kicked off back home.

"I was just happy that the team won against Ghana and I could play against England," he said after scoring what was his 12th World Cup goal.

The Poland-born striker is now level with Pele on the all-time World Cup scorers list, just three behind top scorer Ronaldo on 15.

Image: Klose celebrates with team-mat