BERLIN, July 3: Germany suffered a blow on the eve of their World Cup semi-final against Italy when key midfielder Torsten Frings was suspended for Tuesday’s match. Frings was barred after the FIFA Disciplinary Committee viewed TV pictures which show him hitting an Argentinian player in the face in an on-pitch fracas following Germany’s win in a penalty shootout in the quarter- final.

FIFA ruled that Frings can definitely not play in the semi- final but can return for the final on Sunday should Germany beat Italy.

Frings is likely to be replaced for the match in Dortmund by Borussia Dortmund’s defensive midfielder Sebastian Kehl.—AFP