Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff has urged his players to forget the fracas that erupted after the World Cup victory over Argentina and concentrate on next week's semi-final against Italy.

Celebrations were marred after at least one German player was left lying on the floor after being kicked, and punches were thrown by players on both sides.

Argentina substitute Leandro Cufre was shown a red card by referee Lubos Michel for his part in the flare-up.

"It was really a friendly World Cup up to now, " said Bierhoff.

"It's a pity that we didn't carry it on yesterday. But the players of Argentina have so much temper.

Their substitute Leandro Cufre kicked our Per Mertesacker and I tried to protect our players. Per has a wound on his leg.

"We are on the highest level and we are among the best teams in the world. For me it was great to see the players celebrate after the match, but we don't have to exaggerate. Our aim is still to win the World Cup.

"They [Italy] are one of the favourites. I was sure that they would win against Ukraine. The team shows lots of discipline and effectiveness. The preparation for the match will be not so physical because of the short time. We have to work on our tactics."

UKRAINE BLOKHIN RUES GAP IN QUALITY

Ukraine coach Oleg Blokhin admitted his team had paid the price for inferior player quality after their 3-0 defeat at the hands of Italy in the World Cup quarter-finals.

"I have to admit we had deficiencies with our substitutes, " said Blokhin. "Our substitutes were not of great quality and we did not have big stars like Italy - if we had had [Francesco] Totti or someone like him then maybe we would have had a chance. Maybe we should have taken him on loan - maybe we needed a Ukrainian Totti."

Overall Blokhin was pleased about how his team had fared in their maiden World Cup.

"Losing 3-0 to a team like Italy is no disgrace because Italy are a very good team."