2010 World Cup quarter-final preview: Argentina v Germany
Argentina and Germany have history, or more specifically, they have recent history.
Four years ago, these two giants of international football met at the quarter-final stage of the 2006 World Cup in Germany. And following a tense penalty shoot-out, which the Germans won – naturally - the defeated Argentina players reacted badly, sparking a huge brawl at the end of the match.
Fate has once again pitted the two together at the same stage, in a rematch of that bitter afternoon in Berlin. This time it’s the Cape Town Stadium which will host arguably the stand-out tie of the quarter-finals.
Before this summer’s tournament, many were quick to dismiss the threat of Argentina with the controversial Diego Maradona in charge. While Germany were, foolishly, written-off by some on the basis that Michael Ballack was injured and the strikers were misfiring for their respective clubs.
Yet, both teams have exceeded expectations and one of them will reach the semi-finals of this year’s World Cup.
With their vast array of talented forwards, it’s no great surprise that Argentina have scored the most goals at the quarter-final stage. Germany have netted the second-highest number of goals, though, one behind Argentina’s 10 on nine.
Maradona’s side have ignited this summer’s finals with passion, flair and moments of magic from their star players, including the world’s best player Lionel Messi, who is yet to score but has still been mesmeric. There’s no doubt that it’s their coach who’s been the star of the show over the last three weeks, though. In the build-up to Argentina’s most important match for four years, El Diego was filmed smoking a cigar in training – and joining in with the action, of course.
Meanwhile, Germany come into this match off the back of a resounding 4-1 victory over old rivals England. Joachim Löw’s side produced a sensational performance in Bloemfontein which Argentina would have been proud of. Midfield trio Mesut Özil, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Thomas Müller were all instrumental in the victory, and are almost certain to test the potentially creaky Argentinean backline.
So far they’ve yet to be seriously troubled. Mexico gave them cause for concern in the last 16, and Javier Hernandez’s consolation still suggested that against better opposition, such as Germany, their vulnerabilities in defence could be cruelly exposed.
And with Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose also looking to worry Argentina’s defence, Saturday afternoon promises to be Maradona’s toughest match at this World Cup finals so far.
Klose will win his 100th international cap against the Albicelestes, and three more goals will see him equal Ronaldo’s record as the highest scorer in World Cup history.
But for all Argentina’s frailties and Germany’s impressive forward-thinking players, Maradona has enough quality in his ranks to genuinely believe his side will outscore their opponents and advance to the semi-finals.
Gonzalo Higuain is currently the joint top scorer at the World Cup with four goals to his name, Carlos Tevez was excellent against the Mexicans - bagging himself a brace in the process - and Javier Mascherano continues to expertly protect the back four from defensive midfield.
The two sides last met back in March in Germany, and Argentina sprang a surprise by winning the match by a single goal. A similarly tight game could be the case this weekend in Cape Town, although purists will be hoping for an open match full of goals.
For the winners, a semi-final against Paraguay or Spain awaits.
Germany may have won one more World Cup than their opponents, but it’s Argentina who’ll enter this match as slight favourites based on their form throughout the tournament.
Neutrals will have reason to want both sides to advance through to the last four. In Germany’s case it’s because of their eye-catching attacking football – totally different to the outdated stereotypical view of defensive, efficient German football. And for Argentina it’s because of their exemplary collective team spirit created by the box office figure, Diego Maradona; not to mention their exciting, skilful, world-class attackers.
If it lives up to its potential, this one has the potential to be a classic.
Prediction: Argentina 3-2 Germany (AET)
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