Argentina Hits the Books
Argentina is hard at work preparing for its quarterfinal match on Saturday against Germany. The team has been reviewing tapes of Germany’s previous matches at the World Cup, studying their penalty kick techniques. Argentina hopes to copy Germany’s tactics by studying how their opponents take penalties.
Germany and Argentina faced each other in the 2006 quarterfinals where Germany was victorious in a 4-2 shootout that sent tempers and punches flying. The match was a 1-1 draw before overtime, after which Argentina was sent home because of the penalty kicks. They do not want to repeat history this year.
Both teams are in top form right now, playing quick, smart attacking games. Germany’s tactics have been to supplement their traditional strengths with young players who go after free kicks relentlessly. Mesut Oezil is such an example, the top scouted player at the World Cup “chases down ever ball and never gives anything up” according to Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero.
Argentina has an experienced starting lineup that includes Lionel Messi and Gonzalo Higuain. “I know they can take revenge for 2006, but it's a different team now. Lionel Messi was on the bench then," said Germany striker Miroslav Klose. "We've changed a lot too. Still, when you look at the names, on paper Argentina is simply better.”
Argentina looks unstoppable and Germany doesn’t have the home field advantage this time. Messi hasn’t scored yet in the tournament but his attacking force has remained as intimidating as ever. He has made more shots on goal than any other play so far, a total of 20, and twice hit the post. Messi is due a goal and a big game, and big name players have been known to pull it off when the heat is on during big games.
Argentina’s superior squad will perform to expectations, at least on paper, even if Messi can’t score. Higuain and Tevez will be eager to pounce at the opportunity to score, as will subs Diego Milito and Sergio Aguero.
Germany can exploit Argentina’s defensive weakness but will put up a good fight even if they can’t. Klose as well as striker Lukas Podolski will come in handy for breaking down the opponents and both players scored in Germany’s last match.
Germany also studied up on Argentina. After studying a sheet of the Argentine penalty takers and the direction the kicks took on average, Germany keeper Jens Lehmann was able to stop kicks from Roberto Ayala and Esteban Cambiasso during a match in Berlin.
Germany and Argentina both made it into the quarterfinals after questionable officiating in their final group match games.
During the 3-1 Argentina Mexico finale, Carlos Tevez scored his opening goal from way offside but the referee let it stand. Working off a pass from Messi Tevez was way beyond the last Mexico defender when Messi played the ball but Italian referee Roberto Rosetti and his assistants did not spot this—quite shocking when you consider this is their sole responsibility in that situation. Tevez admitted afterwards he knew he was offside, and that “I know I was selfish but as long as they say it was a goal it’s OK for me and the team”.
Germany defeated England 4-1 in England’s most lopsided World Cup match ever, but was it as clear cut as that. Frank Lampard scored a game tying goal but referee Jorge Larrionda waved on the play, the only one in stadium full of thousands who failed to see the ball travel at least a yard past the goal line. Most pundits believe that England's second-half tactics would have been different, less cavalier, had they started the second half level with the Germans.
The controversial goals have inspired investigations into FIFA’s instant replay policies on the big screens and their opposition to using technology to settle dispute such as these.
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