FIFA 2010 World Cup: Analysis and prediction for the Germany vs. Argentina match, 3-1 Germany?
Germany and Argentina have had one of the toughest match histories. The Germans have triumphed more especially at moments where it was important to win but nevertheless the Argentineans have given them an equally tough fight for victory. Germany or, West Germany, as they were known, has encountered Argentina 5 times in the final stages of the World Cup.
Their first clash occurred in 1958 during the Group Stages, which Germany won 3-1. The next time they faced each other was in 1966, which ended in a goalless draw. They met again in1986 and that time the legendary Diego Maradona helped Argentina defeat the Germans 3-2. In the next World Cup of 1990 they battled in a boring match that saw a last minute goal from the German side. In 2006 they dueled again and ironically it was in the quarter finals. It was a thriller that unfortunately had to end on penalties and the Germans dominated.
Now they battle it out in South Africa, Cape Town at Green Point Stadium, again in the quarter finals. Here are the main factors that will influence the match and bring out the winner’s prediction.
The Argentine and German Defence
Even a lay man can tell that the German stronghold defence is unmatchable in the World Cup. The line up shines with Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Arne Friedrich and Jerome Boateng which easily represent the best defensive squad in the World Cup.
Lahm, who is also their skipper, is a persistent character on the field. He will go after the ball at any place and doesn’t know how to give up, which gives him the key quality of a defender. His ability to attack along with the tall and careful Mertesacker, helps make the midfield strong. The counter attacking combination of these two will disturb Lionel Messi a lot, especially if the La Albiceleste loses the ball.
At the last line of defence are the ever present Freidrich and Boateng, both perfect for the job of tackling and regaining the ball. They will be a tough German wall to bring down if the Argentineans want to put the ball between the posts.
The Argentineans will definitely get opportunities and they will have to take full advantage of them if they want to qualify for the semi-finals.
The Argentinean defence on the other hand has been quite erratic thanks to their controversial coach Diego Maradona, who has been rearranging the players with only Martin Demichelis playing in all the matches. But now against Germany, Maradona will have a tough task ahead of him.
The fact is that Albiceleste don’t possess the amount of world class defenders the German team has. Still they do have world recognized talents of Gabriel Heinze who is also a consistent performer with the offence.
Nicolas Burdusso and Nicolas Otamendi are also reliable performers proving their worth against the Mexicans.
The Argentine and German Midfield
If the Argentine had it tough on the defence they won’t know what hit them in the midfield. Though their star midfielder and captain, Michael Ballack is out of the World Cup due to an injury; the young generation has taken charge of the responsibility beautifully.
Bastain Schweinsteiger was everywhere against the English. He defended well, he created attacking opportunities and most importantly he assisted every player when he was in need. His presence has greatly assisted the midfielder Sami Khedira. His prudent play and insight in the midfield is prodigal for his age. He truly has shown that the future is very bright for him.
Mesut Oezil too has already proven himself to become one if the best midfielders in history. He out runs every one on the field and his lustrous passing with his finesse finishing has won the hearts of many critics. The additional player in the midfield is Thomas Mueller who has also worked beautifully on the wings.
The forward winger/striker Lionel Messi is currently playing in the midfield for Argentina. His position has caused quite some controversies with critics arguing he should be played at his natural position. But the truth is that because his team lacks experience in the crucial midfield the star has to play at that position. So far though he hasn’t been able to score a goal but he has played marvelously at his midfield position.
Maxi Rodriguez, who couldn’t shine for Liverpool, has given a performance to counter that for his home side. His skipper, and also fellow Liverpool player, Javier Mascherano has a point to prove for his country. The midfield will heavily rely on him if he wants his country to win. He will have to not just provide assistance in the defence, which he is doing spectacularly, but help unleash Messi from the midfield. Angel Di Maria also has been magnificent, and there will be stunners expected from him.
The veteran Veron has yet to give his star performance. He has experience but could struggle against the pace of the Germans. There is no doubt that Messi will be a part of the midfield and the wings. It is apparent that he is under a lot of pressure and his performance has been marred because of that. What will be important for him would be to use his unique one-man-table-turning ability and use it against the Germans.
The Argentine and German Offence
The legendary duo of Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose would probably end up in history as the best pair of forwards. They both had a dismissive season with Köln and Bayern Munich but that doesn’t seem to matter in the World Cup as they have shown their ever brilliant form in the World Cup again. As individuals the German strikers might not be able to match the star power of Gonzalo Higuain, Carlos Tevez and Diego Milito, but they know how to finish a job and to do it well.
The midfield coordination with the astounding forwards has been amazing for the Germans. Their signature team chemistry is ever present in this World Cup and their traditional selfless plays are what have helped them reach the quarter finals.
There would be no shortage of opportunities for the well organized German midfield so all the strikers will have to do is finish what has been started.
Gonzalo Higuain has been sharing his chances scoring with Tevez and Messi but still has the most goals scored in the tournament. Higiain had an amazing season with Real Madrid and so did Tevez with Manchester City and of course there is no shortage of words of praise for Messi for Barcelona.
While the Argentinean team outclasses the Germans in offence, a striker like Messi will have to avail every single opportunity if they want to win the match.
Prediction
Germany will triumph with a 3-1 victory in the match and though Messi will perform beautifully his one man show will not be good enough against the German army.
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