FIFA World Cup 2010: Argentina and Germany’s Quarter Final preview, Maradona needs to counter German blitz
When Argentina met Germany in a friendly match on March 3rd this year, Maradona said it felt like a World Cup game and just a few months later, the charismatic manager's wish has been granted. Germany, who beat a woeful England 4-1, has set up a tantalizing last 8 clash against Diego Maradona’s Argentina.
Argentina have won all their 4 matches at this years’ World Cup, and that too convincingly, which is in stark contrast to their qualifying campaign where they struggled miserably to qualify. But since arriving in South Africa their fortunes have turned, and La Albieceleste are on a 9-game undefeated run.
The clash is a repeat of the Quarter Finals in Germany 2006 where the hosts made a stunning comeback in a pulsating encounter to win it on penalties.
The plot this time is similar, where Argentina is back in form while Germany despite impressing massively with their showings has shown some frailties. But between now and the game in Cape Town, Maradona has a lot of thinking to do.
Since arriving in South Africa, Maradona has opted for a 4-3-2-1 formation with Lionel Messi playing in the hole behind the two front men Higuain and Tevez, and so far it has worked wonders for them.
Back in March he chose a more defensive and careful 4-4-2 formation with Messi playing up top with Gonzalo Higuain. Now against the prolific Germans the question is, should Maradona stick with his attacking instincts and keep an attacking formation that has served his side so well up till now, or should he revert back to a more defensive formation?
Although, Messi is playing in inspired form, he has struggled to convert his panache and finesse into goals. But there is no doubt that he is enjoying the more liberated role that his manager has given him.
While Messi plays in the hole, Angel Di Maria and Maxi Rodriguez provide width in the centre of the park, while Javier Mascherano plays as the shield in front of the back four.
Watching Argentina so far it is very evident that the front 3 have very little defensive responsibilities leaving 7 players with all the burden of dealing with the attacking threats of the opponents with Mascherano given the task of masterminding the midfield.
But against a youthful German side that dispatched the English Three lions with remarkable ease he may be forced to change a system that has so far worked very well for La Albieceleste.
Looking at the way Germans are playing in this World Cup they have two viciously skilful front men in Klose and Podolski. Mesut Ozil performs the duties of the attacking midfielder with remarkable ease. The Germans possess a blistering counter attack that proved to be England’s undoing last night and the same can be a cause of concern for Maradona if he remains with his attacking formation.
Jaochim Loew’s side can provide more than a stern test for the South Americans and given their performances in the tournament so far there are areas to exploit in Argentina’s defence. It may prove to be a weak link in what is otherwise a sublimely gifted team.
Although, Demechelis is a very talented defender, all the players that started in the back four for Argentina against Mexico, Heinze, Burdisso, Otamendi and Demechelis are arguably their best in the midfield. Clement Rodriguez is the only specialist defender in Maradona’s side and so far his defenders have only one thing to take care of on the pitch and that is defending.
The system so far has worked very well for Maradona but the mercurial manager has to find the right balance for the game against Germany if he is to avenge the 2006 World Cup Quarter Final defeat. O else, it could be another shattered dream for a team of extremely talented and skilful players.
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