FIFA World Cup 2010 Quarterfinals : Argentina vs Germany Match Preview
It’s time for the big one now: Argentina versus Germany in the final 8 of the FIFA World Cup 2010. With Brazil already out of the World Cup, it’s now down to Argentina, Germany and Spain, the 3 favourites to win the trophy.
Argentina have had a 100% record in the World Cup so far, and are the only team alongside Netherlands who have not yet been beaten in the tournament.
The road to the quarterfinals has been pretty much smooth sailing for the former world champions. They were placed in Group B, alongside Nigeria, South Korea and Greece.
Their first match against Nigeria was probably a match to test the waters. The South Americans looked a bit off colour, but still showed glimpses of brilliance that they have been known for.
Nigeria came out with a game plan and stuck to it, but the big hearted Africans were no match to the silky one touch football by Argentina. Heinze, the left back, scored the only goal in the match to earn a 1-0 win. The 2nd game was when Argentina really put on their game face and showed the world what they had to offer. South Korea were blown away in a one sided affair, as Argentina dominated the play throughout and Higuain got the first and so far only hat-trick of the World Cup so far. The 2nd win all but assured the path to the Round of 16. The final game against Greece was probably their toughest test, but still they dominated the former European champions to win 2-0. The first knockout game was against Mexico, and the North Americans gave Argentina a good match. Mexico played some aggressive football but still there was too much quality at hand from Argentina as they prevailed 3-1 to book a date with Germany in the quarterfinals.
Germany, on the other hand, have had a mixed tournament, as they have been blowing hot and cold so far. The first match of their World Cup was a scintillating performance, where Germany ripped Australia to shreds and the men from Down Under were left chasing shadows. Germany came out 4-0 winners then, but the 2nd game was stark contrast to the first. The former world champions were shocked by a resolute Serbian team and lost 1-0. The 3rd game, against Ghana, became all important for them. And it had started to look tricky with no goals in the match, but a late wonder goal got them through to a 1-0 win. In the Final 16, they met their old enemy England, and after much controversy, they won the match 4-1.
As far as the team news is concerned, Lionel Messi did not train on Friday, but is expected to be fit for the all important game. Defender Walter Samuel is fit after recovering from a thigh injury, but may not start.
Considering that Germany are a wonderful counterattacking team, Maradona may opt to play Jonas Gutierrez, who is a much more defensive minded player, instead of Angel di Maria on the wing.
Maradona would also have another difficult choice to make, when he makes the decision between Maxi Rodriguez and veteran Juan Veron.
Germany’s ace front man Lukas Podolski will give a late fitness test, as he has been suffering from a muscular problem.
Mesut Ozil, who scored the wonder goal against Ghana that got Germany to the Final 16, is also believed to be fully recovered for the Argentina encounter, even though he did not take part in training on Friday. The Brazilian born striker Cacau has some problems with his abdominal muscle, and is likely to miss out.
Just like other teams, Argentina and Germany both have number of players one booking away from a suspension. Bolatti, Heinze and Mascherano are the 3 from Argentina, and Friedrich, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Muller, Lahm and Ozil are the ones from Germany.
Messi has not been able to score yet in the World Cup, and would like nothing better than to finally get his name on the score sheet, but his overall play has still been more than menacing. Higuain may start again alongside Tevez, with Messi on the left wing.
For Germany, the Golden Boot winner of the 2006 World Cup, Miroslav Klose, will be a constant threat upfront, but Podolski, if fit, will give Germany a new dimension, as his menacing runs in the box are hard to tame. However, the young duo of Ozil and Muller will be the key while attacking on the counter.
Therefore, it will be interesting to see if Argentina decide to play a calculated game, considering the counterattacking potency of Germany, or they go all out as they normally do.
Germany’s young team, meanwhile, will have less amount of pressure going into the match, as they were not really favourites when the World Cup began, and it’s only their good work in the World Cup that has seen them come to the forefront of the favourites’ list.
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