South African World Cup 2010: Schweinsteiger renews German - Argentinean rivalry
Germany take on Argentina in one of the most anticipated world cup matches in recent history. Argentina qualified for the quarter finals to set up the clash with Germans after they dispatched of their Central American neighbors Mexico by three goals to one. Whereas Germany eliminated their European rivals England in a pulsating match which ended four goals to one in favor of Germany at the end.
Schweinsteiger, who was playing for Germany four years ago when they knocked out Argentina at the same stage of the tournament put in a match winning performance against England as he controlled the tempo of the game through retaining possession of the ball in midfield. He also played against Argentina four years ago in a game which was marred by post-match skirmishes between the two teams after Argentina had lost on a penalty shoot-out.
Four years ago Schweinsteiger was a junior member of the German squad as they hosted the World Cup. Back then senior members in the squad such as Michael Ballack, Jens Lehmann, and Torsten Frings led the younger players like Schweinsteiger and Podolski but this time Germany’s squad is relatively young and therefore responsibility lies on the likes of Schweinsteiger and Lahm to lead them.
Schweinsteiger remarked before the match on Saturday that Germany must keep their composure and they must not let themselves be proved by anyone during the match. These remarks come in light of the events that blemished their previous quarter final meeting in the FIFA World Cup of 2006.
He also spoke about referees and the effect they can have on the match. The world cup so far has seen various horrendous refereeing decisions. In a match of this magnitude which can potentially decide one of the future world cup finalists, referees will need to be at the top of their game. Players have also not made it easy for the referees with their exaggerated reactions and play acting. German midfielder Mesut Ozil was one of the players who got booked in the group stages for diving.
Schweinsteiger commented on how it is important for Germany’s young guns to practice restraint and not react to tackles and any other aggravation. He also expressed his thoughts about the Argentinean fans and the referee’s treatment during the half time break during the Argentina vs. Mexico match. He said that Argentina show “lack of respect” when they try to influence referees through their “body language and gesticulations”.
He said that Argentinean fans are “very self confident” and sit together at all times during their matches. He also made it a point to explain that they sometimes “assert” their rights “even the non-existing rights”.
Schweinsteiger also commented on Lionel Messi as he said that if a player has the ball for long enough, he will be fouled “sooner or later”. He also said that Messi is good enough when he is weaving his magic, therefore Germans will play as a team to combat his skills, he also mentioned that they will not foul anyone on purpose during the match.
The German born star, explained that there are also other players in the Argentinean team which need to be kept a “watchful eye” on during the match.
Maradona, the Argentinean manager has responded in kind by alleging that Schweinsteiger is nervous before the match. He said that “Argentina will beat Germany in their own half” and then went onto suggest that the German youngster is maybe anxious before the big match.
The mind games before the big match look to be underway as both the teams gear up for what is expected to be an exciting match.
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