The highlight of the World Cup to this point has arrived – a quarterfinal clash between Argentina and Germany. Trash talk has been the theme of the build-up, as the two teams dished up plenty of verbal activity with the man himself – Diego Maradona – producing his best German accent.
German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger accused Argentina of being disrespectful and influencing the referee.
In turn, Maradona responded to Fox Sports: “What’s the matter Schweinsteiger? Are you nervous?,” in a German accent.
Double scorer against Mexico, Carlos Tevez, even said his team was more worried about the Mexicans than the upcoming game against Germany.
Fun for the football fan, but it is time for this game to be played on the park rather than off it.
The Argentine boss has ruled out switching to a 4-4-2, the formation that beat Germany in their last meeting, meaning he will stick to his 4-1-2-1-2.
There has been flu worries over Lionel Messi, but you can’t see the superstar missing a Cup quarterfinal because of a cough. The tactical battle in this game is unprecedented in this tournament.
Argentina has attacked, and with great effect. When you have the likes of Messi, Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain at the top, attack would be your number one game plan.
As is becoming a common feature at this tournament amongst the top teams, the defensive midfielder pairing of Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira will have an important job to do.
Maradona might be right – Schweinsteiger could well be nervous with Messi coming his way. One can’t help but feel the Barcelona star is due – for a goal, for a world eye-catching performance.
Also, the movement and pace of Tevez and Higuain has the potential to cause the centre of the German defence plenty of problems.
The central defensive duo of Per Mertesacker and Arne Friedrich are good players, but they aren’t quick enough to contain Tevez and Higuain.
Then again, they aren’t quick enough to contain Wayne Rooney and Jermaine Defoe either.
The difference – Argentina’s midfield will play the ball around and work the German defence over, instead of hitting the long ball. Dependant on how they approach it, Germany could hit Maradona’s men on the counter, like they did to England.
The quality and youthful pace of Mesut Ozil and Thomas Muller combined with Lukas Podolski shows plenty of potential. Let us not forget World Cup goal scoring machine Miroslav Klose up front.
Again, captain Javier Mascherano has the important gig in the holding role. Whether Maradona is forced to move five into the midfield will be known as the game develops.
The Germans have had too much in the middle for their opponents until now and only Serbia changed tactics to deploy five in midfield.
It’s the pace of the German attack that will be of most concern to Maradona. The pairing of Martin Demichelis and the returning Walter Samuel are experienced, but they are aging at 29 and 32 respectively.
The way Mexican Javier Hernandez turned Demichelis in the area in the quarterfinal was simple and too easy. The Manchester United recruit caused havoc in the Argentine defensive area.
A pair of potentially breakable defensive walls will be on show, which could lead to a quarterfinal goal fest special.
Argentine experience to overcome youthful Germany for mine – just – attacking flair to prevail for the South Americans.
Zeke
Guest
Dejan, I wish you were right.. unfortunately as an Argentinian I knew this was coming. when you leave out the likes of Cambiasso and Gago and your midfield consists of all attacking minded players (with the exception of Mascherano) there can only be 1 game plan. Score more than the opposition, because the opposition was always going to score. This was the first real test for Argentina and El Diego, and we failed miserably. The reality of this is that we only have played well for 3 games this world cup, the best I have seen Argentina play since Maradona took over, the qualifying was a shambles we only just scrapped through. Before the WC started I was expecting very little from Argentina. hopefully by next time we can have a proper coach that will be able to slightly adjust the team tactics depending on who we play.. again we would need to take the appropriate players to start with. Overall I am glad that this was not a repeat of 2002 WC where we were sent home in the group stage by a penalty (ENG) and a freekick (Sweden) with the now Chilean coach Bielsa at the helm. I guess I should start the count down to my next disappointment only 1450 days to go ( if we qualify)
Art Sapphire
Guest
Dejan - this was Argentina's first test against formidable opposition and Diego was shown up. You can't win these games purely relying on individual brillance. Midfield and defence were torn to shreds. This is the sort of game where the likes of Cambiasso and Zanetti were sorely missed. The sight of Messi picking up the ball from inside his own half is an indictment on Diego's management. I doubt he will ever manage again.
Art Sapphire
Guest
Roger - talk about having an axe to grind. The Germans put out a team where everyone knows their roles and everyone is played to their strengths. You really have it in for the Germans. Last time I checked Bayern beat Man Utd in the Champions League. Don't tell me, you'll probably claim Man Utd were burnt out as well. Bt, the way, all the Spanish team play on one of those proper leagues you go on about, they seem to be going alright. Looks like you are suffering from a massive case of German Envy. Give credit where credit is due.
Roger Rational
Guest
It's pretty obvious the Germans are at least 25% better conditioned than most of the other teams. I guess this is the benefit of playing in a soft league. You've gotta feel sorry for the likes of Messi, Ronaldo, Torres, Rooney & Co who play in proper leagues and who consequently have turned up for the World Cup looking totally burnt out. Also, can we now expect an hysterical article from Mike Tuckerman claiming that La Liga is vastly over-rated and that Messi, Higuain and Co are just the mythical creatures of an over-excited press?
Dejan Kalinic
Roar Guru
Joachim Low absolutely showed up Diego Maradona in so many aspects. More to come anyway..
Kurt
Roar Pro
Sorry, yes, 4-0. Not sure where I conjured that scoreline from, must have confused it with the England result. Pretty amazing performance by die Mannschaft, they just look so fast with and without the ball.
Dejan Kalinic
Roar Guru
Make that 4-0. I don't underestimate Germany, I just overestimated Argentina. It was 4-0 against the Socceroos.
Kurt
Roar Pro
What is it with you lot and underestimating the Germans? 80th minute and it's 3-0 to die Mannschaft, All of a sudden the 4-1 defeat for Australia isn't looking quite so bad...
Dejan Kalinic
Roar Guru
Really? Hm, no one has picked up on that. Thanks. No doubt about your attacking players mate, it's your central defensive pairing I'm more worried about. Mertesacker is 25 and Friedrich, 31, in the centre of the German defence - yours is a touch older. I think both defences are in for a tough night.
Ignatius
Guest
Good article mate, but I would like to make a correction. Maradona didn't answered in a German accent, Maradona answered impersonating our ex president Nestor Kirchner. Lastly, the Argentinian team, well.... the foward line, is as young as the German one. Cheers.