Germany vs. Argentina: What Bettors Need To Know
By MICHAEL DA SILVA
Odds: Argentina (+138), Germany (+232), Draw (+234); Over/under (2.5)
A bitter war of words has accompanied the build-up to this World Cup quarterfinal with Diego Maradona this week asking Germany ace Bastien Schweinsteiger: "What's the matter Schweinsteiger? Are you nervoussh?'' - in what can only be described as a very poor German accent.
On the pitch however, the contrast of styles could make this not only one of the best, but also one of the most intriguing games of the World Cup so far. Germany made counter attacking an art form against England, and Argentina have looked so fluid going forward that it seems like they are capable of scoring – with Messi, Tevez and Higuain in attack – against anyone.
Goals, it would seem, are a certainty but predicting the winner of this contest is far from straightforward...
Game strategy
Both teams are free of injuries and suspensions, allowing coaches Joachim Low and Diego Maradona to pick their strongest line-ups. Both are expected to keep faith in the starting line-ups that saw them ease into the last eight teams.
Expect Argentina to dominate possession and attempt to pass Germany into submission but, as we saw during their annihilation of England, the Germans are more than capable of soaking up the pressure and hitting teams on the break.
The likes of Ozil, Podolski and Khedira will be a handful for Mascherano in defensive midfield. And, although Mascherano has been strong throughout the tournament, the chances of him picking up at least one yellow card are high, given how exposed he could be.
It’s not just Schweinsteiger that Maradona has been taunting ahead of this game - he has also had a pop at 20-year-old forward Thomas Muller.
Despite scoring twice in Germany's 4-1 hammering of England last Sunday, Muller was virtually unknown outside of Germany when he made his debut in a 1-0 friendly defeat to Argentina in Munich in March and attended the post-match press conference alongside the Argentina coach.
Maradona joked he thought the ‘ballboy’ had arrived and felt so slighted that he stormed off and refused to return until the German left the stage to him alone.
"Now I have won two titles and played in the Champions League with Bayern, so a few things have changed," said Muller.
Muller, 20, said he was too young to remember Maradona the player, but recalled when he saw him play in a testimonial game in 2000 and was greatly impressed.
"He was overweight at that time but what he did with the ball was amazing," he said.
“But we must not be provoked," warned Muller. "I won't mind a fight afterwards if we have won."
Argentina defender Martin Demichelis, who plays in Germany for Bayern Munich, also gave his thoughts ahead of the game, saying: "I have been in Germany for seven years. They know me and they know I won't change. But it does seem they don't have a lot of respect for us.
"I am not paying much attention to it, but maybe they should show us some respect.''
He then added that he would have to be on top form against a German attack containing the lethal Miroslav Klose, admitting: “If I play as badly against Germany as John Terry did, I won’t be allowed to return to Argentina.”
Know your enemy
These two are no strangers and have met several times in this competition, including the World Cup finals of Mexico ’86 and Italia ’90. Maradona captained Argentina to a 3-2 success in 1986, while Germany got revenge four years later by winning 1-0.
But the game that is still fresh in the memories of many of the current players is the ill-tempered quarter-final of 2006, which saw a fight break out on the pitch between staff and players after Germany beat the South Americans 4-2 on penalties, with Cambiasso missing the crucial spot-kick for Argentina.
Players to watch
Germany – Bastien Schweinsteiger
Against England, Schweinsteiger was the unsung hero. The architect of every meaningful move, the Bayern Munich midfielder sits in a deep, quarterback position, spraying out passes and bringing the likes of Ozil into the game. Unless Argentina – specifically Mascherano – can close Schweinsteiger down, he has the ability to exploit their suspect defence with his vision and range of passing.
Argentina – Carlos Tevez
Tevez plays on the right side of a three-pronged attack for his country, with Messi and Higuain providing extra bite. Overshadowed by the mesmerising skills of Messi and the goals of Higuain in the group games, Tevez decided to grab some of the spotlight against Mexico by firing in a straight-to-YouTube classic and fuelling the technology debate with an offside opener.
His high work rate and endless harassment of defenders was enough to retain a place in the team ahead of Diego Milito and Sergio Aguero and now that he has added a goal-scoring touch there is no stopping the Manchester City striker.
Weather
A fine afternoon in Cape Town is forecast, with sunny highs of 64 degrees Fahrenheit predicted.
Stat attack
Germany’s Thomas Muller has been involved in six goals (three goals & three assists) in this World Cup, more than any other player.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi has created more goal-scoring opportunities for teammates (14) than any player at the 2010 World Cup finals.
Paul the Octopus, the German World Cup sensation with a 100 percent record of predicting Germany’s World Cup results, has forecasted a Germany win. He took six seconds to decide – the longest he has taken to decide on an outcome – perhaps suggesting there will be extra time or penalties.