World Cup 2010
Germany v Argentina – Quarter Final
Saturday 3rd July 2010 – 1600hrs
Another eagerly anticipated clash between European and South American opposition – Germany v Argentina in what should be a great game between two attacking sides; one side filled with a team of superstars, the other, a side that combines extremely well together and is greater than the sum of its parts – if that makes sense.
Anyhow, the stage is set for a classic – Germany in their quest to reach the semi-finals, making their sixteenth quarter final appearance in the history of the World Cup. Coach Loew has stated his team must repeat their performance against England in the last 16 to progress further. It’s one thing against a lacklustre England side, quite a different proposition against the Argentinians.
The Germans have a settled formation now with Klose up front on his own, supported by Mesut Ozil and Lucas Podolski, with the holding midfield of Thomas Muller, Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger making it difficult for any play-making creativity from the opposition.
Argentina once again progressed to this stage of the tournament with little or no trouble – but they do seem to have the tag of the nearly-men about them – remember last World Cup? They will be playing themselves as well as the Germans here I reckon, but a more matured Messi can work wonders for any side and who would bet against them at the moment?
With an attacking trio of Messi, Higuain and Tevez, they look very dangerous going forward. Their defence has at times been a little questionable, but Walter Samuel could make a welcome swift return to the centre of defence following a hamstring injury.
I’ve got a feeling that this won’t be a high-scoring encounter, more that each side’s midfield will nullify the other, and it is certainly shaping up to be a massive arm-wrestle for dominance in the middle of the park.
With that in mind, I reckon this match has the makings to go all the way, extra-time, even penalties – hence my prediction.
Pick: Take the Draw at 90 minutes paying 3.32 with Pinnacle Sports
