02 July
Argentina vs. Germany Preview
Another World Cup winner is set to bow out of the tournament this Saturday as a young German side take on Maradona’s Argentina at Cape Town stadium. In the round of sixteen both of these countries swept aside their opponents, even if in somewhat controversial circumstances. However, no one can really argue that they don’t deserve to be here. They are the leading scorers so far, Argentina leading the way with ten goals and Germany one behind on nine goals.
Germany looks an almost unrecognisable side when compared to teams of previous tournaments. A heavy investment domestically in youth academies, after a dismal performance in Euro 2000, seems to be reaping rich reward. Ozil and Mueller have been revelations of the tournament. We’ve seen back-heels, flying full backs and even a surprise loss in the group stage. A more attractive brand of football that has slowly seen them become the European Brazil, everybody’s ‘other team’.
The loss of Michael Ballack in May has been quietly absorbed. Podoslski has taken on the armband and not done too badly, and a midfield berth has opened up for younger legs. And what of the holder heads? They are still there, leading the way. Klose has resumed his love of scoring at World Cups and Friedrech has been solid in defence. While they may not have been considered favourites at the beginning of the World Cup they may well be at the next event.
On the other hand Argentina have been touted as one of the favourites to win this World Cup. It’s easy to see why, they haven’t lost a match since playing Spain in November last year. For me, there is still some concern over Maradona’s credentials. While his team have done well this far, you’d do well to remember that they struggled to even qualify.
No matter, their team sheet has players that would make it into anyone’s dream team. Messi being the player fans were most excited to see at this event. In vain, he has tried to replicate the club form that has helped Barcelona become an almost unstoppable force in European football. Sheer bad luck has prevented him from getting on the score sheet. It’s simply a matter of time before he scores. And even if doesn’t, he has that magic ability to pull in defenders and create chances for his team mates. The other two forwards, Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez, have done well enough in his absence on the score sheet.
Germany may have to revert back to a more disciplined approach against the South Americans; they are still learning this new found ability of total football. Argentina certainly seem the favourites, but in a world cup rife with upsets who knows.
