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Argentina vs Germany

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-07-02 09:15

The South Americans lifted the trophy in 1978 and 1986 while the European side won in 1954, 1974 and 1990

Soccer powerhouses Argentina and Germany reignite their intense rivalry on Saturday in an eagerly-anticipated World Cup quarterfinal, with both sides boasting they will win. The countries met at the same stage in 2006 with Juergen Klinsmann's side going through 4-2 on penalties after over-cautious counterpart Jose Pekerman left Lionel Messi on the bench. That shootout ended in a brawl when the South Americans reacted angrily after German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann saved Esteban Cambiasso's spot-kick to seal victory. The coaches are different now but the desire of the teams to get their hands on the World Cup again hasn't changed.

Argentina lifted the trophy in 1978 and 1986 while the Germans have won three times, in 1954, 1974, and 1990.

Their rivalry stretches back a fair way with the Argentines beating Germany in the 1986 final before losing to them in the 1990 decider, games that featured Diego Maradona.

Now coach, the former midfield maestro is confident his team can counter the current German threat, despite it being high on confidence after crushing old enemy England 4-1 in the round of 16.

"We will take stock of our situation, then we will try and put together the best team to showcase our talents against Germany," said Maradona, who is seeking to join Franz Beckenbauer as the only men to have skippered and then coached a country to World Cup glory.

"It will be the team to give us the guarantee to overcome Germany. We know Germany are a different team to (round of 16 opponent) Mexico.

"They are stronger but we will field the right players to beat them."

Argentina, along with the Netherlands, are the only countries left with a 100 percent record after comfortably beating Nigeria, Greece and South Korea before ending Mexican dreams.

In-form Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez said his side does not fear consistent Germany, which has not failed to reach the last eight since 1938.

"I was more afraid of Mexico - they play better football," he said.

"(Germany) won their game and so reached the quarters but they are not better than Argentina."

The Germans will have Chancellor Angela Merkel, a keen football fan, in Green Point Stadium watching the match and coach Joachim Loew is hoping his young team can impress her by riding the wave of beating England.

"There is a very positive feeling in the team. We have gained a lot of confidence from taking a victory against England," said Loew.

"A lot of the younger players became European Under-21 champions and it has given them a lot of confidence for a tournament like this."

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