Both of these teams made a terrific job during their battles with other countries, but I am not sure if who's going to win and I know for sure that this will heighten the temperature. Maradona’s reign has been punctuated by bizarre tactical decisions, leading the Argentines to really stumble through to finals. The mercurial coach has certainly got something right in the early stages of the tournament, though there’s still an air around the camp that suggests they can self-destruct at any moment and also, It’s a mistake not to fancy the Germans. Even with a supposedly average and inexperienced batch of players, as they were billed in some sections of the media before the tournament started, they have progressed to the quarter-finals once more, maintaining a streak that dates back to pre-World War II.
FORM GUIDE
Argentina
WON 3-1 (n) Mexico (World Cup, June 27)
WON 2-0 (n) Greece (World Cup, June 22)
WON 4-1 (n) South Korea (World Cup, June 18)
WON 1-0 (n) Nigeria (World Cup, June 12)
WON 5-0 (h) Canada (Friendly, May 24)
Germany
WON 4-1 (n) England (World Cup, June 27)
WON 1-0 (n) Ghana (World Cup, June 23)
LOST 1-0 (n) Serbia (World Cup, June 18)
WON 4-0 (n) Australia (World Cup, June 13)
WON 3-0 (a) Hungary (Friendly, June 3)
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Argentina
Lionel Messi may not have scored for the Albiceleste in this tournament as yet but he has been one of their main performers. The diminutive dribbler continues to astound spectators with his close control, balance, technique and imagination. The Barcelona star has been unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet in this tournament to date and he will fancy his chances of breaking that duck against the Germans.
Germany
Thomas Mueller struck twice as die Mannschaft defeated England last Sunday, and the young Bayern Munich star is already looking every bit adept on the international scene as he has in the Bundesliga and Europe with die Roten. A dynamic attacking midfielder who is frequently found playing on the right side of an offensive four, he already has three goals to his name in this tournament and is set on adding to that tally over the weekend.
PREDICTION
The Castrol World Cup Match Predictor draws this one almost down the middle. Germany are given a 48 per cent chance of success compared to the Argentines' 52 per cent chance. Much depends on how Argentina’s supposedly suspect defence fares. If they can thwart die Mannschaft’s counters successfully, it will be another South American success, but if not, Joachim Loew’s side will continue on their impressive run. Diego Maradona’s reign over Argentina hasn’t yet brought a draw, but it might on Saturday.
Argentina 2-2 Germany (aet – Germany to win on penalties)
Kick Off: Saturday, July 3, 2010. 16:00 CET (10:00 PM Philippine Time)
Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
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