Germany vs Argentina Preview – Quarter Final | World Cup 2010

Germany’s youth set to take on Argentina’s experience

Germany is hoping to win its fourth overall World Cup while Argentina is attempting to lift it for the third time, but something’s got to give as they are set to meet each other in a classic quarterfinal matchup at Green Point stadium in Cape Town on July 3.

Germany survived a scare after losing to 1-0 Serbia in group play, but came back strong in their 1-0 win over Ghana to take top spot in Group D with six points. They then took care of England 4-1 in their playoff game. Argentina breezed through Group B with three wins for nine points and then took care of Mexico 3-1. Along with Holland, they are the only team to have won all four of their games.

The two teams have met each other 18 times previously with Argentina winning eight, losing five and drawing five, while outscoring the Germans 25 to 23 in the process. The last time they met was at the quarterfinal stage in Germany in 2006 when the home team won 4-2 in a penalty shootout. Both teams are preparing themselves for another shootout by studying videos of their opponent’s penalty kicks. Argentina beat Germany 3-2 in the final in 1986 and Germany returned the favour in 1990 with a 1-0 win to hoist the trophy.

Both teams have excellent firepower up front with Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain leading the way for Argentina. Higuain has four goals while Tevez has a pair. Lionel Messi has yet to score, but has been having a superb tournament all the same and looks dangerous every time he has the ball. Substitutes Diego Milito and Martin Palermo are also top notch goal scorers. For Germany, strikers Miroslav Klose and Lukas Podolski each have two while midfielder Thomas Mueller leads the team with three. Midfielder Mesut Oezil also has the skills to score at any time. Substitute striker Cacau is out with an abdominal injury and is doubtful for the game.

German keeper Manuel Neuer looked a little shaky against England in the first half of their game, but then pulled off a brilliant save against Steven Gerrard in the second half to make up for it. Argentina’s Sergio Romero has let in two goals, but has been steady. He is playing behind a suspect defence though, which is Argentina’s weak spot and could be exploited by the German’s speed and passing.

The first goal in this game could be crucial as the team that falls behind will be forced to open things up. But these two teams like to attack in the first place, so it shouldn’t be a huge tactical alteration. Look for whoever scores first to try and add to the lead though instead of sitting on it, as this could prove to be a huge mistake.

Germany v Argentina Odds and Predictions

The Germans are young and fast, but inexperienced when compared to Argentina. However, their pinpoint passing and creativity could be enough to win this game by a goal. It might go into extra time or even penalty kicks, but Germany has the tools to take it 1-0.