July 3rd, 2010
World cup 2010 quarterfinals
A little history behind this rivalry. It started in 1986 when Diego Maradona and his team defeated Germany 3-2 to win Argentina’s 2nd world cup title. In 1990, Germany responded by defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final match. 4 years ago in Germany, these two teams met again in the quarterfinal. Germany won in a PK shoot out after goal keeper Lehmann stopped Cambiasso’s PK. After that, a fight broke out and there were many players suspended. Argentina’s still mad about that and they wanted to revenge. Germany’s also angry because their key players were suspended the following game which they eventually lost to the world champions Italy (did I just say that?). On July 3rd, 2010 these two teams will meet again in the same situation as back in world cup 2006. This time, it’s a lot more intense as there are a lot of players on the current teams participated in the match in world cup 2006. Off the field, there are a lot of trash talkings. Schwansteiger and Lahm accused Argentina of dirty, provocative, and disrespected to the referees and the opponents. Maradona said that the Germans are nervous and insulted Mueller as a ball boy. Tevez wanted to revenge. Messi vowed to defeat Germany for the English and his favorite band. The game hasn’t started yet but already there is a heated psychological war going on. There will be more as Mueller, Bierhoff and other people jump into the conversation. I can imagine a fight between these two during the game.
On to the football part.
Germany’s starting 11 (predicted) 4-4-2
Goalkeeper: Neuer
Defenders: Lahm (c), Frierich, Mertesacker, Boateng
Midfields: Ozil, Schweinsteiger, Mueller, Khedira
Forwards: Klose, Podolski
Argentina’s starting 11 (predicted) 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Romero
Defenders: Heinze, Demichelis, Burdisso, Otamendi
Midfields: Di Maria, Mascherano (c), Rodriguez
Forwards: Higuain, Messi, Tevez
I’ve watched every game Argentina and Germany played in this world cup (I think I’ve watched most of the games so far if not all). This year Argentina is a much stronger team than in 2006 (or 2002, 1998, 1994). They show more athleticism and skills on their offense through Messi, Higuain, and Tevez. Even their defenders can prove to be very dangerous and have the ability to score goals (Heinze). The fact that they are lead by the legend Maradona is also very important (physically and mentally). Maradona wants to win so badly, he even said “I’m going to put on a jersey and play this game myself”. Germany in contrast is a younger team with lots of strength, skills, but less experience. Their offense is as strong as any offense spearheaded by Klose and Podolski. Their midfield is dominated by young talented players such as Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Khedira, and Mueller. Germany’s strength is in their defense. Captain Lahm, Frierich, Mertesacker, and Boateng can be the difference in the game. It’s going to be a very good match up between Schweinsteiger and Messi in the middle, this could be the deciding factor of the game. Messi has been playing very well contributing lots of assists though he hasn’t scored. When Schweinsteiger plays well, Germany win. As simple as that. I think both have explosive offenses with Argentina a little better on individual skills, play makers, and quickness. Germany is a more even team with strength in every position and collectively as a team. It could come down to who has a better defense or goal keeper. The defense for both sides will have a tough day.
I love watching Argentina and their players showing off individual skills, dancing the Tango on the field. Batistuta was the reason why Argentina is my favorite team since 1994. I was disappointed that several Argentine players were left out of the team roster this world cup. That’s why I didn’t cheer for Argentina. I also love the way Germany played as a team from the opening game, inexperience and almost error free. I never really cheered for Germany before until I came to Berlin this year. It’s such a great place with great people. In addition, after watching the young German players (with a team that is less than 100%) performed, I am rooting for them this world cup. So, my two favorite teams collide in the quarterfinals. Something’s got to give, right? Let’s hope for a great, fair game. I don’t wanna see the referee’s errors decide this game. If necessary, bring on the PK shoot out once again. Personally I think Argentina is slightly better. I think if Germany still have an experience leader like Ballack (arguably the best player on the team) taking the central midfield position, allowing Schweinsteiger to move forward and freely work with Klose, Podolski, then there’s no doubt in my mind that Germany will win this one. Germany’s young squad needs more experience as they progress to more important matches. However, I would hope Germany wins and move on, if it comes down to PK, I think Germany will win. This game is very hard to pick the winner. One small error could mean the result is different, so anything can happen. This is the game that I’m most familiar with, I know all starting players from both teams, yet I don’t know how to come up with a final score. I guess that’s what happened when emotion is involved. With that said, nobody bothers me from 10am-1pm July 3rd, 2010. I will be watching every second of this game. May the better team win. Everybody, enjoy what could be one of the best 90 minutes (possibly more) in this tournament. There certainly will be goals, dramas, cards, probably a fight, and most importantly: expect a thriller world class football.
No comments:
Post a Comment