World Cup 2010 Quarterfinals: Germany vs. Argentina

July 3rd. 2010, 9:48amLionel Messi is the best player in the world. Mesut Ozil has been the best player in this tournament. It’s a tasty matchup, but their respective performances will not be decisive. Like trading queens in chess, Germany and Argentina will defend both players out of the game. The match will hinge on how well each team uses its auxiliary pieces.
This is a rematch of the 2006 quarterfinals. Germany and Argentina drew 1-1 in regulation. Jens Lehmann consulted his cheat sheet and the Germans won 4-2 on penalties. The post-match celebrations erupted into a chaotic brawl on the field with players trading punches and kicks. Maxi Rodriguez received a two match ban for attacking Bastien Schweinsteiger from behind. Bitterness lingers and the pressure from expectations will exacerbate it. Expect this to get chippy.
Schweinsteiger is pivotal for Germany defensively. Though he has transitioned well from sprightly winger to holding central midfielder, marking Leo Messi will be unlike any challenge he has faced. Germany must also decide which player marks Tevez. You may see them swap fullbacks to the opposite side, freeing the more frisky Lahm to get forward while Boateng defends him.
Going forward, Klose should be critical. When he’s in form, he’s not just a lethal finisher. He’s a master of off the ball movement, occupying the center backs and stretching them to create space. Argentina won’t play a high line and get burned, as Australia and England did. The Germans must break them down. Germany needs composure from their precocious youngsters. Thus far it has not been an issue.
Argentina will field the same diamond midfield as previous matches. This could be a problem. Mascherano may be the best defensive midfielder in soccer, but if he drops back to pick up Ozil, that leaves space for Khedira and Schweinsteiger in the middle or Podolski and Muller cutting inside. It places tremendous pressure on Argentina’s lead-footed defenders to pick them up. This match may come down to tactical adjustments in the second half, where we should see Maradona’s true coaching value.
Germany and Argentina met in consecutive World Cup Finals in 1986 and 1990. The 1986 meeting was a free-flowing affair that saw Argentina win a classic 3-2. The second was among the most dreadful finals ever. Germany won 1-0 on an 85th minute penalty. Two Argentine players with two Argentines sent off. This matchup could emulate both.
Prediction: I like the Germans. They can test the porous Argentine defense.  Argentina, like Brazil, has received unrestrained adulation that their performance has not warranted.  Their group was weak.  The 3-0 score against Mexico was flattering. 2-1 to the Mannschaft.