The showdown between Germany and Argentina was the seventh for the cross-continental rivals in the history of the soccer World Cup. The two countries were also quarter-finals opponents in 2006. They are the only teams to have met in two successive editions of the FIFA World Cup having played against each other in 1986 and 1990. In the former occasion, a Diego Maradona-inspired Albiceleste won 3-2 and in 1990 the Europeans, under Frans Beckenbauer, took revenge with a 1-0 win.
The Goals in the 2010 FIFA World Cup Quarter-Finals Match Between Argentina and Germany
In a great start for 'Die Nationalmannschaft', four-goal ace midfielder Thomas Mueller tossed a header past goalkeeper Sergio Romero after Bayern Munich teammate Bastian Schweinsteiger's freekick in the third minute of play. From then on, Argentina did not seem to stand a chance. Miroslav Klose drove in a second goal for the Germans in the 68th minute. Another Bayern Munich player, Klose just flicked the ball into the net after FC Cologne finisher Lucas Podolski broke into the Argentine box after a spirited run on the left and unselfishly passed the ball to his strike partner to push over the line.
The next man on target was defender Arne Friedrich in the 74th minute with a similar attack after some enterprising play by Schweinsteiner on the same flank again, Argentina's weakest. He cut the ball for an overlapping Friedrich to slam in the third goal.Klose found his second goal; the fourth and last strike of the day with a strong volley into the net a minute to the end after a counter-attack launched by Podolski and Mesut Oezil.
Where Did Argentina Go Wrong in the Match?
What went wrong with Abiceleste? They started well enough, being the only team to have won all their four matches up to then. Could it have been a change of atmosphere in the cooler coastal city as Argentina had centred mainly around Gauteng? One can only speculate. However, it seems obvious that playmaker Lionel Messi hving failed to find the net since the tournament began, was not going to impress with Germany which is already the most successful at the 19 times the FIFA World Cup has already been held. They have had a regular last eight placing in 15 of the 17 editions they have participated in. The reigning World Footballer of the Year made an attempt for a goal in the 10th minute but his shot was off the mark. Even though he further attempted a few of his artful runs, German coach Joachim Loew had deployed at least three markers to thwart his every move.
The last time the sides met this year was in March at Munich. Argentina won 1-0, playing with a four-man midfield. For the match on Saturday Argentinian coach Diego Maradona did not pick a more defensive team although Germany showed how dangerous they are on the counterattack in their 4-1 last-16 victory over England. Maradona has been criticized for not having a system or a concept but relying on individual qualities of his players.
Germany are now rank title favourites as they prepare for the semi-finals where they will take on Spain who beat Paraguay in the last quarter-final match at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg last Saturday night.
TEAMS
Argentina: (4-3-3) Sergio Romero, Martin Demichelis, Gabriel Heinze, Angel di Maria(Sergio Aguero 75th min), Nicholas Burdisso, Gonzalo Higuain, Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez, Nicolas Otamendi (Javier Pastore 70th min), Javier Mascherano (captain), Maxi Rodriguez
Germany: (4-4-2) Manuel Neur, Arne Friedrich, Sami Khedira (Toni Kroos 77th min), Mesut Oezil, Jerome Boateng (Marcell Jansen 72nd min), Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, Per Mertesacker, Miroslav Klose, Thomas Mueller (Piotr Trochowski 84th minute), Lucas Podolski
Results of Germany's 2010 FIFA World Cup Semi-Finals Match Against Spain
Melody Mundawarara - Melody Mundawarara has always enjoyed creative pursuits. Her interests range from Art to Zoology. She is a keen researcher who is excited ...
