Germany tore Argentina apart to book their place in the semi-finals and, for now at least, end Diego Maradona’s dream of winning the World Cup as coach to go with his victory as captain in 1986.
Inspired by Bastian Schweinsteiger and two-goal hero Miroslav Klose, Joachim Loew’s side scored four times for the third game at this tournament in what was a devastating attacking display.For once in the tournament it wasnt just a case of Argentina being exposed but the Germans destroying a nation that were favourites to win the Whole competition.The Germans are often renoun for the organisation and “safe” way of playing yet no one can argue they deserve to be where they are at this stage and are know actually looking like favourites with their style of play.An organised Spine in the team,players in the attacking third with flair,1 unit in how they coordinate with each player knowing where and how to play and a real team spirit.An great example was after Muller had put the Germans infront Argentina attacked and threatened to equalise when Four Argentinians were caught Offside.The Offside rule has been under scrutiny for years ,yet the manner that the Germans came out was like synchronised swimmers frustrating Messi and Co and Tevez squared the ball to Higuain to see his goal Disallowed.At times this win was reminiscent of the way Germany had ripped through England’s backline in the second round a week ago, with Argentina caught out by their speed and incisiveness on the counter-attack as they chased the game.
The only cloud on Germany’s horizon is that the impressive Mueller picked up a booking that means he will miss the last-four clash with Paraguay or Spain, but Loew still has much to savour from this match.Frustration began to kick in as it was illustrated on the animated Maradona and it began to show on his players too.Nicolas Otamendi picked up the first booking on 11 minutes for fouling Friedrich, while Javier Mascherano clattered Schweinsteiger three minutes later and was lucky to get away without a caution which would have caused him to miss the semi-finals.
We talked about the Argentinians defence being shaky and the Germans exposed it in particular Sebastian Schweinsteiger limiting any opportunities for Lionel Messi yet still managing to carve out passes,like a quarter back to a wide receiver.Otamendi had one of the worst displays defensively and will want to put this game behind him as Podolski and Co were just too strong for them.Friedrich managed to add to his tally and Klose continued his record for the national team scoring two in a game that could of been more.Fittingly, the final word went to Klose, who volleyed home Germany’s fourth from Mesut Oezil’s cross in the last minute – his 14th World Cup goal – after the imperious Schweinsteiger had brought the ball forward again. Germany 4 Argentina 0
