Once again, the result of Germany vs. Argentina has sided with modern history. I eluded briefly to the history behind this fixture in a preview to the quarter finals and like in 1990 and 2006 it’s the Germans who have emerged victorious. Germany continued their superb form through to the quarter final match and won 4-0 with goals from Muller, Klose (x2) and Friedrich. Germany seem to have the game one in every area of the pitch.
In defence, Germany were disciplined. At no point were silly challenges made in the box on any of the technically brilliant Argentinean players. A couple of free kicks were conceded but they were all far enough out that Neuer was never troubled.
In midfield, Schweinsteiger and Khedira were able to control the game. In particular, Schweinsteiger set the tempo and was able to spring attacks with a few swift passing moves. It shouldn’t be overlooked that the midfield were helped by Muller, Podolski and Klose all getting back to help defensively. Ozil had his quietest game of the tournament but still showed glimpses of his talent.
In attack, the German forwards had too much pace out wide. Argentina could not handle the runs that were being made and their defence was made to look very average and clumsy. Germany will miss Muller in the semi-final due to suspension. Klose’s second goal equalled the German record set by Gerd Muller for goals in World Cup competitions – 14.
As soon as Germany went two goals up the game became very stretched and open. As witnessed against England, Germany’s counter-attacking ability is frightening.
For Argentina and Maradona it’s the end of the road. They were totally outplayed. Personally, I felt Lionel Messi was incredibly disappointing. He failed to score in the tournament and in my opinion failed to make his mark. He was playing in a team that provided him with consummate freedom to express himself but he failed to take advantage of it. No one to date has had more shots on goal than him. As the best player in the world – I was expecting to see more from him.
The real let down with Argentina was in defence though. The four defenders in Otamendi, Burdisso, Demichelis and Heinze were too slow and not good enough. Maradona was unable to react to the fact that Germany pressed Argentina all over the pitch and didn’t allow any freedom for any of their players.
Germany are going to take some beating and will fancy themselves against Uruguay for a place in the final.
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Tags: Argentina, Doron, Germany, Maradona, South Africa 2010, World Cup 2010
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Although Messi did fail to score in the tournament along with Wayne Rooney, I do feel there is too much criticism on him. He is one of the best players in the world and I agree, didn’t take the tournament by storm (along with Rooney, Ronaldo, Kaka, Torres….) but some of his performances have been very good. His movement, dribbling and craft are exceptional, however in Argentina’s 4-3-1-2 formation, it was easy to stop him turning and running at teams.
Germany proved today the best way to play against Messi, defend deep, stop any little intricate passing at the edge of the box and close him down quickly. Of course on paper that is easy to say, but Germany did that with perfection.
You’re right Andy, way too much criticism on him. My disappointment comes from the fact there has been almost no final product from him. No goals and one assist in 5 games…yet no one has had more shots on goal and no one has had more shots off target.
His performances have been good and yes he is just one member of a team but performances don’t always equate into goals or assists. I appreciate his phenomenal ability to beat a man and seemingly carry a ball forever but unless that brings goals, in a world cup, it’s meaningless. He was incredibly unlucky on many occasions to not score and he was often marked out of games but this is the best player in the world! I believe he never went more than 3 games without scoring for Barcelona this past season (and possibly longer) – yet he has gone 5 games for Argentina without making a contribution to the scorers. I am aware that stats don’t always tell the story but the four top scorers currently all represent countries who are in the semi-finals.
What Messi does bring is a presence. When he is on the pitch, automatically the focus from the opposition is on him and there is always the risk of ignoring the other players but as you eluded to, Germany showed exactly how to play against him, and they did it well.
[...] victory over Argentina in particular was impressive. Lead by Schweinsteiger they made sure that Argentina’s 20 years of hurt continues for at least another four. Germany’s tactical discipline in keeping their shape and having specific player roles will [...]