Argentina v Germany Betting Preview

Written by Dave Allan Tuesday, 29 June 2010 11:46

Betting Odds

In a mouthwatering clash Germany take on Argentina, in which the winner will surely be one of betting favourites to take the World Cup home this summer. Both sides have played some of the best football in South Africa, and this promises to be a game that is definitely not to be missed.


After humiliating England in the last 16, Germany coach Joachim Löw will turn his attentions to Diego Maradona and Argentina, but they will surely face a much more stringent examination from the South Americans, after breezing past the English.


In truth though, Germany were superb against Fabio Capello's men, with young players like Mezut Ozil and Thomas Müller showing that the future is very bright for German football. Many thought this World Cup had come too soon for the next generation of German superstars, but it would appear they are more then ready now.


Löw will probably name an unchanged side against England, with Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose supporting Ozil and Muller in attack. Podolski will play wide left with Müller on the right, Klose will lead the line, and Ozil will drift where he wants to, and is always a huge danger.


In midfield Bastian Schweinsteiger will play along side Stuttgart man Sami Khedira and the Argentine midfielders will need to make sure they press the ball at all times, because given time the duo can cause all kinds of trouble.

It certinaly doesn't look like it will be easy for Argentina, but with Lionel Messi in their side, they will always have a chance. The Barcelona man is yet to score in South Africa, but with his ability, surely it is only a matter of time.


Scoring the goals instead of Messi has been Gonzalo Higuain who has four to his name already, he partners Carlos Tevez up front who scored twice in the last 16 game with Mexico. With these two hitting a golden streak, the German defence will certinaly have to be at their best.


In midfield captain Javier Mascherano will need to be at his very best to close down and press Ozil, where as new Real Madrid signing Angel Di Maria will be responsible with creating chances for the likes of Messi, Higuain and Tevez.


Argentina have plenty of talent going forward, but if there is a kink in their armour, it is the defence, Maradona opted not to include Inter Milan man Javier Zanetti in the squad, meaning inexperienced Nicolas Otamendi or Newcastle United winger Jonás Gutiérrez play at right back. You just have to fear for them a little against the attacking threat of the Germans. However they may have Walter Samuel back in the centre of defence. Elsewhere Juan Sebastian Veron may come back in for Maxi Rodriguez.


Having said that though Maradona has turned around Argentina's fortunes following a dismal qualifying campaign, and it almost seems pre determined that he will go on to lead Argentina to glory in South Africa.


But getting past the Germans won't be an easy task for Maradona, and key to any success will be who has more impact on the game, Messi or Ozil. Gareth Barry couldn't deal with Ozil, and if Mascherano doesn't then you have to fancy Germany to progress.


However if Lionel Messi turns up, it could be a different story, because he has the ability to produce something special and win a game on his own. You just feel that he will thrive in a game of this magnitude, and star as Argentina keep on course for their third World Cup.

| More...

Comments (0)