Germany primed for ‘bigger’ opponents
The Germans won universal praise for the way they demolished England 4-1 last weekend but Bayern Munich full-back Lahm is wary of the bigger tasks that await.
He said: “We have to show we can finally beat a big team – someone like Argentina, Brazil or Spain. Definitely, these are bigger opponents than England.”
Germany general manager Oliver Bierhoff added: “It is not going to be easy because Argentina are a stronger side than England.
“There were some obvious English weaknesses that had all been there in the group stages.
“Argentina are much more powerful and stronger. They have very few weaknesses – although there must be some.”
If the South Americans do have an obvious weakness, it is their temperament. Midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has already made reference to Argentina’s reaction to their penalty shoot-out defeat when the two sides met at the quarter-final stage four years ago.
He claimed Saturday’s opponents try to provoke and whinge at referees and sparked the ugly post-match clashes on the touchline.
Neither Bierhoff, nor Lahm saw any need to apologise for the attack. In fact, in a very subtle way, they increased it.
“I played with a lot of people from Argentina,” said Bierhoff. “They are hospitable, friendly people.
“But that is not necessarily the case on a football pitch, where they can have a passionate, aggressive, provocative side.
“What we have to do on Saturday is keep a level head and make sure our nerves are in check.”
It is fascinating to see how Germany address such matters. In seemingly to play down a situation, they, quite knowingly, find a way of inflaming it.
“We want to focus on the 90 minutes play,” said Lahm.
“We know South Americans are a temperamental lot. On Saturday we will see how they deal with another defeat.”
Neither Lukas Podolski nor star man Mesut Ozil trained yesterday, although both are expected to be fit.
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