Maradona taunts Schweinsteiger

DIEGO MARADONA has mocked Bastian Schweinsteiger and accused Germany of nerves ahead of the World Cup showdown with Argentina tomorrow.

Schweinsteiger has attacked Argentina’s behaviour following the last-eight clash four years ago, when they lost on penalties.

The Germany midfielder followed up by accusing the South Americans of whinging to referees and using provocative tactics to wind their opponents up.

And it seems Maradona is happy to snatch at the bait. In an interview with Fox Sports, the legendary playmaker and current Argentina coach turned directly to the camera and in an imitation German accent said: “What’s the matter Schweinsteiger? Are you nervoussh?”

The exaggerated goading is totally in keeping with Maradona’s unorthodox approach to management, which has already seen him get into spats with Pele and Michel Platini during the tournament.

“It doesn’t worry me what he says about penalties and that we don’t know how to lose. It doesn’t interest us,” he added.

“A different game is played every match and this is going to be different because we are coming out to attack them and play in their faces. This is what has made them nervous.”