Germany Squad Report: The team prepares to meet an old foe

Germany learned who they’d face after last night’s less-than-thrilling semifinal between Argentina and the Netherlands. Lionel Messi and co. progressed after the Albiceleste won 4-2 on penalties.

The national team last met Argentina in 1990, a grinding slog of a match decided on an 85th minute spot kick, which was the last time West Germany won a World Cup. That win came four years after what is considered the last great World Cup final in 1986, in which Argentina endured a Germany comeback to win the final to win 3-2.

The current Argentine side under Alejandro Sabella arguably more closely resembles that produced in Italia ‘90 than the rampaging side which won the South Americans their second title four years earlier. Indeed, earlier this morning Germany coach Jogi Löw praised Sabella’s back four:

"Europe vs. South America - a very appealing match-up. Argentina are strong defensively; they're compact and organised."

Sabella for his part acknowledged the task ahead of the team which scraped by Netherlands after 120 minutes on Wednesday:

"Germany throughout their entire history have always shown physical might, tactical, mental prowess, and have always had players with a certain South American touch. The match is extremely difficult and I repeat the fact they haven't played extra time and we've played two, and played one day after Germany. Germany is always a very difficult hurdle to overcome.”

A difficult hurdle perhaps, but beatable? Algeria proved how far a cogent, counter-attacking strategy could work against this Germany side, even with four centrebacks. But this Argentina seems to be all cut and little thrust, particularly from Lionel Messi who didn’t have a natural link up option last night against Netherlands. Still the last Argentine who helped his nation defeat Germany in a World Cup final has some advice:

"Argentina can do it. Against Algeria, we saw one Germany, and against Brazil [we saw] another. But we all expected it to be Brazil. Argentina are going in strengthened. Once again Argentine football is back at the top. The jersey had lost prestige. Today it got it back. "

Germany will hope to prove Maradona wrong this Sunday.

Fixtures/Results

Group G — June 16 — Germany 4-0 Portugal

Group G — June 22 — Germany 2-2 Ghana

Group G — June 26 — United States 0-1 Germany

Round of 16 — June 30 — Germany 2-1  Algeria aet.

Quarterfinal — July 4 — France 0-1 Germany

Semifinal — July 8 — Brazil 1-7 Germany

Final — July 13 — Germany vs. Argentina

Squad News/Rumors/Injury Report

DF Mats Hummels is expected to have his knee examined by doctors but is expected to play in the final.

Four Quick Notes

1. Mats Hummels claims that Germany agreed at half-time not to “humiliate” Brazil in the second half.

2. Oliver Kahn says Brazil “did everything wrong” against Germany on Tuesday night.

3. The story behind the sweet moment in the otherwise crushing 1-7 defeat of Brazil.

4. Michael Cox breaks down how Argentina and Mascherano helped snuff out the Dutch attack on Wednesday. Some clues for Germany...