It would have been a classic World Cup final: Germany vs. Argentina in Berlin’s 72,000-seat Olympic Stadium, a showdown between two soccer powers with five titles between them.
Instead, today’s match is only a quarterfinal. But still special.
“We are looking forward to this game, it’s a very special occasion,” Germany coach Juergen Klinsmann said Thursday. “We are full of energy and enthusiasm. We are very confident, although we have great respect for Argentina. It’s one of the best teams in the world.”
Captain Michael Ballack, fully recovered from a slightly swollen ankle, said he believes Germany has a 60 percent chance to win the match.
“With the performances we’ve shown here, we don’t need to hide from anyone,” Ballack said. “If we produce our best, we have a realistic chance of winning. We are very hungry to play three more games.”
Argentina had the look of a champion early on, but was pushed to the limit in the second round by Mexico. The two-time champions needed an extra-time stroke of genius by Maxi Rodriguez to advance.
“The game will be very hard-fought and close,” striker Carlos Tevez said. “It’s going to be very tough for us – and for them.”
There is plenty of World Cup history between Germany and Argentina, apart from contrasts in style.
A few things to ponder: – Germany and Argentina have met twice in World Cup championship games, each winning once: Argentina 3-2 in the 1986 final and West Germany 1-0 in 1990. This will be their fifth World Cup meeting. Germany has won two, Argentina has won two, and there’s been one draw.
Germany and Argentina played twice last year, and both games ended 2-2.
Italy vs. Ukraine: The Azzurri begin the day’s second game as big favorites – and with lingering criticism over their failure to dominate any of their four opponents so far.
“I think we’re ready to offer some good soccer,” coach Marcello Lippi said.
Ukraine, on the other hand, is delighted to be in the last eight of Germany 2006 and anything else is a bonus.
Coach Oleh Blokhin, a fixture of the Soviet Union’s teams of the 1970s, said Ukraine has reached the point where “we already achieved our main goal and all other games are a plus.”
And striker Andriy Shevchenko, a well-known face to Italian defenders after seven seasons with AC Milan, said Ukraine will be relying on passion for the game in Hamburg, Germany.
“We will need to play with enough heart to make up for any technical shortcomings,” Shevchenko said.
Lippi said playmaker Francesco Totti is rediscovering his dangerous form after recovering from leg surgery.
“The team has steadily improved, especially Totti. His penalty kick the other night was really, really important – also psychologically. It’s really energized him,” Lippi said.
“He’s fully recuperated now,” Lippi added, indicating Totti will return to the starting lineup.
