ERASMIA, South Africa — Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger accused World Cup quarterfinals rival Argentina of showing no respect for opponents and referees.
Germany eliminated Argentina on penalty kicks four years ago at the same stage, and there were chaotic scenes after the shootout, with both sides exchanging punches and kicks in a fracas featuring both benches.
“The shootout is still in our memory, but what really weighs heavily on our minds is what happened after that match,” Schweinsteiger said Wednesday. “We have to remain calm and not get provoked, and I hope the referee will be very alert.
“You could see their behavior at halftime of the game against Mexico. When you look at their body language and gesticulations, the way they try to influence the referees, they have no respect. It’s their mentality and character.”
Mexico and Argentina players had to be separated as they headed for the tunnel at halftime of the Argentina’s 3-1 second-round win. The Mexicans were furious over Argentina’s first goal that came when scorer Carlos Tevez was clearly offside.
But the midfielder praised Argentina as a team, saying the squad was better in “every sector” than the team Germany beat four years ago, and he restated stopping Argentina star Lionel Messi will take a “collective effort.”
“Other teams also have done it. He hasn’t scored yet, and we want to keep it that way,” Schweinsteiger said.
World Cup schedule
QUARTERFINALS
Friday’s games
At Port Elizabeth, South Africa
Netherlands vs. Brazil, 8 a.m.
At Johannesburg
Uruguay vs. Ghana, 12:30 p.m.
Saturday’s games
At Cape Town, South Africa
Germany vs. Argentina, 8 a.m.
At Johannesburg
Paraguay vs. Spain, 12:30 p.m.
SEMIFINALS
Tuesday, July 6, At Cape Town, South Africa
Uruguay-Ghana winner vs. Netherlands-Brazil
winner, 12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 7, At Durban, South Africa
Germany-Argentina winner vs. Paraguay-Spain winner, 12:30 p.m.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Sunday, July 11, 2:30 p.m. at Johannesburg
