Germans play mind games with Argentina

[July 02, 2010]  JOHANNESBURG (AP) -- There's no better way to spice up an off day at the World Cup than with good old-fashioned trash talk.

Germany's players spent both rest days this week sending strong words the way of Argentina, their opponent in Saturday's quarterfinals. The latest came from captain Philipp Lahm, who accused Diego Maradona's team of being too aggressive and perhaps even bent on mayhem.

Lahm's comments Thursday followed similar remarks a day earlier by Bastian Schweinsteiger, who said Argentina showed no respect for opponents or referees.

"We have to concentrate on our own game. They are temperamental, we'll see how they deal with defeat on Saturday," Lahm said. "They are impulsive, temperamental and they don't know how to lose."

Assistant coach Oliver Bierhoff chimed in, adding he had played with many Argentines and found them "friendly, warmhearted people."

"But on the pitch they are different. They become aggressive and provocative. We should keep a cool head and concentrate on our own game," the former striker said.

Referring to a post-match fight in 2006 after Germany won a shootout against Argentina in the quarterfinals of the World Cup, Bierhoff said, "emotions run high after a game, but we should put it behind us."

Argentina isn't exactly keeping quiet, either, with Maradona mocking Bastian Schweinsteiger, who began the war of words on Wednesday. Maradona said nerves must be getting to the German midfielder.

Maradona also said his players were looking forward to "revenge."

Aside from Germany eliminating Argentina on penalty kicks four years ago, when players and team officials exchanged punches and kicks afterward, Germany beat Argentina 1-0 in the 1990 World Cup final -- avenging Argentina's 3-2 victory in the '86 title game. Back then, Maradona was leading the Albiceleste as a player.

"The important thing is that we answer on the field," Argentine defender Martin Demichelis said. "The best answer is during the game.

"Maybe because we beat them on March 3 (in an exhibition game) they respect us a little more."

Doesn't sound like it.

Lahm dismissed Maradona's suggestion the Germans were nervous.

"We are tense but not nervous," Lahm said. "We are looking forward to the game."

The World Cup resumes Friday with the Netherlands playing Brazil in Port Elizabeth and Uruguay meeting Ghana, Africa's last hope at the first World Cup to be played on the continent.

Brazil coach Dunga may have a hard time selecting his midfielders against the Netherlands because of injuries and a suspension. Kaka and Gilberto Silva are set to start at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, but a suspension to Ramires and injuries to Elano, Felipe Melo and Julio Baptista leave the coach with few options for the other two midfield positions.

"Brazil doesn't depend on just three players but a whole collective," Dunga said. "The entire team is important and if they all play up to expectations we're going to get the results we're looking for."

Spain coach Vicente del Bosque is sticking by Fernando Torres despite the striker's poor performance so far. Torres has struggled in South Africa since returning from knee surgery in April. Although Fernando Llorente played well after replacing Torres in the 1-0 win over Portugal, Del Bosque says "our striker is Fernando."

Spain plays Paraguay at Ellis Park on Saturday.

FIFA still is considering what action to take against Nigeria, whose president, Goodluck Jonathan, ordered the team to sit out international competition for two years as punishment playing so poorly in the World Cup. FIFA rules demand that national federations be independent of the government, so Nigeria faces a suspension by the world soccer governing body.

Javier Aguirre quit as Mexico coach, three days after the national team was knocked out of the World Cup 3-1 by Argentina -- the fifth straight time Mexico has been eliminated in the second round.

"I'm the person responsible," said Aguirre, adding that he'd made a commitment to reach the quarterfinals.

World Cup chief organizer Danny Jordaan said paid attendance is already at 2.69 million people, giving him hope the 3 million mark will be surpassed.

"The signs are there," Jordaan said. "The South African fans have been superb."

[Associated Press; By SIMON HAYDON]

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