World Cup 2010: A messy affair as German ‘bulldozers’ run over Argentina, terminating her World Cup hope in 4-0 defeat.
Diego Maradona
Humiliated Diego Maradona needed a life support console from his official colleagues after his top rated side was crushed 4-0 in one of World Cup semi finals.
He has already indicated his willingness to quit as Argentina’s Manager following the humiliating defeat which has deflated the ego of the famous football ‘Hand of God’’ author.
Argentina came into the game in Cape Town having won all four of their previous games in South Africa but were torn apart by Joachim Low’s impressive young side, with Thomas Muller opening the scoring,Miroslav Klose netting twice and defenderArne Friedrich also getting on the scoresheet.
Germany coach Joachim Low said his team played “like champions” after they booked a place in the semi-finals following a crushing 4-0 victory over Argentina in Cape Town.
Argentina were buried thanks to a third minute goal from Thomas Muller and two second half efforts from Miroslav Klose either side of one from Arne Friedrich.
Even Diego Maradona would have appreciated it, had he not been in the opposite dug-out. An imperious masterclass from a side on the march.
Games of this magnitude can often be dull, sterile affairs, where two giants cancel each other out completely. This spectacular never had a chance of being that way.
An Argentina team containing Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain and Carlos Tevez, managed by one of the most creative forces there has ever been, is not exactly set up to defend.
Germany’s talents are not as well known. But over the past week Joachim Low’s team have made some statement.
When Nicolas Otamendi brought Podolski down by the touchline, the start of what turned out to be a tortuous opening period for the young full-back, Bastian Schweinsteiger curled the free-kick to the near post. Muller escaped Otamendi’s attentions and rose unchallenged.
The youngster should have sent a firm header into the corner. Instead, he got the faintest touch which deceived Sergio Romero, who must have thought he was going to be beaten anyway. It shot off the Argentina keeper’s leg and rolled into the net.
For a good 15 minutes, those famous blue and white shirts were seen twisting and turning in all directions as they tried to keep their opponents at bay.
Klose wasted a golden opportunity to double the advantage when Muller capitalised on Gabriel Heinze’s error and squared for the veteran frontman. On his 100th appearance, it should have been his 51st goal. But he rushed the opportunity and side-footed over.
Too young to be considered for Germany’s triumphant Under-21 squad at last summer’s European Championships, what a year Muller has had.
A double from Miroslav Klose on his 100th international appearance, along with goals from Thomas Muller and defender Arne Friedrich ensured the convincing win over a lacklustre Argentina.
“The team did everything nearly perfectly today,” Low said. “The result is nearly unbelievable because Argentina have a strong defensive team. It was first class that we were able to get so many goals. We played like champions.”
Low reserved special praise for Klose, whose two goals took him level on 14 World Cup goals with German legend Gerd Muller.
“I’m thrilled for Klose,” Low said. “He is truly impressive, such a wonderful and successful player. He has scored more than one in every second match.
“Klose has been outstanding in 2002, 2006 and 2010, he has always put on a top quality performance. Very few players could hold a candle to him. This is truly a feat to stay in the history books.”
One sour note for Germany was the booking picked up by Bayern Munich midfielder Muller for a handball which puts him out of the semi-final against either Spain or Paraguay.
“The fact we won’t have him is a serious blow,” Low said. “He showed how dangerous he is. The ball touched his thigh and his arm in one small moment. I question this yellow card.”
“What’s important is to keep our feet on the ground and get our emotions under control. My team has been excellent and we have celebrated in the dressing room but we are remaining realistic.
“We are among the top four teams in the world but it’s far from over. We have a great opportunity to make it to the final. We must concentrate and look forward to the next game.”
Muller, who netted his fourth goal of the tournament, said: “It’s insane to beat Argentina 4-0. It’s hard to find the words for a result like that. I think Germany is quaking right now and that’s the right way to celebrate this.”
Man-of-the-match Bastian Schweinsteiger added: “That gives you goose bumps seeing the way people are celebrating at home.
“We may have to play Spain next – they’re the best team in the world, in my view. But we’re good enough, we believe in ourselves.”
Argentina striker Carlos Tevez blamed the defeat on errors. “We just had a bad game. If you make mistakes like that, you go home,” he said. “We knew they could be dangerous on set-pieces and on the counter-attack.”
Maradona has been the subject of regular criticism during his time in charge of the national side thanks to some unconvincing performances, even if Argentina’s form in the group stages and a second round victory over Mexico was impressive.
After his dream of winning the World Cup as player and coach evaporated, Maradona conceded he may consider resigning from his post. Argentina appointed their hero from the 1986 World Cup as boss in November 2008.
“I may leave tomorrow [Sunday],” Maradona said. “We will see what happens. Whoever comes after me I hope will follow the attacking style. Listen, I haven’t thought about leaving, I have to check with my family and players.”
He admitted that the prospect of returning to Argentina having let down an expectant public was a daunting one.
“I am totally disappointed,” Maradona said. “We will go back and that is difficult after losing but we will sit down and figure out what happened.
“I don’t think anybody can be happy with the result. We live and breathe football and no-one will be glad we lost 4-0. The day I stopped playing football could have been similar to this.
“The sadness is really strong, it is tough. We had a wish to go beyond today and be among the four best teams in the world. We had this dream and the opposite happened.
“I lived through this in 1982 as a player. I was a boy and didn’t realise. Today, I am 50 in October and mature and it is the toughest day of my life. This is like a kick in the face. I have no more energy for anything.”
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