World Cup: Argentina vs. Germany: Joachim Low expects an attacking game from both teams

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Exuding confidence and a strong belief in his young team, Germany Coach Joachim ‘Jogi’ Low on Friday said he expected Germany and Argentina to both adopt an attacking approach when the face each other in Saturday’s World Cup quarterfinal in Cape Town, South Africa. Low said it was not in the nature of Argentina Coach Diego Maradona to play defensively. ‘I don’t think that would be his mentality, to be honest with you,’ Low said at a press conference at Green Point Stadium, site of the match between the two former world champions.

‘Just think about the way he was as a player. He was not necessarily a player to help the defense. He was always an offensive player, he was always an attacking player. Even as a coach, he would definitely want to leave a mark on the attacking play. Argentina tomorrow will be extremely dangerous.’

Low pointed to the wealth of talent the Argentines have in their forward line as an example of why Germany will not be able to make any defensive miscues. In addition to Lionel Messi, the forwards include Carlos Tevez, Gonzalo Higuain, Diego Milito, Sergio Aguero and Martin Palermo.

Low said the South Americans have attacking players ‘almost incomparable in numbers’ and would be difficult to contain. ‘Just take a look at the whole team, the squad they have, the substitutes’ bench,’ he said.

‘Sometimes, incredibly talented players don’t even make it into the [starting] lineup. Milito, for example, played a fantastic season in Europe and is on the substitutes’ bench. So this tells us a lot about the attacking power, the firepower, that Argentina has.

‘So it’s not only Messi that we have to look out for. There are also Tevez and Higuain and [Maxi] Rodriguez. They can all make a difference. We have to avoid any mistakes because they are extremely skilled and can capitalize quickly. So we are warned about the attacking power of Argentina.

‘I don’t think they will come onto the pitch with more respect or fear. All teams have their own styles. So does mine. Both will try to be strong in their forward play and both will try to go for goals.’

-- Grahame L. Jones in Cape Town