This weekend’s Quarter Finals in South Africa boast some classic match ups, one of which faces off two of the form teams of the tournament – three times World Cup winners Germany against much fancied Argentina.

These teams have met many times before in the knock out stages, most recently in 2006 at the quarter final stage when Germany went on to win on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after extra time. In 1990, the two sides met in the World Cup final in Rome in a less than classic affair. The highlight of the match was a clinical penalty from Andreas Brehme and the subsequent Argentinian indiscipline that ensued. The West Germans claimed a 1-0 victory.

However, the greatest match up in recent times between these sides was the 1986 World Cup Final in Mexico, where a Maradona inspired Argentina took on an up and coming West German side. World Cup finals can often be hesitant and anticlimactic affairs, however this game lived up to its billing displaying dazzling skill, a resolute comeback and a late winner.

The parallels with this weekend’s Quarter Final are great. Argentina again boast a short, left footed genius, widely acclaimed as the greatest player in the world. Whilst Lionel Messi may well take centre stage on the field, the original genius, Diego Maradona, is back and sure to play a key role from the bench. Maradona seems to have fostered an enviable team spirit, following on from Argentina’s shambolic South American qualification campaign, which could well carry his side forward to the final.

The Germans have a young, skillful side capable of beating any team on their day, but are perhaps one World Cup away from being a great side. They have shown that they are masters of the counter attack, and the likes of Mesut Ozil could well wreak havoc amongst the suspect, but so far relatively untested, Argentinian defence. However, the German defence has also shown signs of weakness and will clearly have their work cut out to contain Messi and co.

Germany may well have already have had their ‘big perfomance’ this World Cup during the second round tie against England. To contain the Argentian attack they will have to produce a very tight, disciplined performance and should consider placing a man marker on Messi. The key will be whether the Germans can withstand the waves of Argentinian attacks and reproduce the kind of fast-paced, clinical counter attacking displayed in the last round. If so, they have the means to upset Maradona’s side and take a significant step towards claiming their fourth World Cup crown.

Highlights – West Germany v Argentina 1986

Highlights – West Germany v Argentina 1990

Highlights – Germany v Argentina 2006