Germany vs. Argentina Continues Classic Soccer Rivalry

Germany's soccer reputation lay in shreds for a decade but has been restored virtually overnight under the sunny disposition of Jürgen Klinsmann, a man whose ubiquitous smile grew to previously-unseen proportions Saturday after beating Sweden in the round of 16.

Now he and the German team are looking forward to their quarter-final match against South American juggernaut Argentina. The sides have met under their current coaches twice already and reached 2-2 splits each time. On Friday, one of them will win the statistical advantage and a place in the semi-finals.

Long, competitive finals history

But even before Klinsmann took over Die Mannschaft as the German Soccer Association's third choice just one month before Jose Pekerman succeeded Marcelo Bielsa, who surprisingly left a solid Argentine side, the two nations shared a history of close World Cup matches -- especially when it came down to the final game.

In 1986, the brilliance of Diego Maradona, bolstered by his slalom run and goal to finish off an England side bamboozled by the now infamous "Hand of God" goal, gave the South Americans the one goal they needed to edge past Germany 3-2 in the trophy match.

Klinsmann is sure to remember the last time the two powerhouses met in the Cup. He was on the field in Rome for the 1990 final and watched tears well in Argentine eyes as they were awarded silver medals before he lifted the Cup in a match that saw two South American players sent off.

Players confident of reaching semi-finals

The countries also met in group action in 1956 and 1966 and in 2006 both teams are positive going into Saturday's match in the German capital.

"This is a match pitting two of the greats together," Pekerman said after beating Mexico in the round of 16. "We have enormous respect for each other."

Germany hope they will be able to put an end to their six-year curse of defeat against big-name teams.

"We will do everything to beat them and I think we can do it," German midfielder Torsten Frings said. "I think Friday is finally the time to defeat a top nation."

Meanwhile, Argentina want to live up to their reputation as one of the favorites to lift the trophy on July 9.

"Germany are going to have to show more than they have done so far to beat us," Argentina striker Carlos Tevez said, adding that he isn't worried about Germany's size advantage. "I'm not afraid of them if they come (at me). I'd be afraid of them in a fight, but I'm not afraid because we're going to play soccer."