In-Form German Strikers Have Enigmatic Argentina in Sights

Germany's youthful attackers Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose are on the loose with seven goals between them in a young team which has rapidly blossomed in reaching the last eight.

In contrast to Jürgen Klinsmann's fresh-faced young guns, who are both Polish-born, quarter-final rivals Argentina are looking to wily veteran Hernan Crespo, who is determined to take the albiceleste through to a semi-final on the eve of his 31st birthday on July 5.

German assistant coach Oliver Bierhoff says the Germans are firing on all cylinders, with "gold-i Poldi" Podolski having found the net three times and Klose going one better.

"Miroslav and Podolski have a burning appetite to win. Podolski is a very clever and gifted player. Now he is drawing his reward," said Bierhoff of the 21-year-old who looked uncomfortable at the start of the tournament before suddenly discovering his scoring touch.

Klose netted twice in the opening match against Costa Rica and then twice more against Ecuador before Podolski finally scored, making the third goal against the South American minnows.

That strike did wonders for the confidence of the unassuming youngster who has just joined Bayern Munich from relegated Cologne and he promptly scored twice in the opening 12 minutes to knock Sweden to the canvas in the last 16.

Podolski hopes to emulate coach's experience

Podolski says the striking experience of Klinsmann, who helped lead Germany to World Cup glory at Argentina's expense in 1990, has boosted his game.

"The coach wants us to put the pressure on from the first minute and that's what we've been doing. That's what we did against the Swedes."

"But we have to keep our feet on the ground. Argentina are one of the favorites and have superb players, but I think we can match them. They will be a big test for us. But, I prefer to play against strong teams!"

Bierhoff, who scored the winner at the Euro 96 final in England for Die Mannschaft, meanwhile paid tribute to Klose, playing in his second World Cup, saying he was proving a fine foil for Podolski. "He has had a great season -- his switch to Werder Bremen was very important for him. His aggression and dynamism has been world class."

Germany have no serious injury worries as they prepare for Friday's quarter-final, although Michael Ballack has missed a number of training sessions in the past week with a foot injury.

Argentina with goal possibilities through the team

As Germany's striking duo bid to maintain their productive partnership, Crespo is happy to play his part in an Argentina team that appears to have goal scoring options all over the pitch.

With three goals to his name, Crespo tops a list of Argentinean marksmen that includes midfielders Carlos Tevez and Maxi Rodriguez, defender Esteban Cambiasso as well as strike partners Javier Saviola and Lionel Messi.

However, with a 6-0 thrashing of Serbia and Montenegro adding considerably to Argentina's goal tally and plastering over two close 2-1 wins and a nervy 0-0 draw, Jose Pekerman's team have been accused of flattering to deceive.

But against Germany, the coach insists, the world will see a very different Argentina. "When you progress you meet complicated rivals. We're going to get stronger because we achieved what we wanted," Pekerman said after the last 16 victory over Mexico on Saturday night.

"With Argentina the possibility of scoring is always latent."

Germany notes how stretched midfield inhibits Riquelme

Argentina's midfield threat, usually conducted by Juan Roman Riquelme, was negated and cut off from their attack by Mexico's wing play, something Philipp Lahm and Bernd Schneider will have taken note of. Germany's defenders will also be glad to see Argentina struggling to convert the chances they did carve out.

"When we were at our best we weren't able to score, with the substitutions we scored but then we didn't manage to control the ball. That's something we must improve on." Pekerman said.