Argentina vs. Germany Diary

9:20: When the quarterfinals were determined, Argentina vs. Germany looked like the best quarterfinal game to write a running diary about. But after the Dutch upset of Brazil and the unbelievably exciting Ghana vs. Uruguay game yesterday this game is going to have to live up to the considerable hype to compare with those two.

9:25: These two teams really don't like each other, as the trash talk all week has confirmed. Though trash talk doesn't have the same feel when it has to be translated. That is the best case for learning multiple languages for young soccer/tennis/hockey players. The history between these two is remarkable, starting with their last meeting that the Germans won on PK's on home soil in the 06' World Cup followed by a scuffle that was about as rough as a Hilton sister squabble over shoes.

9:27: In the last Cups both countries won; Argentina in 86' and Germany in 90' each team beat the other in the finals. They have met five times in world cup play and Germany is (3-1-1). It is hard to believe that perennial power Germany is a +210 dog while Argentina is +120, but Messi and Tevez are a potent combo while Germany's young team is not as known on the world stage. Germany looks like great value to me.

9:30: Weekend coverage switch to ABC, as ESPN is the all Lebron all the time channel until he makes his decision hopefully by this weekend. Ex-German coach Jurgen Klinsman joins the young Rodman-like versatile Chris Fowler and Mr. USA soccer Alexi Lalas in the studio. Jeremy Schapp covers the feud angle in the first segment of pre-game coverage.

9:45: One of the best things about soccer coverage is the no commercials during play, so ABC really has to make up for that during pre game coverage. Whoever greenlighted "Rookie Blue" has to be the same person that thought Kate Gosselin would be a good choice for "Dancing with the Stars" and a potential "Bachelorette" candidate.

9:52: Another great thing about the Cup; the anthems and the kids who get to walk out with the players, is this like a NHL game where they get to play for 10 minutes at half time? If so ABC should televise that. Mandatory shot of Maradona and the Argentina coaching staff that is roughly the size of the population of Uruguay, customary grey matching suits all around, like a summer wedding.

9:58: Shots of the German crowd don't seem as spokesmodel worthy as the shots during the England game. German coach Jugen Loew who seems to be the real deal as a coach continues to sport the Miami Vice look of blazer over a colorful T-shirt. This is first thing USA soccer needs even before a game breaking striker, they need a coach with a dressing style to match other world powers. My vote is for Pat Riley especially if he loses Wade and Lebron this summer. This is the same guy who didn't draw up a play in the second half of the Heat's finals clinching game and just repeated "Stick together, don't give up anything easy, take it to the hoop, and you are tougher than our opponent". That same philosophy and attitude could work in soccer and his fashion sense would match anything the Dutch, German, and English coaches bring out every four years.

10:04: The Germans off to a great start as three minutes in Mueller scores off a set piece from a Schweinsteiger (who has been the MVP of this tournament so far) free kick and the header deflects just enough to beat the goalie. This is like an early knock down in a boxing match and we will see if Argentina can respond to adversity better than Brazil or Britney Spears.

10:10: Up and down like an 80's NBA game as both teams seem happy to attack and Argentina looks like they don't want to defend. Early observations; Argentina can't give up too many set pieces and Messi is dropping back in the defensive zone to start the attack. First yellow card on Argentina due to a German acting job Wilt Chamberlain wishes he could have produced in "Conan the Destroyer" which is airing right now on Encore.

10:16: Germany has had the better of the play and have really dominated possession, and in turn have taken Messi and Tevez out of the game. For the first time all tournament Maradona might have to do more than roll out the balls and jump around hugging people.

10:22: Argentina's best threat so far as Messi threads a pass just out of Tevez's reach and Messi continues to show his skill without scoring. Germany comes right back on a counter and Klose misses a gimme from right in front as his shot from a standstill sails high. Klose has been as sure of a lock as poor officiating in this tourney. Could be a point in the game to re-visit later.

10:28: Decent Messi run where he beat two but was forced right and couldn't cross, Argentina does seem to be getting more possession, while Germany seems happy to hang back and clog Argentina's running lanes and then countering opportunistically.

10:31: Messi skies a free kick after Tevez won a free kick on a run where he forced the official into a block/charge call. Surprised more stikers don't employ this tactic as the officials seem to want to make calls.

10:35: A surge by Argentina leads to offensive zone time, two shots on goal and a free kick as Mueller gets a handball yellow card that will force him to miss the semi's if Germany advances. Announcers point out the inconsistency of cards, which is really affecting this tournament . This rule continues to seem out of date and once you get into bracket play cards really should be wiped out after every game. Card determinations are as subjective as which girl is the best looking from the cast of "Dazed and Confused", everyone has a different opinion. Goal is wiped out as Argentina has more people offsides than Tiger has girlfriends.

10:44: Quick shot of Charlize Theron during a lull in the action, how much better is that than a promo for "Rookie Blue". Did I mention how much I love games without commercials.

10:46: Halftime as the early German goal has held up and they have done a Celtic- like job of defending and frustrating the Argentina attack while generating chances on the counter. A camera in the Argentina locker room and a translator would be a can't miss for this halftime.

10:50: Much needed bathroom break for myself and the dog as we look to grab a bagel and bone for the second half.

11:02: And we are back, scratch the bagel we are going with the always underrated leftover Arby's beef and cheddar. Twelve minute halftimes, that is shorter than a 3 batter half inning of any baseball team other than the Phillies.

11:10: Argentina continues their surge but can't get many chances as time ticks away and Argentina gets more frustrated. A counter attacking goal in the next 15 seems like a distinct nail in the coffin possibility.

11:20: The German goalie Neuer reminds me of Antti Nemi, a little shaky but clean for the most part due to a team emphasis on defense. Very surprised by how many so called powers are shaky in net, Brazil and England were ruined by terrible net minding. If I am raising an athlete in those countries I am buying goaltending gloves and a different color jersey for his first birthday.

11:21: Not only is Jurgen Loew in the discussion for best dressed but his shut down of Rooney and now Messi is the reason his team has to be the World Cup favorite right now. Now I think Riley might need some soccer coaching clinics on the weekend as Loew is making a case for what tactical sense is needed.

11:24: There it is. Klose with the nail in the coffin as Germany shows their tournament long trait of staying calm with the ball in the offensive box as Podolowski was Gretzky-like with the ball and delivered one on a platter for Klose to finish. His earlier miss is totally forgotten, like a San Jose Shark regular season.

11:30: Germany dominating the play and getting their third goal on a great play in the offensive end by Schweinsteiger as he continues the German trend of confidence with the ball in the scoring area. Argentina has thrown in the towel like the Cavs in the playoffs, as Messi is playing the Lebron role and Maradona as Mike Brown.

11:37: Martin Tyler just informed me you can't be offsides on a throw in, Quarterfinals of the Cup and I am still learning.

11:42: Germany looking like a college hoops team that puts in the walk-ons and tries to get them a hoop while the starters wave towels and cheer from the bench.

11:45: Messi gets a shot but Shweinsteiger is there to deflect it like he has been all tourney and Messi will have to wait four years for redemption.

11:46: The rout is official as Germany picks apart Argentina for their fourth goal as World Cup closer Klose scores again, his 14th world cup career goal leaves him only one behind Ronaldo with at least two games to go.

11:48: Mercifully the whistle is blown and Germany moves on while Maradona, Messi, and Argentina are put out of their misery and will dread that flight home. My guess is Maradona is headed for a Jim Morrison like bender in some third world country, while Messi will want to be dropped off in Barcelona. Tough two days for South America the group stage story of the Cup as Brazil and Argentina are sent home by two European tactical teams and Uruguay needed an epic collapse by Ghana to advance. Paraguay will need a Brian Austin Green like effort to beat Spain and advance two South American teams which looked like a lock a few days ago.

11:58: Final thoughts; Germany looks on a mission with great coaching, Schweinsteiger and offensive players with poise and speed, who can distribute and finish. This game wasn't as exciting as Uruguay/Ghana, but was more important in terms of determining the World cup winner.