A heavenly match-up!

Both teams are confident about tomorrow’s match. Germany’s press conference was all Teutonic swagger, with Ballack leading the way. Argentina appeared at the stadium this evening, the picture of cool, more concerned with getting the right shots on their digicams than the possibility shots tomorrow.

So how do they stack up?

Germany have not conceded a goal since that opening match three weeks ago in Munich. Indeed, in six hours of football, Jens Lehmann has had to make just six saves (Dida, by contrast, has made 15). That’s the result of the huge — and hugely effective — screen in front of him in the shape of the young Metzelder and Metrsacker, and Torsten Frings further up.

At the other end, Roberto Abbondanzieri has had to make 9 saves, also conceding just two goals. His screen is the hugely experienced Heinze and Ayala, and ahead of them the man they call El Jefe, the Chief: Javier Mascherano, just turned 22 but with the ability of a seasoned pro to close down a match.

These are the walls that the two teams will come up against or, more accurately, the speedbreakers to slow down their tearaways. Argentina’s passmeister Riquelme will have to be at the top of his game if he is to supply his sharpshooters, Crespo and Saviola. And his free-kicks will have to get round the giant German defence.

It is easier, in this scenario, to see Germany score. Not only have Klose and Podolski struck up a prescient understanding, they have in Michael Ballack the consummate midfielder-goalscorer. Against Sweden, in the last round, he didn’t score but he peppered the Swedish goal with his long-rangers. He is also a peerless header and has the ability to burst through from deep positions.

Germany’s weak spot is the lack of speed and agility among their defenders, which Argentina can exploit to the full. It also remains to be seen how Germany chase the game if Argentina score first; the hosts’ trick has been to score early and boss the match.

There are two other, less defineable, elements that should come into play at some point of time: Messi, and the masses.

For some strange reason Jose Pekerman has not started with Lionel Messi. Perhaps in deference to the boy’s age (19 last Saturday), perhaps in recognition that Messi and Riquelme over 90 minutes would be too much of a luxury. He is unlikely to start with him tomorrow either but is sure to bring him on for shock value at some point of time, especially if Argentina are in need of a goal.

Messi plays with the serenity of a Buddhist monk yet even he could be rattled by the wall of sound likely to emanate from the kick-off. The home crowds have been quite spectacular, raising their game, as it were, the 12th man for the side. Friday evening promises to be spectacular. Even by the standards of this great stadium.

Match Officials: Referee: Lubos Michel (Slovakia), Assistants: Roman Slysko (Slovakia); Martin Balko (Slovakia).