Philipp Lahm Adds Fuel To The Fire Between Germany And Argentina – And England

Germany captain Philipp Lahm has added to the tension ahead of the already much-anticipated quarter-final encounter between Germany and Argentina. Lahm, who was in the side in the 2006 World Cup when Germany defeated Argentina on penalties, has continued the mind-games that Bastian Schweinsteiger started.

From Goal.com; “Bastian said what he said and I can only agree with him. We all know how most South Americans are impulsive and temperamental. They don’t know hot to react when they lose. However, we will see on Saturday how they will be beaten. I’m curious to see how they will behave after a defeat this time.We have to concentrate on our football only. It is time we beat a top team. Our young team has to show that it can beat a top team like Argentina in 90 minutes.”

Strong words from Germany’s captain indeed. Germany’s focus ahead of what will be a fiery encounter between the two sides will be critical to their success. Lahm and Schweinsteiger are teammates with Argentina’s Martin Demichelis at their club side, FC Bayern Munich, but none of that matters in the heat of a World Cup tournament.

From Goal.com; “We have to show we can finally beat a big team – someone like Argentina, Brazil or Spain. Definitely, these are bigger opponents than England.”

Lahm also managed to sneak in an insult at round of 16 opponents and bitter rivals, England. Loew’s Germany side seem to be absolutely determined in succeeding at this World Cup. It’s certainly showed thus far on the pitch, with how ruthless they are.

Paul Breitner, an ex-Bayern Munich man and German international, summed up the German mentality when he said,

“It is not about fun. We are taught to go out there and win – at any cost.”