Date:27/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/27/stories/2006062706342000.htm

Sport - Football

Another special effort needed

The encounter matches two teams who have fought two finals in the last 20 years

HERZOGENAURACH: Argentina has been special in this World Cup.

It will have to be even better to beat host and three-time champion Germany in the World Cup quarterfinals.

"Against Germany, we have to win — however we can," Argentina captain Juan Pablo Sorin said on Sunday. "We're playing a contender to win it, and all of the fans will be against us."

"Let's hope we can surprise them with the experience of having played more important games in the last several years," said Sorin, referring to the fact that Germany did not have to play qualifying games for the World Cup.

Saturday's victory against Mexico was so tight that even Diego Maradona sat uncomfortably through much of the game, nervously rocking back and forth with his hands on his knees.

The game was decided in the 98th minute by Maxi Rodriguez's split-second of inspiration on the corner of the penalty area.

"I had not decided to shoot it, but the ball fell right in front of me," Rodriguez said. "It's one of those shots that can go into the stands or in the goal."

Often overshadowed by Argentina's host of talented strikers, the 25-year-old midfielder upstaged striker Lionel Messi and midfield playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme, who each celebrated birthdays on Saturday.

Like Germany with Jurgen Klinsmann, part of Argentina's resurgence is due to 56-year-old Pekerman.

Quiet and cautious, the former taxi driver and journeyman midfielder took over almost two years ago after winning three World titles with Argentina youth teams. Of the 23 players this time, 17 played for him as youngsters.

Long-awaited game

``It's going to be a long-awaited game, because these are two of the great countries in World Cup history," Pekerman said of Friday's game in Berlin.

Saturday's game was Mexico's fourth straight in the second round — and its fourth straight loss. But this one didn't hurt quite as much as the 2-0 ouster by the United States four years ago. Instead, there was grudging admiration for the way Argentina won it.

"The winner is the one who scores the goal," Mexico defender Rafael Marquez said, blaming Swiss referee Massimo Busacca for some of his team's problems. — AP