Can’t see an exciting Argentina team losing

With the Germany-England tie so early in the competition, it makes this World Cup all the more exciting. England are one of the favourites and although they played below par in the first two games, we saw that they have the potential.

Germany too are a strong team. Against Australia they showed that they have the ability to destroy good teams. England surprised everyone by dropping points against USA and Germany lost to Serbia, but such is football. I feel this game is very evenly balanced.

Both teams are defensively strong. John Terry is a leader at the back for England, Philipp Lahm is the same for Germany. In the midfield, they have experienced players like Gareth Barry and in Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard they have proven goal-scorers.

For Germany, there are fitness concerns with Boateng, Schweinsteiger and Ozil. Klose and Podolski are able to open defence but England also have a special forward in Rooney.

Germany will have more possession, while England will move the ball forward faster, and chances will be few. If they are to win, England know they must do it in extra-time. History shows that matches between Germany and England often end equal.

Argentina vs Mexico is easier to call, although we have seen in this World Cup that no team is safe from a surprise result. Mexico are fluid, they move the ball well and create chances. Striker Carlos Vela should be fit after getting injured against France.

Argentina have lit up the WC with their cavalier attacking style. In Lionel Messi, they have a very special player, and with him in the team, a match is never lost before the final whistle. In Gonzalo Higuain, they have another world-class forward.

This should be an exciting game, perhaps closer than many people feel, but it's difficult to comprehend Argentina losing.

First Published: Jun 27, 2010 00:47 IST