Germany/Argentina 
My Pick: Germany
The first of the quarter finals kicks off when hosts Germany play South American giants Argentina in Berlin on Friday. Both the teams have probably been the two best teams on display so far and fans and pundits alike will be sad to know that one of these two teams will have to bid adieu to the World Cup after the game.
Under the guidance of Jurgen Klinsmann, Germany have transformed into a formidable unit. The pre world cup preparations of the Germans weren't anything great but they have this habit of reserving their best for the World Cup and that is precisely what has happened this time too. Klinsmann, a coach who was criticised for not spending enough time in Germany has now become a national hero and is carrying the hopes of an expectant nation. All that said,Jose Pekerman's men will pose a high hurdle for the Germans. The two teams have competed in two World Cup finals before this and shared the spoils each time. This time they are meeting in the last 8 and only one will go through.
The Germans have kept clean sheets in their last three games after conceding 2 against Costa Rica in the opening game. They played a fluent game to outplay the Swedes in the round of 16. In Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose,they have two of the most deadly forwards in the World Cup. The duo have been in hot form and the Argentine defence will have their work cut out. Heinze is not still fully fit and Ayala can be susceptible at times. Their skipper Juan Pablo Sorin and Nicolas Burdisso,if he is fit will have to contain their runs forward as their responsiblity at the back will increase. Argentina's playmaker is the technically gifted Juan Roman Riquelme and most of the attacks pass through him. Germany would have noticed that and if the likes of Schneider, Frings and Ballack can stifle him in the centre of the park, the likes of Tevez and Saviola will not have much work to do upfront. Germany will use the flanks while Argentina will mostly use the middle of the pitch for their attacks. That makes for a brilliant game to watch if both the teams are allowed to play the way they want, but I do not think it will be so. Torsten Frings is on a yellow for the Germans.
Argentina had a tougher and more physical game against Mexico in the second round, where a Maxi Rodriguez stunner in extra time propelled them past the Mexicans. Germany had it easy against the Swedes and therefore will be less tired. They also have thei country behind them and the Argentines will be playing against a very partisan crowd. That can some times have a psychological effect on the game which may result in that one moment of insanity for the South Americans or a moment of inspiration for the Germans. Heinze and Sorin are on yellows.
The Argentines are people's favourites going into this, but the Germans are no pushovers. I think they will again lift their game that extra bit and that will see them past the gifted South Americans. It will be by no means easy, but I am banking on Germany to win this, by the odd goal. Or it may go to penalties and then it will be up to the respective goalkeepers to produce some flying saves. Jens Lehmann may then get the perfect opportunity to show why he is better than Oliver Kahn.
The German juggernaut will roll on IMO.
