Preview: Argentina – Germany

(GSM) – One of the most highly anticipated games of the 2010 World Cup takes place on Saturday afternoon in Cape Town as high-flying Argentina take on a young, surging Germany side.

Led by Diego Maradona, the Argentineans soared to first place in group play, and they thrashed Mexico 3-1 with a bit of help from a goal that should not have counted.

Germany, meanwhile, also got help from the officials when an equalizer for England was disallowed. But it does not take away from their fine performance in a 4-1 victory over the Three Lions.

Argentina is expected to name an unchanged side from the team that beat Mexico, and Maradona has no suspension issues to concern himself with ahead of the match.

The only fitness doubt is that of defender Walter Samuel, but he is not expected to feature.

Germany coach Joachim Löw, meanwhile, is in the same position with a strong, full-strength side at his disposal. No changes are expected to be made from the side that thrashed England.

It is unclear if Cacau, who missed the win over England due to injury, will be available off the bench for Germany.

Yellow cards could still be an issue for both sides as bookings are not forgiven until after this round.

Gabriel Heinze, Javier Mascherano and Mario Bolatti would all miss a potential semi-final with Argentina if they are cautioned on Saturday.

For Germany, Mesut Özil, Cacau, Philipp Lahm, Sami Khedira, Miroslav Klose, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Thomas Müller and Arne Friedrich will need to avoid a booking.