巴拉克坦言，兩個強隊過早的相遇有點遺憾，但自信他的球隊沒有任何憂慮。“我們一點也不擔心對手是阿根廷，雖然他們是這屆世界盃上巴西以外最出色的球隊。”
“經過這幾場比賽後，我們沒有必要再掩飾自己，我們士氣高漲，我們有很大的機會能打敗他們”
最近六年，德國都沒有擊敗過所謂的足球強國，他們的最近一次勝利要追述到2000年10月1-0小勝英格蘭。
此後，在與世界諸強的交鋒中，德國10負6平，與阿根廷的最近一次對決是2005年上半年，兩隊2-2 握手言和。
然而，星期五的比賽也許會有不同。
“以前，我們是以失敗者的姿態進入球場進行比賽，但明天不一樣。這次我們並不只滿足於踢好比賽，我們要進入下一輪比賽。我們都非常渴望再踢3場比賽，這就是為什麼我們有6成的勝算。”
提及自己的腳傷，巴拉克説道：“我感覺很好。我的腳曾有過一點小問題，但現在已經完全好了。”
主帥克林斯曼也表示，德國隊在本屆世界盃上的表現已經證明他們能夠跟上世界足球強隊的步伐。
他説：“我們的自信來自這六周的艱苦備戰，我們認為我們能擊敗像阿根廷這樣的強隊，我們很尊敬他們，但我們有實力戰勝他們。”
德國主帥估計不會調整2-0擊敗瑞典的出場陣容，已經打進7粒入球的波多爾斯基和克洛澤將繼續擔當起球隊的進攻重任，巴拉克和弗林斯則坐鎮中場，組織進攻。
與此同時，阿根廷主帥佩克曼則認為1986年的勝利和當前這批球員有著某種聯絡。
“我們將盡力續寫這支球隊1986年所應得的榮譽，我們知道打進決賽有多麼困難，我們努力再次創造歷史。”
佩克曼對中場路易斯 岡薩雷斯和右後衛尼古拉斯 梅迪納仍不能確定，他們因傷錯過了2-1贏取墨西哥的那場比賽。
當前，裏克爾梅因為世界盃上的表現成為其國內媒體的攻擊對象，佩克曼回應這些批評時則表示：“我認為，到目前為止，裏克爾梅的表現非常出色，我非常信任他。”
鏈結：http://soccernet.espn.go.com/preview?id=191974&cc=5739
原文：
Updated: June 29, 2006, 5:16 PM UK
Germany v Argentina: Preview
Michael Ballack believes Germany have a ``60-40'' chance of beating Argentina in their World Cup quarter-final clash on Friday.
The tournament hosts have been riding on a wave of euphoria following four impressive wins in as many matches, while Argentina have solidified their status as the number one contender courtesy of a string of strong performances.
Ballack admitted it was a shame that the two powerhouses had to meet at an early stage but vowed his troops had ``nothing to worry about''.
``We are not afraid, even though the opponent is Argentina and besides Brazil have been the best team in this tournament,'' the Chelsea midfielder said.
``But after our most recent performances we do not need to hide ourselves. The team is in very confident mood and we know we have a big chance to defeat them.''
Germany have not beaten a so-called big nation in almost six years as their last win dates back to October 2000 when they saw off England 1-0 in the final match in Wembley.
They have lost 10 and drawn six of their meetings with top international opposition ever since, but at least held Argentina to two 2-2 draws in the first half of 2005.
Friday, however, will be different.
``We played well against them,'' said Ballack.
``We entered the matches as underdogs, which will not be the same tomorrow (Friday), but playing well does not suffice this time out. We want to reach the next round. We have the hunger to play three more matches and that is why our chances are 60-40. We are not worried.''
The 29-year-old, who just like four-goal hero Miroslav Klose missed the two encounters last year, sat out training on Tuesday through a foot problem. He will be ready to go come game time, though.
``I'm feeling good,'' he said.
``I have had a minor injury but it is all well again.''
Meanwhile, coach Jurgen Klinsmann claimed Germany's tournament performances have proven that they are finally ``able to keep up with the big nations again''.
He proclaimed: ``Our self-confidence is based on six weeks of hard work and we feel we are ready to beat a team like Argentina. We have the utmost respect for them but we know what we are capable of doing.''
The Germany boss is not expected to change the winning team from the 2-0 victory over Sweden, meaning Lukas Podolski and Klose, who have combined for seven goals thus far, will feature up front, with Ballack and Torsten Frings pulling the strings in midfield.
Meanwhile, Argentina will go into the quarter-final determined to honour the memory of their World Cup-winning side of 1986.
Twenty years ago, the team were inspired by Diego Maradona to victory over West Germany in the final in Mexico City.
Argentina coach Jose Pekerman believes there is a connection between the 1986 vintage and the current players.
He said: ``This side has some similarities to the old team - the way they play, some of the positions the players take up.
``We will go out to try and honour the team that won in 1986 - and we know just how difficult it is to get the final. This team is trying to make history again.''
Pekerman still has doubts over midfielder Luis Gonzalez and right-back Nicolas Burdisso, who missed the 2-1 win over Mexico due to injury.
He added: ``We'll wait until the last moment to see if they recover before I decide on the starting XI.
``But we have great strength in depth - Argentina's strength is in the entire squad of 23 players and their attitude is superb, that's what makes me optimistic.''
Pekerman also had some kind words for his German opposite number Jurgen Klinsmann, praising him for reinvigorating the hosts.
``It'll be a clash of two favourites,'' said Pekerman. ``Unfortunately, one of us has to go out, despite us both having done a lot of good things in this World Cup.
``Germany have been very impressive and a lot of that is due to Klinsmann. He has overseen a renewal in their attacking style that has brought them some good results.
``Just like Argentina, they always try to play good football.''
Argentina's playmaker Juan Roman Riquelme has been the target of criticism in his home country for his World Cup performances, despite being regarded by many neutrals as the outstanding player of the tournament so far.
Pekerman dismissed the criticism, saying: ``In my opinion, he has had an excellent World Cup so far.
``I trust him completely and we need to tune in more to the way Roman plays.''
作者--楊瓊華
責編：佟杉杉