Perhaps one of the most disappointing aspects of the South Africa World Cup has been the tendency of sides to focus on not conceding rather than attacking.

The risk of going that goal down and having to chase the game, subsequently opening up gaps at the back, is seemingly not worth taking, and, in truth, has resulted in some incredibly dull affairs.

After ten minutes of the Paraguay and Japan clash, it became evident that the game was likely to surpass the 90 mark, and that the trend of sitting back wasn’t going to be isolated solely to the group stages. Eventually, the game was of course settled by a penalty shootout, but even that lacked any excitement, with neither goalkeeping producing a save, the unfortunate Yuichi Komano sending Japan home after crashing his spot kick against the bar.

However, one side who have been refreshingly contrary to this rule are Argentina, and with the striking prowess that they have at their disposal, it would be a shock to see any manager deploy negative tactics – even Diego Maradona.

Diego's managerial credentials will be given a real test against Germany

Maradona’s men have progressed to the last eight with relative ease, but the run in they now face, should they reach the final in Johannesburg , will provide a real test to the substance that has taken them thus far.

The South American’s front line is unquestionably frightening for opponents. Imagine turning up at your 5-a-side soccer or 6-a-side Leisure Leagues and being faced with three outstanding individuals, who happen to compliment each other rather well as a unit.

Maradona has consistently deployed a front three, baring the final group encounter against Greece where he ringed the changes, of Gonzalo Higuain, flanked by Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez. Not bad. Plus Diego Milito, who happened to bag a brace in the Champions League Final waiting in the wings, oh, and not forgetting Atletico Madrid’s Sergio Aguero.

Previous opposition have been content to try and suffocate the Argentine attack, and it has ultimately backfired. Hitting four past South Korea, three against Mexico, and Greece two, it was Nigeria who seemingly copped best with the South Americans, but Super Eagles shot stopper Vincent Enyeama had to be in outstanding form to keep the score-line respectable.

Now the real test commences. Germany are renown for priding themselves, and not in a stereotypical sense, on their efficiency, building from the back and demonstrating a real desire to work as a unit, something which England discovered to their cost.

Tevez has been tenecious thus far for Argentina

In essence, Germany should provide Argentina with their sternest test thus far, and the former will be going into Saturday’s tie believing that victory is entirely plausible.
The contrasting styles between the two sides is glaringly obvious, which is why there is potential for a gripping contest.

Attack is Argentina’s best form of defence, and in fairness, their European counterparts don’t lack goals themselves, but are likely to try and absorb the early pressure and rely on the counter attack. Joachim Lowe has a tried and tested system, and would be foolish to even envisage a new approach against such a formidable front line.

What promises to be intriguing is how Maradona sees the situation. Does he stick with the free flowing offensive set up that has guided the South Americans into the Quarter Finals which such ease, or adopt a more cautious approach and asses the Germans?

Of course, the neutral would love to see Maradona persist with the attacking flair, and if he does, it could well prove greatly advantageous, not only for his side, but for the tournament as a whole.

Yes it is a risk, especially considering how little their back line has been tested thus far. But when a side possess so much talent, including the world’s greatest striker, it would be a crime against the game of football if the Argentina boss were to attempt anything other than an attacking approach.

An unpredictable persona yes, but Maradona’s playing style and management guise having thus far showed striking similarities, and that striker’s nature will continue to reflect in his line up against Germany.

Everyone has marvelled at the youngster’s professionalism in the German ranks, and as impressive as it may have been, Argentina will prove far too strong for an, albeit well organised, but highly overrated team.

Alex Z