Argentina’s Albiceleste face the World Cup hosts, Germany in the first quarter-final of the World Cup in the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Friday in what promises to be one of the most exciting games of the tournament.

Germany skipper Michael Ballack and striker Miroslav Klose have both recovered from minor injuries in time for Friday's quarter-final.

Chelsea new-boy Ballack, who had a swollen ankle and Werder Bremen striker Klose, who was suffering from tendonitis, both missed Tuesday's training session but both returned on to train on Wednesday and will be starting the match.

Klose, who is on course for the Golden Boot award with four goals, will be joined in attack by Lukas Podolski, who himself has scored three goals and pose an immense attacking threat.

Argentina's right midfielder Luis Gonzalez has recovered from a groin injury and also starts.

Inter Milan’s Nicolas Burdisso is still doubtful with a knee injury, while AS Roma’s Leandro Cufre is likely to replace West Ham defender Lionel Scaloni.

The teams have a rich history of tournament encounters. In 1986 Diego Maradona led Argentina to their last World Cup victory when they defeated West Germany 3-2 in Mexico.

Four years later the Germans had their revenge when they defeated the South Americans 1-0 in Rome to capture the title in Italia ‘90.

This was the last time the Germans have enjoyed the taste of victory against the Albiceleste with the South Americans winning the next two matches before the sides met twice last year on German soil with both matches finishing 2-2.

But with the World Cup hosts on a roll Germany head coach Jürgen Klinsmann, who won the World Cup for Germany in 1990, believes the time is right for Germany to be playing Argentina.

“Argentina are a great team but we can compete with them and I am sure we can beat them,” said Klinsmann.

“From what I have seen of the other countries in this tournament we do not need to hide from anyone."

Germany captain Michael Ballack was in complete agreement with his coaches thoughts of the encounter.

“We do not fear anyone. Argentina are a top class team and deserve our respect but we are confident of beating them to reach the semi-final," said Ballack.

Argentina are going into the game full of confidence, but still they realise that playing against the World Cup hosts is always going to be very hard.

“This is a very, very important game,” said Argentina head coach Jose Pekerman.”It’s the type of match that you prepare for when you think about getting ready for for the big games in the World Cup.”

The Albiceleste captain Juan Pablo Sorin agreed, saying: “Against Germany, we have to win - however we can.

“We're playing a contender to win it, and all of the fans will be against us.

“Let's hope we can surprise them with the experience of having played more important games in the last several years,” he added, referring to the fact that Germany, as hosts, did not have to qualify, and so are short of competitive experience for the two years before the World Cup.

Full Starting Line-Up:
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