World Cup:Diego Maradona has mocked Bastian Schweinsteiger and accused Germany of nerves ahead of Saturday's World Cup showdown with Argentina. The German has attacked La Albiceleste's behaviour following the last-eight clash four years ago, when they lost on penalties.
The Bayern Munich midfielder followed up by accusing the South Americans of whinging to referees and using provocative tactics to wind their opponents up.
Germany captain Phillip Lahm today stoked the pot when he described the South Americans as "a temperamental lot".
“Bastian said what he said," added Lahm. "We know South Americans are impulsive and temperamental and cannot lose.
“We’ll see on Saturday how they lose and how they behave after a defeat.”
And it seems Maradona is happy to snatch at the bait.
In an interview with Fox Sports, the legendary playmaker and current Argentina coach turned directly to the camera and in an imitation German accent said: "What's the matter Schweinsteiger? Are you nervous?"
The exaggerated goading is totally in keeping with Maradona's unorthodox approach to management, which has already seen him get into spats with Pele and Michel Platini during the tournament.
"It doesn't worry me what he says about penalties and that we don't know how to lose. It doesn't interest us," he added. "A different game is played every match and this is going to be different because we are coming out to attack them and play in their faces.
"This is what has made them nervous."
As a team-mate of Lahm's at Bayern Munich it puts Martin Demichelis in a difficult position given he will be in the heart of Argentina's defence in Cape Town on Saturday, desperate to keep Germany at bay.
Demichelis tried to keep a diplomatic line. But even he had to stand up for his country.
"I have been in Germany for seven years," said Demichelis. "They know me and they know I won't change.
"But it does seem they don't have a lot of respect for us.
"I am not paying much attention to it, but maybe they should show us some respect."
Despite some awful form in qualifying, Argentina are now amongst the favourites to lift the trophy at Soccer City on July 11th, having recorded four straight victories so far.
They also defeated Germany in a friendly in March, although Maradona does not intend to return to the 4-4-2 formation he used on that night, having enjoyed so much success in South Africa by using Carlos Tevez and Golden Boot contender Gonzalo Higuain as a two-man strikeforce, with Lionel Messi just behind.
"Those games were tactically perfect. But it was for that moment and a time with different demands," said Maradona. "Now it would be a sin to change back with the players we have."
German players Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil missed training today as a precautionary measure. Podolski had broken off training yesterday, complaining about a minor muscle problem while playmaker Ozil remained in the team hotel, feeling unwell. Neither are expected to miss the match in Cape Town.
Cacau, who has been nursing an abdominal muscle strain and missed their second round win over England last week, was also absent. Coach Joachim Loew had said that the 29-year-old striker was doubtful for the match.