Halftime in Berlin

Tevez is happy about his first-half against the Germans. And about wearing that classy blue jersey.


Notes on a classic Germany-Argentina showdown in Berlin:

'5 - No love lost between these two. Germany, especially, is really getting stuck in, leaving their foot in on every tackle. Lots of afters already, but the ref Michel is keeping a lid on it. Podolski earns a yellow for taking Mascherano down way after the ball left - Germany's play so far very reminiscent of Bayern Munich in Europe: very physical, borderline dirty.

'10 - Pekerman has made three changes: Lucho Gonzalez for Cambiasso, Coloccini in place of Scaloni, and Tevez instead of Saviola. The tactics must be to get much more hair in the lineup. Mission accomplished.

'15 - Germany goes really close with a Ballack header off a great counter. Best chance of the game by far.

'20 - Argentina dominating possession, but not creating chances (a lot like Spain against France). Tevez looks like the most dangerous player on the pitch. Pekerman is playing him wide on the left in a 4-2-3-1. Mascherano has looked good in the center, but Riquelme, playing just ahead of him, has been shackled by Germany's physical marking. Frings looks very strong.

'35 - Ze Mannschaft continues to hassle Riquelme's every move. They've keyed in on him, which may leave Tevez free to give Friedrich fits on the left. Riquelme is spending a lot of time on his back, never given any time on the ball.

'45 - Halftime. Physical, scrappy game. Few chances, in fact Ballack's header is the only one of note. Argentina has kept possession and taken the crowd out of it, but they haven't even come close to scoring. Riquelme has been shut down by the excellent German defense. A lot of the 50-50 calls going the way of the hosts - no surprise there. For the most part, Michel has done well. Argentina have done well to take control of the game, but it's hard to see how they'll score, especially with Crespo disappearing up front. Germany has defended well and they look dangerous on free-kicks. It may have to be an error that decides it (Abbondazieri has looked shaky at times). First goal wins.

Back with a full match recap after the game.