Argentina vs. Germany World Cup instant analysis

This is the 15th time in a row that the preposterously successful Germany has reached the World Cup quarterfinals, and this is the second time in a row its encountered Argentina at this point. In 2006 the game went to penalties and Argentina's substitute 'keeper, Leonardo Franco, failed to save a single one, while Roberto Ayala and Esteban Cambiasso made life easy for Germany's No. 1 Jens Lehmann with poorly taken strikes. The whole thing ended with a spot of fisticuffs, predominantly involving feisty Argentine fullback Gabriel Heinze.

Dare we hope for such drama two World Cups in a row? Yes, why not? Both these sides have been playing well and neither will feel it deserves to go home more than a week early. Join me from 9.45 a.m. ET on Saturday for live analysis of the game and as much email banter as you and my inbox can handle -- georgina.turner.si@gmail.com.