A war of words has erupted ahead of the match with Germany's players accusing the Argentines of lacking respect and Diego Maradona talking of revenge for an unsavoury defeat on penalties at the same stage of the last World Cup.
Yet when his team suffered a 6-1 humiliation by Bolivia and back-to-back defeats by Brazil and Paraguay, the fans despaired of even qualifying for the finals and Maradona was vilified for his scattergun selection policy.
Maradona has produced a happy, settled squad and has shown excellent man-management skills in praising the contribution of Lionel Messi despite the forward's failure to score.
"We have to try to find the best team, the 'gala team' to play against Germany," said Maradona, who captained his country to success over the Germans in the 1986 final but lost to them in the decider four years later.
"If you see how they gesticulate, how they try to influence the referee... that is not part of the game, that is a lack of respect," he said.
Maradona responded by asking: "What's the matter with you, Schweinsteiger, are you nervous? We don't have time to think about Schweinsteiger. The players are thinking about going onto the pitch, in getting their revenge."
Lukas Podolski and Miroslav Klose, set to win his 100th cap have rewarded Low's faith, Thomas Muller has added attacking sharpness and Mesut Ozil has brought vigour to midfield. Skipper Philipp Lahm says it is the best Germany side he has played in.
