Germany striker Lukas Podolski has suffered a slight injury scare ahead of the quarter-final with Argentina.
Striker suffers slight injury scare and Cacau still struggling
Germany striker Lukas Podolski has suffered a slight injury scare ahead of the World Cup quarter-final clash with Argentina.
The forward, who was on target in the 4-1 humiliation of England in the second ruond, broke off training on Wednesday afternoon as Joachim Low's side prepare for Saturday's clash at Green Point Stadium.
Team officials later insisted it was purely a precautionary measure after Podolski complained of a minor muscle problem and the 25-year-old is expected to play in Cape Town.
But fellow forward Cacau has not recovered from an abdominal muscle strain and is a doubt for the last-eight showdown.
Cacau missed the victory over England with the injury and a decision over his fitness will now be made on Friday.
Low said: "Apart from Cacau, all other players are participating in training. He is doing some light running and therapy. But today and tomorrow it will not happen (training with the team).
"So he is also doubtful for the weekend. The final decision will be taken on Friday."
Tight match
Low is expecting a tough clash with Argentina, who Germany beat at the same stage of the last World Cup on penalties.
"I expect an unbelievably tight match as we cannot allow ourselves any mistakes because for any mistake we make, they will punish us in an ice-cold way," Low said.
"They are the top favourites for the World Cup. They have so many players able to score."
Four years ago, a note detailing which side the Argentina penalty-takers usually picked was given to Jens Lehmann and has been credited with helping him save two kicks to send them through to the semi-finals.
But Low believes it will be tougher this time due to the array of talent in the opposition ranks.
"If we needed a note in 2006 for the penalties this time we need a whole catalogue if you see the quality of players they have in the squad," he said.
