Germans not afraid of Argentina after classy win over England

Germany are not afraid of Lionel Messi's Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals but are not getting carried away either after the 4-1 spanking of England.

"Of course we are happy, and relieved, to have beaten such a strong team," midfielder Sami Khedira told a news conference on Monday at the German camp in Erasmia, DPA reported.

"Messi is the best player in the world. But the team can stop a player like Messi. We know we have a chance ... If we continue like this we will have enough reason to celebrate."

Striker Miroslav Klose, who scored his 50th goal in Sunday's big Round of 16 win and will earn his 100th cap on Saturday against Argentina, agreed.

"We have heard they want revenge for 2006 (where Germany beat Argentina in the quarter-final on penalties) ... Argentina are better on paper, but that was the case with England as well. But the game is decided on the pitch," said Klose.

"We are capable of hurting Argentina," he said.

Germany was lavished with praise for their classy win in Bloemfontein and coach Joachim Loew gave his players a day and a half off until Tuesday night before preparing them for Saturday's game against Argentina.