Argentina legend, Diego Maradona, has warned Germany that the climate in Brazil could hamper their World Cup hopes.
Germany have reached the final of the World Cup on seven occasions (shared record with Brazil) and won the tournament three times. However, the last time the European stronghold won it was 24 years ago in 1990.
Joachim Low’s team finished second in 2002, third in 2006 and 2010, and are again expected to be among the contenders to win the trophy, but Maradona has warned the Germans of the different climate in Brazil.
"If they (Germany) can't adapt to the climate, they'll just be a team like any other,” he told Sport Bild.
So far, no European team has ever won a World Cup hosted in South America, but following the rise of it's club football Maradona see Germany amongst the title contenders.
"Germany are as strong as ever and one of the favourites for the World Cup, that didn't change,” the 1986 World Cup champion continued.
“But there is one difference: Today you can see great games in Germany.Football made a big step forward there.
“It's more entertaining and not only tackles and long balls anymore. German football is fun now."
The 53-year-old has also slammed the Argentine Football Association (AFA) by accusing those in charge of ‘understanding as much about football as Pakistan does’.
Maradona had coached his country during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, where they lost 4-0 to Germany in the quarter-finals, and believes he should still be leading Argentina to Brazil.
“The AFA has played dirty tricks on me,” he added.
“I should have also been the Argentina coach at the World Cup (at Brazil 2014). But the current leaders of the association understand as much about football as Pakistan does.
“They don’t have a clue at all.
“To clarify: There are certainly many good things in Pakistan, but I have never seen them play a World Cup final.
“I say: The current association leaders in Argentina are the same as Pakistan.”
Germany or Argentina, which nation will do better at the 2014 World Cup? Have your say in the comment section below.
