Schweinsteiger has attacked Argentina's behaviour following the last-eight clash four years ago, when they lost on penalties.

The Germany midfielder followed up by accusing the South Americans of whingeing to referees and using provocative tactics to wind their opponents up.

And it seems Maradona is happy to snatch at the bait.

In an interview with Fox Sports, the legendary playmaker and current Argentina coach turned directly to the camera and in an imitation German accent said: "What's the matter Schweinsteiger? Are you nervoussh?"

The exaggerated goading is totally in keeping with Maradona's unorthodox approach to management, which has already seen him get into spats with Pele and Michel Platini during the tournament.

"It doesn't worry me what he says about penalties and that we don't know how to lose. It doesn't interest us," he added.

"A different game is played every match and this is going to be different because we are coming out to attack them and play in their faces.

"This is what has made them nervous."

Germany captain Phillip Lahm stoked the pot today when he described the South Americans as "a temperamental lot".

As a team-mate of Lahm's at Bayern Munich it puts Martin Demichelis in a difficult position given he will be in the heart of Argentina's defence in Cape Town on Saturday, desperate to keep Germany at bay.

Demichelis tried to keep a diplomatic line this evening.

But even he had to stand up for his country.

"I have been in Germany for seven years," said Demichelis.

"They know me and they know I won't change.

"But it does seem they don't have a lot of respect for us.

"I am not paying much attention to it, but maybe they should show us some respect."

Despite some awful form in qualifying, Argentina are now amongst the favourites to lift the trophy at Soccer City on July 11, having recorded four straight victories so far.

They also defeated Germany in a friendly in March, although Maradona does not intend to return to the 4-4-2 formation he used on that night, having enjoyed so much success in South Africa by using Carlos Tevez and Golden Boot contender Miguel Higuain as a two-man strikeforce, with Lionel Messi just behind.

"Those games were tactically perfect. But it was for that moment and a time with different demands," said Maradona.

"Now it would be a sin to change back with the players we have."