Strong form makes Frings believe hosts can shock Argentina

Germany have not given any thought to a potential World Cup quarter-final exit against Argentina, according to midfielder Torsten Frings. The tournament hosts have been oozing confidence in recent weeks after four wins in a row.

They impressively saw off Sweden 2-0 last Saturday, which has put the three-time World Cup winners back in the frame for a shot at glory. However, it is almost six years since Jürgen Klinsmann's side have beaten another of the world's top-ranked sides, with the last win dating back to October 2000 when a strike by Dietmar Hamann sank England at Wembley. They have lost 10 and drawn six meetings with big nations since, conceding 35 goals.

But Frings is confident the streak is about the come to an end. "I am convinced that Friday is the time for us to beat a top opponent," the Werder Bremen midfielder said. "We do not care about the last years. All that matters is that we win on Friday and we will do everything to do so."

Germany have twice drawn 2-2 with Jose Pekerman's side in the last 16 months, and Frings hopes they can go one better this time. "We came close to beating them," the 29-year-old said. "In the two matches we were the better team. It is our turn on Friday. We have never been better in the last two years. We will give all we can and I am convinced we will succeed."