German manager wants no repeat of 2006 fight

Members of both the German and Argentina squads get involved in a scuffle after Germany's victory in a penalty shootout at the end of the quarter-final World Cup football match between Germany and Argentina at Berlin's Olympic Stadium, 30 June 2006. Germany won 4-2 on penalty kicks after the match finished in extra time 1-1. AFP
Members of both the German and Argentina squads get involved in a scuffle after Germany's victory in a penalty shootout at the end of the quarter-final World Cup football match between Germany and Argentina at Berlin's Olympic Stadium, 30 June 2006. Germany won 4-2 on penalty kicks after the match finished in extra time 1-1. AFP

German team manager Oliver Bierhoff warned his players to avoid a repeat in the final with Argentina of the ugly scenes that marred the end of the two sides last eight clash in the 2006 finals.

Bierhoff found himself in the thick of it when punches were thrown after Argentina lost a tense penalty shoot-out to Germany.

"The Argentinians are very warm people and great hosts, but on the pitch they have a bit of a personality change and get fired up," said Bierhoff.

"They have fire in their eyes, which we will have to be ready for and not provoke them.

"They play hard, aggressive physical football, which means we can’t steer away from our football philosophy and must focus on what we have to do."