Argentina coach Jose Pekerman has praised Jurgen Klinsmann - his opposite number in Friday's World Cup quarter-final - for putting the spark back into Germany.

Pekerman claims Klinsmann has made Germany an attacking side once again after years when they were more focused on strength and defence.

The Argentina coach added that the match was between two sides good enough to grace the final.

Pekerman said: "It'll be a clash of two favourites. Unfortunately, one of us has to go out on, despite us both having done a lot of good things in this World Cup.

"Germany have been very impressive and a lot of that is due to Klinsmann. He has overseen a renewal in their attacking style that has brought them some good results.

"Just like Argentina, they always try to play good football."

Pekerman wants his players to honour the memory of Argentina's World Cup-winning side of 1986.

Twenty years ago, the team were inspired by Diego Maradona to victory over West Germany in the final in Mexico City.

The Germans took revenge against the same opponents four years later, making it one victory apiece in the run-up to today's match in Berlin's Olympiastadion.

Pekerman added: "This side has some similarities to the old team - the way they play, some of the positions the players take up.

"We will go out to try to honour the team that won in 1986 - and we know just how difficult it is to get the final. This team is trying to make history again."

Pekerman still has doubts over midfielder Luis Gonzalez and right-back Nicolas Burdisso, who missed the 2-1 win over Mexico due to injury.

He added: "We'll wait until the last moment to see if they recover before I decide on the starting XI.

"But we have great strength in depth - Argentina's strength is in the entire squad of 23 players and their attitude is superb, that's what makes me optimistic."