Cape Town is the setting for what promises to be a thrilling World Cup quarter-final on Saturday afternoon. England supporters plotting their side's course through the tournament would have been licking their lips at the prospect of a clash with Diego Maradona's Argentina.

But the Three Lions are now back home following a shambolic campaign that ended with a 4-1 defeat to Germany in Bloemfontein last weekend.

Germany displayed all the verve and vitality that has transformed them from outsiders to genuine contenders in the minds of many onlookers.

But Joachim Low's men are not the only team to have received plaudits for their attacking style, with Argentina moving impressively into the last eight with four straight wins.

Argentina swept through their group with a perfect record before producing a classy performance to overcome Mexico 3-1.

Both sides benefited from controversial decisions in the last 16, with Carlos Tevez lucky to see his opening goal stand against Mexico when he was clearly offside and England's Frank Lampard denied a legitimate equaliser in the clash with Germany after his shot that crossed the line was not spotted.

But there can be no doubting that they were deserved winners and a spot in the semi-finals is now just one victory away, with either Spain or Paraguay lying in wait

Germany are sweating on the fitness of Lukas Podolski ahead of the clash, with the in-form striker hoping to shake off a thigh problem in time for kick-off.

Cacau is still suffering from a strained abdominal muscle and is unlikely to be involved, but rising star Mesut Ozil is set to feature after being rested from training.

Argentina's Lionel Messi also missed a training session on Thursday due to a cold but is expected to play as he aims to score his first goal of the tournament.

Walter Samuel has recovered from a thigh problem but is not expected to displace Nicolas Burdisso or Martin Demichelis at centre-back.

Juan Sebastian Veron is vying for a place in midfield with Maxi Rodriguez.