Match Number: 711 Date: 17.04.2002 Location: Stuttgart Competition: Friendly GERMANY: Lehmann - Linke (46. Baumann), Nowotny, Metzelder - Frings (83. Max), Ramelow, Jeremies (77. Kehl), Böhme (46. Ricken)- Ballack (46. Ricken)- Bierhoff (70. Jancker), Klose Coach: Völler ARGENTINA: Cavallero - Quiroga, Pochettino, Samuel - Almeyda - Zanetti, Aimar (31. Gallardo, 64. Solari)), Gonzalez (89. Placente) - Sorin - G.Lopez (77. Saviola), C.Lopez Scoring: 0:1 Sorin (48.) Attendance: 54,570 (sold out) Referee: Gonzales (Spain) Yellow cards: Jerimies, Ballack - Samuel, Aimar, QuirogaThis clash of titans ended up disappointing, despite a promising start. Both teams left off several potential starters, but the game began with fast pace and hard tackling.
The difference in the match was the Argie midfield, which pretty much controlled the game. In the early stages, the Germans pushed up the field, but as the match wore on, the Argies began to assert themselves. Aside from Linke, who had an acceptable match, the German defense was shaky against the faster and technically skilled Argie midfielders and strikers. Designated goon Jens Jeremies tried to stem the tide by chopping down wonder boy Pablo Aimar, but Almeyda, Sorin and Kily Gonzalez were soon controlling the match.
The lone goal came right after the restart, as Gustavo Lopez raided down the right flank and lifted a cross to around the penalty spot, which the outstanding Sorin headed into the left corner. The Germans tried to get back in the game with unimaginative longballs, which obviously caused little problem for the solid Argie defense.
Making his debut for the DFB squad was oldtimer Martin Max of 1860, which gives an idea of how desperate coach Rudi Völler is for decent strikers.