Germany vs. Argentina: Storylines to Watch for in Colossal Friendly Showdown

Germany and Argentina will meet on Wednesday in an epic showdown of international football powerhouses. 

The friendly matchup won't determine much for either side, but will give fans a glimpse of what they can expect from each team two summers from now at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Anticipation for this matchup is high, and rightfully so. 

Here we break down some of the storylines to watch for in this colossal meeting of two of the sport's giants. 

How Will Ron-Robert Zieler Fare in Goal?

The undermanned German squad will also be without goalkeeper Manuel Neuer against Argentina. Instead of Neuer, Ron-Robert Zieler will start in goal for the home team, looking to shut out a squad that features some of the most dangerous scorers in the game, none more threatening than Lionel Messi. 

Zieler has one career appearance for Germany's senior national team, and is just 23 years old. If Messi and Argentina can put pressure on the German defense and get shots on the net, Zieler's big day could very well turn into a nightmare. 

It's important to point out that Messi has six goals in two friendly matches in 2012. If he scores one on Wednesday, the floodgates could easily open.

Germany's Home-Field Advantage

Wednesday's international friendly will be played at Commerzbank Arena in Frankfurt, Germany, where the fans are sure to be in support of the home squad. Although a fair share of the German supporters will be energized to see Lionel Messi, the flags will still be waving in hopes that Germany can somehow pull it out over one of world's top teams. 

The fact that this is a friendly matchup though will certainly take a little bit of the significance away from Germany playing at home. Nonetheless it will make for an interesting storyline to watch for in this match. 

Will Argentina Avenge Its Brutal World Cup Loss?

The last time Argentina met Germany in a match that had any significant implications was in July 2010 at the World Cup in South Africa. The two squads met in the quarterfinal stage, but it was all Germany. Miroslav Klose scored two goals as the Germans steamrolled the South American powerhouse 4-0. 

You can bet that Argentina hasn't forgotten about that heartbreaking loss in Cape Town two years ago, and that they will be gunning to not only beat Germany on their home soil, but embarrass them, returning the favor 25 months later. I like Argentina to win this matchup considering all of the talent that will be missing for Germany.

With big names like Philipp Lahm, Bastian Schweinsteiger, Mario Gomez and Lukas Podolski out of the lineup, one has to love Argentina's chances to roll to victory on Wednesday.

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