Aguero: Germany a 'great team'

BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil -- Germany's 7-1 thrashing of five-time champions Brazil has left no doubt among Argentina's players about the challenge they face in the World Cup final on Sunday.

Striker Sergio Aguero says he and his Argentine teammates obviously took notice of the rout.

"Germany is a great team. What happened to Brazil could happen to any team," he said.

But, Aguero added, the Germans also have reason to be concerned, "knowing that we have players who can create danger up front. We're in the final for a reason."

After injuring his left thigh in Argentina's last group-stage match against Nigeria, the Manchester City striker was sidelined for two knockout games before going on as a substitute in the semifinal on Wednesday against the Netherlands. He failed to have an impact in the attack but scored the third penalty in Argentina's 4-2 shootout win.

"When you come back from injury, in the back of your mind you are worried about it happening again," Aguero said. "When you miss three matches in a World Cup with the rhythm the guys have you realise you are lacking something.

"But if I get called up to play in the final I will try to find the energy from wherever to do it as well as possible."

Argentina hadn't advanced beyond the quarterfinals since the 1990 World Cup, so the country is euphoric about the team's success in Brazil.

Unlike Germany, Argentina have advanced with single-goal margins against their opponents and couldn't score before the shootout against the Netherlands. Four years ago in South Africa, Argentina lost 4-0 to Germany in the quarterfinals.

"At this point who is favorite, who is not, it doesn't make a difference," midfielder Maxi Rodriguez said. "Both teams feel a responsibility to go all the way. We're going to do our part to make it."