Maradona unmoved by Schweinsteiger’s comments

PRETORIA - Argentina’s Diego Maradona has asked whether Germany’s Bastian Schweinsteiger is getting nervous in a war of words ahead of their quarter-final clash Saturday.

Schweinsteiger had claimed that Argentina lacked respect for their opponents and tried to provoke them, but the criticism has left former playing legend Maradona cold.

“I don’t have time to think about Schweinsteiger. I’m not bothered about what he says about fouls or penalties,” Maradona said late Wednesday.

“Each game has its own story and we’re going to beat Germany in their own half, and this is what makes him nervous. What’s up with Schweinsteiger? Is he nervous?”

Schweinsteiger had warned that Argentinian players tried to provoke their opponents and influence referees.

He said the match between the two sides at the same stage of the 2006 tournament in Germany, which ended in scuffles and led to a suspension for midfielder Torsten Frings, was still a strong memory.

“We mustn’t let ourselves be influenced by their provocations. I hope the referee prevents this,” the Bayern Munich midfielder said.

Schweinsteiger said Argentine “provocations” began before the game and warned that Germany, who have seven players on yellow cards, would have to be on their guard.

“When you look at their body language and gesticulations, the way they try to influence referees, it shows a shows a lack of respect, but that’s the way the Argentines are. I hope the referee has a good day,” he said.

Schweinsteiger is one of the German players carrying a yellow card. The others are defenders Arne Friedrich and Philipp Lahm, striker Cacau and midfielders Sami Khedira, Mesut Oezil and Thomas Mueller.