Copa America Centenario is already into the semi-final round, with the United States gearing up to face the almighty Argentina on Tuesday.
Despite boasting the home advantage, the hosts are expected to lose and thus crash out at the hands of La Albiceleste and their star-studded squad, featuring Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, etc.
However, all hope is not lost, as they can look to manager Jurgen Klinsmann to guide the Stars and Stripes to the final when he guides his boys against a familiar foe. Having beaten the South American giants twice, Klinsmann could shock FIFA’s number one ranked national side.
The former German international first clinched triumph over Argentina during his playing days, as die Mannschaft clashed with La Albiceleste in the 1990 World Cup final. Klinsmann helped his side beat Maradona and Co. 1-0 in the final en route to being named in the competition’s all-star team.
Klinsmann poses with the World Cup after their 1990 triumph over Argentina
Fast forward 16 years and the 51-year-old crossed paths with the two-time World Cup winners once more. This time, though, Jurgen was manager and not player. As die Mannschaft boss, he was at the helm of the German national side when they met Argentina in the 2006 World Cup quarter-final. Klinsmann won that tie on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
The German was die Mannschaft boss when they beat La Albiceleste on penalties in the 2006 World Cup
The USMNT boss recently reflected on his experience coming up against Diego Maradona, revealing that there was a way to stop the Argentine legend and there is a way to stop superstar Lionel Messi. Jurgen said in a press conference (as per ESPN FC):
"It's now Messi's time. When I had the opportunity to play many games against Maradona, it was Maradona's time. We all admire these type of players. But there are also ways to stop them. There are ways to play against these wonderful players.
"At the end of the day it's two teams playing against each other. I think it's a lot now down to confidence, confidence in yourself and take it to another level now.
