Cape Town - Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger has warned that his side must not be "provoked" by Argentina during the World Cup quarter-final on Saturday.

The midfielder believes Argentina's players set out to unsettle opposing teams and influence match officials.

He said: "It starts before the match. You see how they gesticulate, how they try to influence the referee.

"That is not part of the game. That is a lack of respect. They are like that. We should not be provoked by them."

Schweinsteiger was part of the Germany squad when they beat Argentina 4-2 on penalties at the same stage of the last World Cup after extra-time ended with the sides level at 1-1.

That victory was marred by ugly scenes after the match, when players and coaches from both teams clashed on the pitch.

There was also a heated exchange between the Argentina and Mexico benches at half-time in their second-round match on Sunday, after the South American team's first goal was allowed to stand despite a clear offside.

"This behaviour shows their character and mentality," added Schweinsteiger.

"I hope the referee will pick up the feeling of who is provoking whom. We saw that again in their match against Mexico."

Meanwhile, Germany coach Joachim Loew said he has detected "weaknesses" in the Argentina side which he hopes his side can exploit.

"They have great qualities - for me, they are one of the favourites for this tournament," said Loew.

"They have a lot of experience, they have an impressive attack and not just through forward Lionel Messi alone.

"We have found weaknesses in their side, but I will keep that information for my players."

Meanwhile, Germany forward Cacau looks unlikely to recover from a thigh problem in time for the game in Cape Town.?

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