Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger has lit the fuse for a potentially explosive World Cup quarter-final with Argentina by launching an extraordinary attack on their South American opponents.

Schweinsteiger lambasted the Argentine players for provoking referees, using gamesmanship and disrespecting their opponents, suggesting that their behaviour was part of their national character.

The key German midfielder even had a go at Argentina fans, claiming they had taken seats belonging to Mexico supporters during the last 16 match in Johannesburg.

Schweinsteiger’s inflammatory comments stem from his bitter memories of the equivalent quarter-final clash at the last World Cup on home soil when Germany’s victory on penalties was marred by ugly post-match scenes, with players and coaches from both teams clashing on the pitch.

“The Argentinians provoke and are always whingeing to the referee to try and change his opinion. We shouldn’t let ourselves be affected by their provocations,” said Schweinsteiger.

“It starts before the match. You see their body language, 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. I hope the referee will pick this up.”

Schweinsteiger said the half-time melee involving Argentina’s players during the last-16 match against Mexico showed they had “no respect”.

“It’s their mentality and character and we’ll have to adjust. That’s what the Argentinians are like in general.

“We’ve already seen how the Argentine fans sit together in spite of the fact that those are not their proper seats, and they stop other spectators with the correct tickets from enjoying the game.”

Four years ago, the Argentines reacted angrily after Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann saved Esteban Cambiasso’s spot-kick to confirm victory.

Violent clashes, sparked according to Schweinsteiger by the South Americans, followed. Unused Argentina sub Leandro Cuffre kicked Per Mertesacker in the groin and was red carded by referee Lubos Michel.

Argentina’s Maxi Rodriguez also investigated for his role in the punch-up.

German defender Torsten Frings was suspended from the semi-final against Italy for throwing a punch at Julio Ricardo Cruz.

“What the Argentines did is deeply ingrained in my mind,” said Schweinsteiger. “The post-match fight has stayed in our memory much more than our victory.”

After their impressive 4-1 win over England in the Round of 16, Schweinsteiger believes Germany can win Saturday’s quarter-final in Cape Town, but only if they refuse to succumb to intimidation.

“We have the key to this match. If we play like we did against England, we can win,” said Schweinsteiger.