It doesn't get much bigger than a quarter-final match between World Cup giants Argentina and Germany but with two of the tournament's more enigmatic leaders representing the antithesis of international coaching, the action on the sidelines is set to be just as intense.

Worlds apart: Diego Maradona and Joachim Low have adopted two very different approaches to international management both to good effect

Words of Wisdom

Diego Maradona on leading Argentina to the World Cup following a late win over Uruguay...

"To those who did not believe: now suck my d--- - I'm sorry ladies for my words - and keep on sucking it. I am either white or black. I will never be grey in my life. You treated me as you did. Now keep on sucking d----. I am grateful to my players and to the Argentinian people. I thank no one but them. The rest, keep on sucking d----."

Joachim Low reveals his tactical genius after Germany's 4-1 demolition of England

"We put on a magnificent display against a very experienced England side. Tactically we were great. Until 2-0 we were in full control and we could have scored a third.

"I have to say that today we were dominant over long periods of the game. We were successful in having Klose lure John Terry out of the defence.

"We knew their two midfielders Gerrard and Lampard get forward to support the attack, so we knew that there would be space. We wanted to force Terry to come out of defence to create spaces between the defenders."

What is in the wardrobe?

Diego Maradona

Without fail Maradona has been a picture of consistency on the sidelines in South Africa with his outfit of choice perhaps the only predictable feature of an otherwise erratic personality.

With an over-sized grey suit with colour co-ordinated beard, rosary beads, two watches, and earring, the Argentine maestro has a winning formula and certainly cuts it in the fashion stakes.

Joachim Low

But in Herr Low, Maradona is set to come up against a man who stands alone in the football world high on a pedastal as a fashion pioneer. The German has caught the eye with his lightweight cardigans, elegant scarves and well executed colourful knitwear/blazer combinations.

Watch as Australian television takes revenge for a Joachim Low inspired German victory over the Socceroos

Methods of Preparation

Diego Maradona

Every training session provides Maradona with an opportunity to rekindle the glory of his playing days. But the sight of the Argentine kitted head to toe in training gear, casually juggling a ball and smoking a cigar is evidently the recipe for leading a successful World Cup campaign.

Watch Maradona lead by example during a World Cup training session

Joachim Low

As co-leader of Germany's recent football revolution, Low was handed the reins in 2006 having been stuck behind the more high profile and sellable face of Jurgen Klinsmann.

It is on this subject that Low's inherent German-ness rises to the fore as efficiency and aforethought are given the very highest precedence. No stone is left unturned with the opposition thoroughly unravelled before any whistle is blown without a throwback to a bygone era or a cigar in sight.

Pitchside Manner

Diego Maradona

Like a tightly coiled spring let loose inside the confines of techinical areas up and down South Africa, Maradona hops, leaps and bounds in such a way as to put Winnie the Pooh's noble steed Tigger to great shame.

The Argentine lives and breathes every moment of every game to the extent that his pitchside eccentricities often outshine the games themselves.

Watch Maradona celebrate Martin Palermo's winning goal against Peru in World Cup qualifying

Joachim Low

Safe in the knowledge that his detailed and intricate preparations have every base covered, Joachim Low is content to sit back and serve as a primary witness to the unveiling of a tactical masterclass.

The emphasis is very much on the players to provide the performance on a match day with Low the reluctant star in the Germany show.

Watch as Joachim Low gets caught taking a swipe at the disgusting tree

The Personal Touch

Diego Maradona

Upon the instance of every goal, full time whistle and substitution no player is safe from the emotional clutches of Diego Maradona.

Any Argentinian within reaching distance is treated to a warm embrace and/or passionate smooch. Admittedly not the most attractive proposition but how would you go about saying no to sweet little Diego?

Watch as the substituted Gonzalo Higuain becomes the subject of Maradona's advances

Joachim Low

No such public displays of affection reserved for the Germany players win, lose or draw with a distinctly European handshake and firm pat on the back the extent of Low's physical connection.

Should Argentina win this quarter-final the likes of Bastian Schweinsteiger and Miroslav Klose are likely to find that they have no shoulder to cry on and will be forced to look on from afar as Maradona's endless love is generously and exclusively gifted to those in white and blue.