Joachim Low declared that his ‘'fearless'’ German youngsters displayed the hallmark of champions as Argentina were destroyed in a breathless and emphatic World Cup quarter-final match.

In sharp contrast: Joachim Low had the upper hand over Argentina coach Diego Maradona on Saturday

Diego Maradona, the Argentina coach, said he would now discuss his future with his family after the Germans, inspired by two-goal striker Miroslav Klose and midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger, built on their 4-1 second-round victory against England with an equally rampant 4-0 success against the South Americans.

Klose, who scored only three goals for Bayern Munich last season, is now just one goal away from equalling the all-time World Cup record haul of 15 goals set by Brazil's Ronaldo after taking his tally in South Africa to four.

After being written off as too young and inexperienced to challenge for glory at this World Cup, Germany have now been installed as favourites.

Löw said: “It was a true champions' performance. There was enormous speed in our game in the second half. We were brave enough to go on the attack and put them under pressure. I’m really impressed with our resolve and strength to finish them off and win every one-to-one.

“[My players] are fearless. Not disrespectful, but fearless. They know they can play excellent football. After Euro 2008, we wanted to give younger players an opportunity. We were willing to lose a few games — that was a risk we were happy to take — and we've brought about this change.”

Argentina's defeat has left Maradona's position in doubt, but the man who captained his country to the World Cup in 1986 insists he will not rush a decision on his future.

Maradona said: “I haven’t thought about leaving. I have to check with my family and the players, but there are a number of things I have to consider.

“I didn't speak about the future to the players because this is not the moment to do that.

“This is similar to the sadness I experienced on the day I stopped playing football. I lived through this in 1982 as a player, but I was a boy. I didn't really realise the importance of things. I'll be 50 on 30 October. I'm mature, but this is the toughest moment in my life.

“Having so many good people, players, professionals, this is a kick in the face. I have no more energy for anything.”

Germany's aspirations will be dented by the loss of forward Thomas Müller, who will miss the Durban tie due to suspension, but the game will give Klose — who made his 100th appearance against Argentina — the chance to move level with Ronaldo in the World Cup scoring charts.

Löw said: “The fact we won't have Müller in the semi-final is a serious blow. He's shown just how dangerous he is, but we'll replace him and go forward.

“But I'm absolutely thrilled for Miroslav to have scored on his 100th cap. He's truly impressive. He's such a wonderful player.

“He is absolutely outstanding. I've never had any doubts — in 2002, 2006 and 2010 — that he would perform.

“He's now got 14 World Cup goals and there are very few who could hold a candle to him. That's down there in the history books.”