The 2014 FIFA World Cup final between Germany and Argentina at Maracana, Rio de Janeiro will see the best team of the World Cup up against arguably the best player in the World,Lionel Messi.
The two teams, who met in two successive World Cup final of 1986 and 1990 will meet in the battle of Latin America and Europe.In 1986,the Maradona led Argentina defeated West Germany 3-2 in final which was incidentally their last World title.However, four years later in 1990 the Germans had their revenge when they defeated the Latin American 1-0 to claim their third and last World Cup.
Leading the Argentine team,Lionel Messi has a golden chance to book his place alongside Pele and Maradona as the all-time best.He had a quiet World Cup after the group stages.The teams have been marking him very successfully.But the Barcelona forward is very much a big match player and the Germans would commit a harakiri if they don't have a plan for him.
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| Where is the goal?: Lionel Messi has to be at hid brilliant best. |
The German team is more than individuals.The core of the team is still from Bayern Munich and is the reason behind the understanding and brilliant passing the team has developed.This is almost the same team which thrashed Argentina 4-0 in 2010 World Cup and ended Maradona's managerial career.The Germans have been very clinical lately beating the likes of France and Brazil with ease.Against Brazil, they wreaked havoc and humiliated them like anything.Expect Germany to again come hard at Argentina.Low will most probably start with the same team with Lahm in defence Schweinsteiger providing extra cover for the back four and Kroos getting the licence to the launch forward.
Thomas Muller will again prove to be the key link of this team as he finds spaces in defence and eludes marker with ease.He is at the right place at the right time and just needs 1 goal to win his second golden boot in the World Cup finals.
The German team have no major injury concern but Argentina's winger Angel de Maria is fighting to recover on time for the World Cup.
Germany will like to keep the ball with them and do the talking.Short passes and firing crosses for Muller will be their thrust of their strategy.Argentina have looked comfortable in grinding 1-0 results and would look to set up a solid defence with Mascherano as its cover.
Interestingly Argentina have scored seven goals (if you don't include the own goal) in the entire World Cup which is equal to what Germany scored in the semifinal itself.
The match is befitting to the great World Cup that we had and we can expect an exciting game from both teams.
Prediction
Germany 2 Argentina 1
Catch the match live on SONY SIX at 1:30 am on 14 July.
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