Germany and Argentina will meet in a record third World Cup final this weekend, this time in Rio de Janeiro and the famous Maracana, with the 2014 edition of football’s greatest and most prestigious tournament about to draw to a dramatic close.
Muller to score and Germany to win in 90 minutes is 3/1 with William Hill.
This will be the seventh time these two have met in a World Cup, making it the joint-most played fixture in this competition, along with Brazil versus Sweden. Germany have eliminated Argentina in each of the last two World Cups – a penalty shootout in 2006 and a 4-0 thrashing four years ago.
Joachim Löw’s side head into the final as favourites following their 7-1 thrashing of Brazil in the semi-final. They should be weary that Argentina will go into this game having not conceded a goal in over 6 hours (373 minutes), since beating Nigeria 3-2 in their final group game.
It is three consecutive clean sheets for Argentina including two periods of extra-time. Martín Demichelis has been at the back for their last two successes.
Germany are the highest scorers at this World Cup and the 7 goals they scored versus Brazil were more than the four quarter-final matches, the other semi-final and Brazil’s consolation combined (6). This attack looks capable of breaking any defence down.
Team News
Germany
Joachim Löw’s squad have been injury and suspension free throughout this tournament and that’s the same heading into the final prior to practice sessions ahead of Sunday.
Argentina
There has been talk of Ángel di María being fit for the final. We’ll have to keep an eye on that news over the coming days. Argentina picked up a few knocks in their semi-final penalty shootout win over the Netherlands; notable to Javier Mascherano and Pablo Zabaleta, but other played on until the end.
Predicted Lineups
This is the starting lineup that has worked for Germany over the past two matches, I don’t see Joachim Löw changing it for the final.
Sergio Agüero and Ángel di María could come into the starting line-up if fit. Starting both of them would appear to be a gamble at this stage but the Manchester City striker did get a 38-minute run out in the semi-final. Defensively, he has found the back four and midfield protection to keep Sergio Romero’s goal safe.
Key Matchups
Bastian Schweinsteiger vs Lionel Messi
The Bayern Munich midfielder has kept the Barcelona star quiet in UEFA Champions League matches and I suspect Germany’s heartbeat in that midfield will be responsible for keeping Lionel Messi quiet. The Dutch did a fairly decent job on Messi in the quarter-final but for quite a run few successful runs. He has not scored since the group stage.
Thomas Müller vs Marcos Rojo
One more goal would likely see Thomas Müller become the first player to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice. Barring either Lionel Messi scoring a hat-trick or someone to come close to a World Cup record in the third-place playoffs with the number of goals required. The Bayern Munich forward has been making clever runs throughout this tournament. Marcos Rojo kept Arjen Robben pretty quiet in the semi-final but the Argentine full-back cannot blink for a second if he’s to keep Müller quiet. Müller will be supporting by overlapping runs from Philipp Lahm also.
Toni Kroos vs Javier Mascherano
Toni Kroos is having a very good tournament, with 2 goals and 3 assists to his name, albeit both of those goals did come in the humiliation of Brazil in the semi-final. An effective passer in midfield who has been involved in a number of Germany’s successful attacks. Likewise, Javier Mascherano too is having a very good tournament and his task will be to keep Kroos quiet.
Absentees
Germany
N/A
Argentina
Ángel di María (doubtful)
Prediction: Germany 2-0 Argentina
As well as Argentina have played of late I still think Germany have enough to over power them. The Germans have the best team on paper and I think we’ll see a tight opening, perhaps a dull affair with Germany getting the win.
Muller to score and Germany to win in 90 minutes is 3/1 with William Hill.
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