This World Cup has been an unpredictable and incredibly exciting tournament. The final is definitely going the end the 2014 FIFA World Cup with a bang. Let’s consider the teams.
Germany has an effortless look to them and are playing with their usual style of efficiency, physicality and skill.
With a well-balanced squad they have experience with Miroslav Klose, young talent with André Schürrle and Toni Kroos, star power with Thomas Müller, leadership with Philip Lahm and a strong midfield with Bastian Schweinsteiger.
Germany has looked strong throughout the tournament, having no trouble coming out of the Group of Death on top. The only hiccup was in the Round of 16 match against Algeria, where they struggled to a win, thanks to Algeria’s impressive team.
Coming off a 7-1 win against Brazil on Brazilian soil must feel incredible, but they’ll have to make sure to come into the final confident but not cocky.
Argentina have been ridiculed by many people saying they are too dependent on Lionel Messi. Many also say Messi has no supporting cast in the team.
The Barcelona star carried his team through the group stage but since then his teammates have suddenly come to life.
Di Maria’s work ethic is commendable and he’s always trying to set Messi up with precise passes. Although he did not play in the semi-final match due to an injury there are rumours that he may be back for the final.
Messi’s Argentina had a hard time in an easy group, with Iran, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Nigeria only admitting defeat near the end. They did end up on top but by narrow one-goal margin wins.
Switzerland gave this team a run for its money but Argentina made it past them, and they saw off Belgium and the Netherlands by slight wins to make it to the grand stage. In the final they’ll have to tighten up in the midfield and mark tight.
A European versus South American final will keep everyone interested because of the excitement the two contrasting styles bring to the table. I predict a 3-1 win to Germany, but what’s beautiful about football is its unpredictability.
We’ll just have to wait to see who walks away with the win on the biggest stage of all. Germany and Argentina meet on July 13 in the iconic Maracanã stadium, get ready to see brilliance.
vixo
Guest
German Machine is well-oiled and ready to grill Argentina
vixo
Guest
The Machine is a team built all way from 2006 when they failed to win world cup in their own backyard. i remembered Podoski outshined Cr7 and won best young player. this time they reach final and i assure you the machine wont take anything for granted, if Argentina are not well prepared it will be like 2010
Me Too
Guest
Brasil ruined my perfect record in the knockouts - mind you it was my own fault - should've picked the favourites (again). I originally picked a Brasil v Argentina final before the first round, with Argentina winning, so I'm sticking with them. Vamos La Albiceleste!
Marissa P
Roar Rookie
I noticed that too, It wasn't a picture that I put in the site added it. It is a little odd.
Romausanj
Guest
I thing if Argentina going to play organize,strong,defence,little aggressive with tactic&techno they will take over Germany no problem,my score 2:00 to Argentina national team with God Blessing! Good Luck to Agentina!
Peregrine
Guest
Argies will play their best match of the tournament - to win 2-1.
ak
Roar Guru
Sorry for Argentina. God's hand is not there this time around.
AZ_RBB
Guest
Actually can we all put our predictions here. Kinda sick of the number of people coming out of the woodwork claiming to have foreseen the Germany v Brazil semi final. I'm saying it'll be a bit like the A-League grand final, FA Cup final and UCL final with the underdogs(?) Argentina taking the lead but Germany score fairly late then win it in extra time. Will probably be a very cagey first half and won't open up til the last 15-20 particularly if Germany trail. Getting it right or wrong means very little but I would like something to refer back to when someone claims to have predicted the result come Monday morning.
ak
Roar Guru
Coming up on Sunday : Adults vs Children. No prizes to guess. That will soothe the Brazilian fans.
Griffo
Roar Guru
I know AZ...I think more internationals at home will help with momentum as well. I do wonder if (as i have heard) Terrace Australis is dead after being initiated in a semi-non-hands-off sort of way by FFA as that hasn't helped as well recently with momentum... The above clip may have been started by Internazionale supporters (could be wrong)? It makes me wonder if some of the A-League clubs could rearrange chants for the national setup and adopted by fans...although there are a lot of forums in the past where that is not desired...
AZ_RBB
Guest
"If only Soccerros fans could make some stuff up half as good as this…" It will take time. A-League fans are getting better at it with each season. Hopefully it will eventually translate into a stronger fan culture with the Socceroos.
BP
Guest
Has anyone noticed the photo for this article? I'm not sure if I'm seeing things or my computer is doing weird things? "Vincent Kompany and Lionel Messi will face off this weekend wearing their national colours." As far as I know, Kompany hasn't suddenly gained German citizenship and I'm pretty sure Belgium got knocked out by Argentina?
BP
Guest
Exactly, football is a funny game! All it takes is a red card, a dubious penalty, a goal from a set piece etc. to change the game. As a Bayern fan I'd always get frustrated with other fans who would expect us to win each game 5-0! Sometimes it's about grinding out a 1-0 win against a team who parks the bus, or coming from a goal down to win 2-1. I'm predicting 2-0 or 2-1 Germany. For some reasons I'm seeing a lot of parallels between the Bayern team of 2013 who shocked the world by smashing Barca in the finals, but then had a much tighter match against Dortmund. I never understood this argument prior to the tournament about a European side not being able to win it. These days all the South American stars are based in Europe so I can't see how that would be an advantage, it's not like they're playing at high altitude in La Paz. Just think Germany will be better prepared for the game, have players with experience of playing in big finals for both club and country, and have the benefit of an extra days rest and an easier semi final.
Griffo
Roar Guru
:lol: Geez, talk about rubbing it in...would this be like Japan chanting in our shopping centres end of January 2015 prior to an Australia-Japan Asian Cup final...?? Apparently these are the words: Translation via YouTube comment: Brasil, Decime que se siente (Translation): Brazil, tell me how it feels Tener en casa a tu papa To be bossed about in your own back yard (Literally: To have your dad at home) Seguro que aunque pasen los anos It's sure that even when years go by Nunca lo vamos a olvidar We will never forget Que el diego te gambeteo That El Diego 'did' you (with a trick/nutmeg; reference to Italia 90) El cani te vacuno El Cani (Claudio Caniggia) immunised you (reference to Italia 90) Estas llorando desde Italia hasta hoy You've been crying since Italy up until today A Messi lo vas a ver You're going to see Messi La Copa nos va a traer We're going to bring the cup home Maradona es mas grande que Pele Maradona is better/greater than Pele --- If only Soccerros fans could make some stuff up half as good as this...
Griffo
Roar Guru
While it would be good for a South American win, it would be rubbing such salt into Brazil's wounds. Brazil publlc won't stand for it; Argentina would just love it. Just watch how quickly some Argentine fans are shouted down in a shopping centre in Porto Alegre after reaching the final :-P Sentimentally Germany for a fourth and a first for a European team in South America - have some friends in Germany who are pumped. Still, if Messi has to be considered in the same light as Maradona via a World Cup win, this is the time.
Fussball ist unser leben
Roar Guru
BP No, I don't think ARG has looked convincing either - I think both teams have been doing enough to get results. That's why I can't understand the sudden predictions that Germany will smash Argentina that have been published since that match in Belo Horizonte. My analysis - based purely on the 10 matches I've watched involving Germany & Argentina - is that it will be a very tight affair: * Argentina's defending is stronger * Germany's creative midfielders are more visionary & work harder to create space * both teams are equally capable of scoring. I'd expect the winning margin to be 1 goal: either 2-1, or 1-0. Who wins ... I'm going for the Sth American team to win in Sth America.
BP
Guest
Fuss, I know there is a case for Germany looking average in all but 2 games, but do you really think Argentina have been much more convincing? They've also struggled to get past teams such Iran, Nigeria and only been winning games by 1 goal. In this World Cup, do you think any team looked particularly strong in each game and more rightly deserved to be in the final? France? Colombia? Netherlands? I guess looking through history, the team that goes on to win the cup hasn't exactly played perfectly in every game. Even the almighty Spain of 2010 lost a game and then only won each knockout game 1-0. And Italy in 2006 didn't exactly stand out either. I think the key word here is "Turniermannschaft". It's about doing what is needed to progress each round and not always putting on a beautiful show.
Messi Messi
Guest
Germany are now red hot favourites, so stage fright will be their biggest enemy. Argentina to win by a Messi !
Midfielder
Guest
My heart says Argentina my head says Germany ... I hope my heart wins...
Steve
Guest
Exactly. Narratives change all the time. Some examples Before: "Argentina have a horrible defense and Goalkeeper. They won't get far relying on their attack" After: "Argentina's defense might be good but they've got no attack" Before: "Belgium are the dark horses for the comp and are better man for man against Argentina. Their squad is probably only behind Germany, Spain and Brazil. They will easily beat Argentina" After: "Argentina haven't had to play anyone decent to make the Final. Belgium were too inexperienced." Before: "France always have turmoil in their squad and will probably crash out at the group stage. They barely scraped into the Finals against Ukraine" After: "Did you see France agaisnt Switzerland. They are unstoppable and should be a favourite for the Cup" Before: "Man Portugal are horrible, they only just came 2nd in their qualifying group and now have to play in the playoffs. Ronaldo was hopeless and they will probably lose to a team with Zlatan + 10 others" After: "OMG Ronaldo hat-trick. Best player in history, give him the Balon d'Or." I could go on.....