What: 2014 FIFA World Cup Final
Who: Germany vs Argentina
When: Sunday 13th July, 2014, at 20:00 UK Time
Where: Estadio do Maracana, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
“Mineirazo”
Throughout Brazilian football history, fans were aware of the term “Maracanazo”, which referred to Uruguay’s victory over Brazil in the final of the 1950 World Cup. On Tuesday, that term fell into history’s annals as Germany destroyed Brazil by a 7-1 scoreline, coining the term “Mineirazo” in reference to their historic win that the European side managed in Belo Horizonte. Confident of themselves after having knocked out the hosts in style, Germany are eyeing another South American side when they meet Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final.
Many German players might still be living the memory of their last match, but team manager Oliver Bierhoff believes that his countrymen must now focus on Argentina and play their own game should they want to win the World Cup.
“The Argentines are very warm people and great hosts, but on the pitch they have a bit of a personality change and get fired up", Bierhoff warned.
"They have fire in their eyes, which we will have to be ready for and not provoke them. They play hard, aggressive physical football, which means we can't steer away from our football philosophy and must focus on what we have to do.”
Making History
With a mix of certainty and caution, Argentina have marched straight into the World Cup final. The Biancoceleste are looking for a first World Cup trophy in 28 years, ever since the mythical Diego Maradona guided them to success in Mexico. Against an old rival in the form of the Mannschaft, their game against Joachim Low’s side will be their hardest in the tournament, despite boasting the likes of Gonzalo Higuain, Sergio Aguero and of course, Lionel Messi.
After suffering a series of disappointments in their last World Cup appearances, the side know that this could be a once in a lifetime event and as such, Sergio Aguero believes that the team must play to win the game at all costs against Germany, while displaying caution in the way they take to the field against their European rivals.
“We are in the final and we have to play it and win it in whatever way possible”, the striker said.
“We want to have control of the ball, but we know that Germany is a great team that know each other off by heart having played together for many years. It is clear that Argentina always go out to win, but sometimes during the game you have to be cautious. We are all aware of what the objective is and we will leave everything on the field to achieve it."
Recent form
Germany:
Germany 2-1 Algeria (30/06; World Cup)
France 0-1 Germany (04/07; World Cup)
Brazil 1-7 Germany (08/07; World Cup)
Argentina:
Argentina 1-0 Switzerland (01/07; World Cup)
Argentina 1-0 Belgium (05/07; World Cup)
Netherlands 0-0 Argentina; 2-4 on penalties (09/07; World Cup)
Players to watch
Germany – Mesut Ozil: The playmaker came in for heavy criticism in this tournament for what many perceived to be a lack of effort on the part of the Arsenal man. While it is true that his new role on the left is not his strongest one, it is occasions like this where Ozil has to rise up in order to be truly considered as one of the game’s greats. One of the few to have an average game against Brazil, Ozil can make up for that when it really matters.
Argentina – Lionel Messi: This game will be a personal battle for the Barcelona man. Not since Maradona have Argentina shone on the grandest stage, and a World Cup victory would see him able to take his place alongside the country’s 1986 great. Fans have wondered just how much Messi can carry his side. They will know after this game, as he must surely be on fire for Argentina to beat Germany.
Match Prediction
Germany’s demolition of Brazil at the earlier stage was a true testament to their will. The manner in which they made the five-time winners look foolish means that they are heavy favourites to win the World Cup. Argentina struggled in the semi-final against the Netherlands, and had to wait until penalties to seal their spot. Against such a well-drilled German machine that have a history of near misses ever since 2002, they might come up short. Expect Germany to finally win their fourth World Cup, following successes in 1954, 1974 and 1990.
