And then there were two. Our World Cup Final preview looks at each team taking part and who we think is likely to take the trophy at the iconic Maracana Stadium in Rio.
Germany
- Three times winners (1954, 1974, 1990)
- Four times runners up (1966, 1982, 1986, 2002)
- Four times third place (1934, 1970, 2006, 2010)
- One fourth place (1958)
- All time top goal scorers list – Miroslav Klose 16, Gerd Muller 14, Jurgen Klinsmann 11, Thomas Muller 10
One of the most consistent nations at the World Cup Finals. Both as Germany and formerly West Germany, they have never exited the tournament before the quarter final stage. They are third behind Brazil (5) and Italy (4) in winning the trophy and one of only five to have won it more than once.
At this World Cup the Germans have struggled to find real form in Brazil just like most nations but it started oh so well for them. A 4-0 thrashing of fellow Europeans Portugal was significant for Group G. A game in which much fancied Portgugal never recovered from. A stumbling draw against Ghana in their second game, Germany went on to just pip USA in the final match for them to take the group.
On to the second round and it was a very unexpected fright as the Algerians came close to one of the biggest upsets in modern football but two extra time goals saw them through to face France in the quarter finals. An early goal against the French was enough to secure a semi final match up with hosts Brazil in what was expected to be a classic.
A classic it was but not the final score or at least the first half hour of action. An absolute demolition of Brazil by the German machine puts them in to the final as favourites for their fourth World Cup win. This would put them level with Italy.
The only player to miss out on the final is Shkodran Mustafi so the starting line-up is expected the be unchanged.
Argentina
- Two time winners (1978, 1986)
- Two time runners up (1930, 1990)
- All time top goal scorers list – Gabriel Batistuta 10
The Argentinians have had a love and hate relationship with the World Cup. Winning the trophy as hosts of the tournament in 1978 and again eight years later in Mexico. The final in 1986 was a 3-2 win over the Germans but they have not been as consistent having been runners up twice.
This tournament in Brazil saw them drawn in a group with Bosnia, Iran and Nigeria which was expected to be a walk in the park for the established South Americans. It was far from it with a narrow 2-1 win in the opening game against Bosnia followed by an even tighter win over Iran courtesy of a late goal from Lionel Messi. While they looked in control in their final group game against Nigeria, it was certainly closer than many expected.
In the second round the Argentines took on a Swiss side that were runners up to France in the group stage. Another tight game ended up going into extra time and a late goal saw them through to meet Belgium in the quarter finals. The much fancied Europeans really let themselves down but again, it was a single goal for Argentina that got them through to the next round.
A semi-final match up against the Netherlands was a far more even than the other semi final. It was so even that the deadlock could not be broken after full time and an extra half hour. Penalties it was and a triumph for the South Americans to secure another World Cup Final appearance.
The only player that is doubtful for Argentina is Real madrid wide man Angel Di Maria. Otherwise they have a full squad to choose from even though Sergio Aguero has struggled for fitness since his injury earlier in the competition.
Previous Meetings
- Friendly 15/08/2012 – Germany 1-3 Argentina
- World Cup 03/07/2010 – Argentina 0-4 Germany
- Friendly 03/03/2010 – Germany 0-1 Argentina
- World Cup 30/06/2006 – Germany 1-1 Argentina (Germany win on penalties)
- Confederations Cup 21/06/2005 – Argentina 2-2 Germany
- Friendly 09/02/2005 – Germany 2-2 Argentina
Prediction
Germany 2-1 Argentina
A fixture that is worthy of the World Cup Final. Two nations that have five World Cup’s between them is perhaps tough to call but both have struggled at times in this tournament. A lot will depend on whether Messi has a big game for the Argentinians against the German machine.
