After 31 days of non-stop footballing drama, the world's greatest sporting spectacle reaches its climax at the iconic Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro later this evening, as Germany face Argentina in the 20th World Cup Final.
Ever since Marcelo's shocking own-goal in the opening game for hosts Brazil, the tournament has delivered pure excitement, pleasure and incredible stories day after day. Now this magical footballing festival, which some are calling the best World Cup of all time, comes to an end. With 63 games played, just two teams remain to face each other in the fabled game 64.
It is not going to be the fairytale finale for the hosts, Brazil, as the Germans saw to that in truly emphatic fashion last Tuesday. Brazil embarrassingly lost rather heavily against the Germans and the Dutch in the space of a matter of days, so perhaps they might be rather glad they did not give their great rivals, Argentina, the chance to do similar on their own patch.
So who do we support? We English have got, shall we say, history between both Germany and Argentina. Joachim Loew's side have been deadly to watch at times and judging by their performances alone are the clear favourites to claim their first trophy since 1996 - despite six semi-final appearances since.
Alejandro Sabella's Argentines, on the other hand, have been dazzling in parts, but a little lacklustre on the whole. Scraping past one of the easiest groups in the competition, plus uninspiring wins thus far have failed to really light up the tournament - though they will certainly have an enormous team spirit and drive to win the greatest tournament in the greatest of places besides their own backyard.
Personally, and fairly unsurprisingly, I am siding towards the Germans tonight, who have *at least* three Gooners/Gooners to-be on their books. Either way, it is hard to deny that Germany are more deserving of clinching a fourth World Cup triumph.
It has been a long time in coming for German football. They have reached the last four of every major international competition since their own World Cup back in 2006, but failed as yet to add to their trophy haul. If Tuesday night's demolition - where they reportedly "held back" against Brazil - was anything to go by, the final could almost be a foregone conclusion.
But could that work against them? They set a new benchmark when they took Brazil apart. Can they deliver like that once more when they are yet again so close to glory? Will the pressure get to them - how cavalier will Manuel Neuer be tonight, with the stakes so high? With the Argentinians having a day less to prepare (after a penalty-shootout victory), everything will be going for the Germans - but will that mean the under-pressure Argies flourish?
The only thing going against Argentina, as far as tonight is concerned, is that the Brazilian contingent will undoubtedly be urging them to capitulate as a nightmare for the Brazilian faithful could very well unfold tonight. Argentina winning the World Cup in Brazil? That would be like Arsenal winning the league at White Hart Lane - imagine that!
The truth about Argentina is that they have often been awful to watch - but they always seem to get the job done. Even Lionel Messi - who has, to his credit, got them out of jail a few times already with four goals so far - has not been at his Barca-esque fluid best. But they do have a team of fighters. They do not give up and are more than capable of pushing the Germans all the way.
Anyone who watched the Champions League Final will know that the doubts hanging over a return for Angel Di Maria could be vital to the outcome of the game. Since his injury in the quarter-finals, they have been relying on Fernando Gago or Maxi Rodriguez who do not offer the same attacking threat.
Claims that Messi is tired are also making the Argies sweat - only Fred has made up less ground out of players to play six games. And looking at the benches, it is clear that Germany have talent that did not even make it to Brazil.
I tipped Argentina before the tournament, and while they have not performed in the way I had expected or hoped, they have got themselves potentially 90 minutes away from emulating the side of '86, and I will stick by that prediction. They can do it, but I will not be surprised one bit to find the Germans racing out of the blocks once again. I just hope this time, it is not over by 8:30.
With one win apiece in World Cup Finals, today's showdown has been set up as an almighty decider. But will it be a case of "Ze Germans are coming", or "Don't cry for me, Argentina"? Enjoy the game.
Come on Deutschland!
Ever since Marcelo's shocking own-goal in the opening game for hosts Brazil, the tournament has delivered pure excitement, pleasure and incredible stories day after day. Now this magical footballing festival, which some are calling the best World Cup of all time, comes to an end. With 63 games played, just two teams remain to face each other in the fabled game 64.
It is not going to be the fairytale finale for the hosts, Brazil, as the Germans saw to that in truly emphatic fashion last Tuesday. Brazil embarrassingly lost rather heavily against the Germans and the Dutch in the space of a matter of days, so perhaps they might be rather glad they did not give their great rivals, Argentina, the chance to do similar on their own patch.
So who do we support? We English have got, shall we say, history between both Germany and Argentina. Joachim Loew's side have been deadly to watch at times and judging by their performances alone are the clear favourites to claim their first trophy since 1996 - despite six semi-final appearances since.
Alejandro Sabella's Argentines, on the other hand, have been dazzling in parts, but a little lacklustre on the whole. Scraping past one of the easiest groups in the competition, plus uninspiring wins thus far have failed to really light up the tournament - though they will certainly have an enormous team spirit and drive to win the greatest tournament in the greatest of places besides their own backyard.
Personally, and fairly unsurprisingly, I am siding towards the Germans tonight, who have *at least* three Gooners/Gooners to-be on their books. Either way, it is hard to deny that Germany are more deserving of clinching a fourth World Cup triumph.
It has been a long time in coming for German football. They have reached the last four of every major international competition since their own World Cup back in 2006, but failed as yet to add to their trophy haul. If Tuesday night's demolition - where they reportedly "held back" against Brazil - was anything to go by, the final could almost be a foregone conclusion.
But could that work against them? They set a new benchmark when they took Brazil apart. Can they deliver like that once more when they are yet again so close to glory? Will the pressure get to them - how cavalier will Manuel Neuer be tonight, with the stakes so high? With the Argentinians having a day less to prepare (after a penalty-shootout victory), everything will be going for the Germans - but will that mean the under-pressure Argies flourish?
The only thing going against Argentina, as far as tonight is concerned, is that the Brazilian contingent will undoubtedly be urging them to capitulate as a nightmare for the Brazilian faithful could very well unfold tonight. Argentina winning the World Cup in Brazil? That would be like Arsenal winning the league at White Hart Lane - imagine that!
The truth about Argentina is that they have often been awful to watch - but they always seem to get the job done. Even Lionel Messi - who has, to his credit, got them out of jail a few times already with four goals so far - has not been at his Barca-esque fluid best. But they do have a team of fighters. They do not give up and are more than capable of pushing the Germans all the way.
Anyone who watched the Champions League Final will know that the doubts hanging over a return for Angel Di Maria could be vital to the outcome of the game. Since his injury in the quarter-finals, they have been relying on Fernando Gago or Maxi Rodriguez who do not offer the same attacking threat.
Claims that Messi is tired are also making the Argies sweat - only Fred has made up less ground out of players to play six games. And looking at the benches, it is clear that Germany have talent that did not even make it to Brazil.
I tipped Argentina before the tournament, and while they have not performed in the way I had expected or hoped, they have got themselves potentially 90 minutes away from emulating the side of '86, and I will stick by that prediction. They can do it, but I will not be surprised one bit to find the Germans racing out of the blocks once again. I just hope this time, it is not over by 8:30.
With one win apiece in World Cup Finals, today's showdown has been set up as an almighty decider. But will it be a case of "Ze Germans are coming", or "Don't cry for me, Argentina"? Enjoy the game.
Come on Deutschland!
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