2014 World Cup Final Preview

A month ago today, I was gearing up for my last exam, but more importantly, the world was ready for the World Cup to kick off. One month on, and arguably the greatest sporting spectacle on earth awaits its climax in Rio de Janeiro at the home of football, The Maracanã. 

From the start of the tournament, Argentina were tipped to do well, but possibly haven't reached the performance levels that were expected of them. With the wealth of talent at their disposal it astonishes me as to how they haven't been more convincing and brushing teams aside with more conviction. On the other hand, Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria have shone throughout the tournament, and have helped Argentina on their way to a first final since 1990. 

As for the Germans, not many people, including myself, gave them much attention in the build up to the start of the World Cup, probably because there was too much emphasis put on the host nation, Brazil, and the holders, Spain. With Manuel Neuer as goal keeper, Germany are in safe hands. I find it hard to find another goal keeper in this world that comes close to the Bayern number one, he is definitely the best goal keeper in the world at the minute.

It will be interesting to see if Jogi Löw deploys his captain in front of the back four or else at right back, like he did in the Semi Final match against Brazil. If he does line up in a central defensive midfield role, will he be given the orders of neutralising Argentina's talisman, Lionel Messi? Taking Messi out of the game will give the Germans the edge, as everything the South Americans have created has come through the little master. It would certainly be a key and intriguing battle.

Another positive head ache that Löw has, is whether he should start a more conventional number nine, Miroslav Klose, or else the modern false nine in Thomas Muller up front. Both played in the semi final, with Muller playing in a wide position. This conundrum offers Löw a 'B' plan, particularly if things don't go to plan against Argentina. As it has been highlighted regularly during the last week, Klose became the World Cup all time record goal scorer in the bludgeoning of Brazil at the Estadio Mineirão last Tuesday night. Muller is also on the edge of a record as he is just one goal short of Colombia's James Rodriguez who is leading the challenge for the Golden Boot with 6 goals.

Argentina have a team which consists of very talented individuals, that are likely to thrive from playing with a counter attacking style. Toni Kroos is likely to control the ball, giving Germany the majority of possession. As we know from previous matches for club and country, Angel Di Maria is lethal on the counter. His understudy is Ezequiel Lavezzi and not a bad one to have at that. While he is a quality player, we are yet to witness the performances of his days at Napoli for either PSG or Argentina. Could tomorrow be the day that he shines?

Similar to Barcelona, Lionel Messi is the heart and soul of Argentina. When he plays well, then his whole team is given a boost. With many people claiming that Messi is not amongst the world's best because he hasn't won the World Cup, tomorrow we could witness a change in the attitudes of some of his critics. Having contributed 4 goals and 1 assist to his country's World Cup adventure, a victory tomorrow would guarantee the plaudits going to Messi.

While Argentina don't possess a creative midfielder such as Toni Kroos, they do have Javier Mascherano. Guardiola converted him from midfield to defence once he first joined the Catalan club to cope with the shortage in quality of defenders and has made his name there. For Argentina he has been solid, making crucial tackles to prevent attacks. While he isn't the most creative, he puts in a shift, the least you can ask for in a defender. As with most fullbacks in this day and age, it appears that they're simply 'failed wingers'. Some may argue that this is the case with young left back, Marcos Rojo, who seems keen to abort his defensive duties in favour of helping the wingers in attacking. As said before, this weakness can exploited and if Ozil, Schurrle or Muller isolate him then Germany will be able to create chances.

Argentina and Germany have met in the final twice before with both winning one game. With history aside, this already looks a tasty affair. On this occasion, I'm going for a European victory with Thomas Muller and Lionel Messi to get on the score sheet. Of course, we all would love the match to go to penalties, but an exciting match would be a decent alternative! The countdown to kick off is on!