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! 

2014 World Cup Semi Final Preview

We are now just down to the last 4 teams in the tournament and the draw has thrown up 2 very tasty encounters that will be settled by late Wednesday evening into Thursday morning.

Brazil v Germany

The Tuesday night battle between Brazil and Germany will be slightly dampened by the missing Neymar who broke a bone in his back against Colombia, as well as the suspension of captain, Thiago Silva. Nevertheless, it will still be a gripping and exhilarating tie. Even though the Brazilians have home advantage, the Germans will have belief, particularly as the hosts will be missing their talisman. They also have a key asset in Thomas Müller in their possession, who is possibly one of the most underrated players in the world. In addition to this, Miroslav Klose is a useful weapon to have on the bench and will be looking to grab that solitary goal needed to make him the World Cup all time top scorer. It has been widely documented that the lack of a number nine within the ranks of the Selecao has been one of their weaknesses. With the Germans efficient at the back, this could be the match where there attacking weakness is exposed. 

The absence of Neymar is a travesty for the nation of Brazil and this was a match where he had the ability to hurt the Germans. It has been evident throughout the duration of the tournament that Jogi Löw is determined to hold a very high defensive line, even with playing Per Mertesacker at the back. Although with Arsenal, Arsene Wenger deployed a similar tactic against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge which resulted in a calamitous performance from the big German in which they conceded 6 goals. With Germany, Löw has often played with 4 centre halves at the back with Lahm sitting in front, dictating the play. This is an area the Selecao could exploit, particularly with the pace of Hulk, one on one with a defender.

Brazil have got to the Semi Final without mesmerising the world with their spectacular football, and now to get past the Germans, they will have to do it without their golden boy, Neymar as well as influential leader and captain, Thiago Silva.

Argentina v Holland

The second Semi Final match is another cracker. Few people, including myself, gave the Dutch any hope going into the tournament and it wouldn't be unfair to say that they have surprised us all. They have surpassed all expectations, including their own in which they stated they would have been pleased with an exit at the quarter final stage. With Louis Van Gaal at the helm, a shot at glory in the infamous Maracana is not out of the question, but first they must defeat Argentina and Lionel Messi and it won't be an easy task. 

The Argentine media have criticised their country saying that they rely on their own superstar, Lionel Messi too much. This is a fair evaluation of the side as the little wizard has dragged them over the line in the match against Iran as well as providing the assists for Di Maria and Rojo to beat Switzerland and Nigeria respectively. Even though they possess an array of talent in the final third, defensively, they can be loose, as proven in the game against Nigeria. It tough to say who will dictate the majority of the play, if Argentina do, then the Netherlands will be looking to counter in a similar way to which they did against Spain, and we all know how that one turned out. 

Either way, this match will go to the wire and it may be a piece of magic from one of the stars on show to seal the winner for either side. Holland will be hoping to isolate Robben one on one against the defenders, while the Argentines will be hoping that Lionel Messi will be able to come up with the goods once again.

The Final has the possibility of being an all European, or else an all South American affair. A match between the Dutch and the Germans has it's history, and one which should provide plenty of crunching tackles as well as a high calibre of football. The rivalry between the two South American sides in question is enormous. Pundits and football fans have been wishing for a Argentina and Brazil from the start and now, it is looking ever so likely.