2:00 AM on July 14th, Germany vs Argentina: History will be rewritten!
Germany set a dozen records when they thrashed Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals. But now comes the most glorious record of all: becoming the first European team to win the World Cup in South America. History awaits Joachim Loew and his team to write a new chapter.
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| Messi and Mueller will compete to see who deserves to be considered the better player at the 2014 World Cup. |
28 YEARS OF PAIN
Throughout Argentina's 28-year title drought, Germany has always been a looming threat. In the 1990 Italian Serie A final, Maradona and his teammates suffered a painful defeat due to a controversial penalty taken by Brehme. That marked the beginning of a decline for Argentinian football. In recent years, the South American football giant has gradually recovered under Messi, who is considered the "successor to Maradona."
But fate continued to play tricks on the Argentinians. Every time they began to dream of reaching the top, the Germans appeared like a cold-blooded devil. In the 2006 World Cup quarter-finals, the Albiceleste surrendered to Germany in a tense penalty shootout. And four years later, Argentina suffered another defeat against the German team in the quarter-finals. This time it was a humiliating 0-4 loss, in a match where Argentina had both Maradona (on the coaching bench) and Messi.
The victory against Germany in Mexico in 1986 is a distant memory. For Argentinians now, the memory of the German team is only of their humiliating defeats at the hands of their European rivals. The grudges of the past 28 years must be settled at Maracana tonight. This is not only the desire of Sabella and his team, but also of the entire Argentinian nation. But will Messi and his teammates' ambitions become a reality?
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THE GERMAN ERA
It won't be easy for Argentina because this is Germany's prime. A long-standing, cohesive team with top players in every position. A brilliant coach skilled at turning the tide. And above all, the Germans always maintain their composure even under the greatest pressure. The way they crushed Brazil was like an emotionless killing machine. The way they "controlled" the French showed the character and class of a top team.
Remember, Germany also went 24 years without winning the World Cup. The pressure and expectations were no less than Argentina's. But they surpassed the South Americans in their cool heads and ability to overcome the pressure. Meanwhile, both Argentina and Brazil had been flustered and even crumbled at crucial moments throughout the tournament. Argentina reached the final, but a sense of fragility still constantly surrounded the team. Messi proved his leadership role, but he didn't always shine. Remember after beating the Netherlands, Jorge Messi explained his son's lackluster performance: "Messi is carrying a 100kg weight on each leg." That's the kind of pressure that has plagued Messi since the 2006 World Cup. And whether Messi has overcome it or not, no one can be sure.
Before the final, coach Joachim Loew declared he had found a way to neutralize Messi after thorough analysis of video footage. Whether the Germans could actually do it remains to be seen. But the important thing is that they always prepare everything as scientifically and meticulously as possible. That's how Germany managed to stifle the Brazilians' inspiration. And an Argentina team relying on Messi's inspiration could very well suffer a similar fate.
Four years ago, Spain became the first European team to win on another continent. Now, Germany has the chance to become the first European team to triumph on South American soil. The wheel of history continues to turn for Europeans, just as South America once awaited Europeans to bring enlightenment.
REFEREE:Nicola Rizzoli (Italy, 42 years old)
INFORMATION
Virtue:Mats Hummels has recovered from injury in time. The squad is full.
Argentina: Di Maria is available to play. Aguero could start.
According to Asian betting odds, Germany has lost 5 and won 5 of their last 10 matches; Argentina has won 3 and lost 7 of their last 10 matches.
Germany have lost 5 and drawn 2 of their last 7 matches against Argentina according to Asian handicap.
Germany have only won 1 of their last 4 finals, against Argentina in 1990.
This is the 10th final between representatives from Europe and South America, with South America winning 7 of those matches.
Thomas Mueller was involved in a total of 16 goals for Germany at the World Cup: 10 goals and 6 assists.
Thomas Mueller could become the first player to win the Golden Boot in two consecutive World Cups.
Lionel Messi has scored 5 goals in World Cups, but none in the knockout stage.
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Coach Joachim Loew (Germany):“We have to keep our feet on the ground after the win against Brazil. Things certainly won't be that easy in this final. Argentina has shown they are a very solid team and won't give their opponents any chance to correct their mistakes.”
Coach Alejandro Sabella (Argentina):"Germany has several advantages over us. Some of our players are tired. We have to play the final with less than a day's rest and face a disciplined, physically strong, and powerful team."
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