It’s the biggest and most important match of them all, Europe vs. South Americans, Sabella vs Loew, Messi vs Muller; toe to toe nail to nail, it’s Germany vs Argentina. It is the FIFA World Cup final. To date 32 finals have took place in various countries, cities and stadiums. Tonight the largest stadium in Brazil and the second largest in South America will witness history, the Maracana ladies and gentleman will crown the next world champion.
In World cup competition Germany and Argentina met 6 times, in which Germany lost only once; the 1986 World cup final. The last 3 meetings between these giants saw Germany prevail over Argentina.
The biggest obstacle Germany is facing is that no European side has ever won any of the eight World Cups held in the Americas. On the other hand if Argentina does win this year’s World Cup final, this would be arguably the grandest achievement to triumph at the Maracana, Brazil’s holiest football and the backyard of their rivals.
The rivalry between La Albiceleste and Die Mannschaft goes back to the late 1980’s and early 1990’s where both team exchanged victories which saw them triumphing over one another and winning the most prestigious title in football.
One cannot deny that Germany may be more confident due to the demolishing performance against the hosts, Brazil. Meanwhile on the other hand one can see that the backbone of Argentina is their defence mastered by the warrior Javier Mascherano and the Benfica centre back Ezequile Garay. Both defences are up for a busy night especially Argentina, considering that Germany scored a total of seventeen goals in the current World Cup tournament and having the most prolific World Cup goal scorer of all time, Miroslav Klose. But let’s all face it who does not get that spine tinkling feeling when you see the likes of Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuain, "El Poccho’ Lavezzi and Palacio on the same page ready to bombard your post.
Stats show that Germany is the most team that has ever played in a final, eight in all resulting in three successful triumphs. Whilst Argentina will be playing its fifth final tonight losing 2 and winning 2.
Stats may show various facts and histories that may favour one team over another, but the real history will be written tonight when both teams tie up their boot laces, pull up their socks and wear their nation’s shirt with pride and dignity. May it be an entertaining final where fairness reigns and above all may the best team win. Thank you Brazil for hosting such a World Cup with all of your difficulties and flaws, once again Rio entertained the world.