The two nations have twice competed with one another in a World Cup final once in 1986 and then again four years later in Italy. Maradona’s Argentina won the first clash whereas it was Germany who were successful when the two sides met at Rome in the World Cup Final in 1990.
La Albiceleste now have the chance to clinch the coveted crown for a third time but victory will not come easy since they will be against one of the best teams of the tournament. Here are five reasons why Alejandro Sabella’s men deserve to win the crown.
Strong defence
Argentina have kept a clean sheet in all of their last three matches which just goes on to show how strong their defence is. Furthermore La Albiceleste have so far conceded just three goals in the competition and will definitely have the better back four among the two finalists.
Left back Marcos Rojo has been their stand out player so far and has recorded 3.4 tackles per game and has coupled that with 2.4 interceptions in every game he has played so far. The introduction of Man city star Martín Demichelis into the squad has further strengthened the back four. The 33 year old has looked solid in the two matches he has played and has managed an impressive 5.5 interceptions per match.
Mascherano in midfield
The Barcelona star has been one of the best players in the squad. His performances in the world cup so far have further shown why he is one of the best play breakers in the world. Mascherano’s defensive stats are even better than those of his teammates. The 30 year old has made 4.7 tackles per game more than any other player in the team and while the likes of Messi and Di Maria venture forward exploring goal scoring opportunities, Mascherano sits back to do all the dirty work to prevent his side from conceding a goal.
On Sunday the 30 year old will have an important job to nullify the German midfield which can easily be regarded as the best of the competition.
Undefeated and untroubled
Argentina are yet to taste defeat in this year’s edition of the World Cup and will be hoping it remains the same till the conclusion of the tournament. Their good form is down to better defensive work and not to impressive attacking game something which could not have been predicted prior to the World Cup.
Their defence has been largely untroubled and has managed to deal with some very impressive attacking lineups. On Sunday they will have to produce a similar performance to defy the odds and win the World Cup.
Argentina’s compact system
One of the reasons why Argentina have not conceded many goals in the tournament is down to the compact system played by Alejandro Sabella. Whereas Argentina have one of the best attacking players in the tournament, they often leave five to six players behind in order to prevent conceding from a counter attack. This means that Argentina will not be willing to attack Germany with all force and might rely on individual brilliance from either of Lionel Messi, Sergio Aguero, Ezequiel Lavezzi or Gonzalo Higuain.
Lionel Messi
Despite his growing list of achievement the World title is one honor which is still absent from the Barcelona man’s list of accolades and he will be doing everything possible in his power to change that on Sunday night.
The little maestro had been a little ineffectual while playing upfront but a tactical switch has seen him operating behind the striker, a role he is flourished in so far. Messi is definitely very difficult to keep at bay and can make Germany pay for the slightest lapse of concentration. Furthermore the four time Ballon D’or winner has been a massive threat from outside the box, evidence of which is the three goals he has scored from distance.
La Pulga is clearly the biggest threat to Germany winning the title for the fourth time and the little magician definitely needs special attention if Joachim Löw’s men are to succeed on Sunday.
