Can Sabella’s defensive strategy stop Germany as well?
Germany will encounter Argentina in the final of the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Rio de Janeiro on Monday (03:00 GMT+8). After their historic
7:1 victory over the host nation the Germans will enter the legendary
Maracana Stadium as favourites, but they will face a rock-solid
Argentinian defence there.
Germany
Though it were some of the most astonishing moments in football history when Germany scored four goals within seven minutes against the five-times world champions on Tuesday, we should not overvalue them, as Brazil’s defence acted like amateurs. Still this unbelievable success will boost Germany’s confidence even more, if this is possible at all. They have already displayed an extreme confident body language when demolishing Portugal 4:0 in their first match, never left doubts that they want to lift the Cup this time. The Germans perform well structured, play quick and precisely, defend very organised and still have huge quality on their bench. With Thomas Müller (5 goals) and Miroslav Klose they are equipped with the top-scorers of the the last two World Cups and in goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and Mats Hummels they have the two probably best defensive players of the tournament available. The later got substituted in the Brazil match due to tendon problems, but should be fit for the final.Argentina
While the match between Brazil and Germany was pure excitement its counterpart between Argentina and the Netherlands was probably the most boring semi-final ever. Two extremely defensively-minded teams did not even try to score goals, so nobody was surprised when they found themselves in a penalty shoot-out which was finally won by the South Americans. It was not the first time the ‘Albiceleste’ played this destructive football in this tournament, they also played very defensively when beating Belgium and Switzerland both 1:0 before. However, besides a solid defence the Argentinians have an outstanding defensive midfielder in Javier Mascherano and they know how to slow down a match, which could effect the German game seriously. They will patiently wait for their chance and hope that the four times ‘World Player of the Year’ Lionel Messi will decide this final with his ingenuity. A creative player who could support Messi is Angel di Maria. The midfielder missed the match against the Dutch due to a thigh injury and his appearance in the final is not sure as well.Expected line-ups
Current form
Potential impacts
- The legendary Maracana Stadium has a capacity of 73,500.
- 23 °C and a humidity of around 70 percent are expected in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday.
- Argentina defeated Germany 3:2 in the World Cup final in Mexiko 1986.
- Germany returned the favour when beating Argentina 1:0 in the final in Italy 1990.
- The Argentinians have a positive record against Germany (9-5-6).
Prediction
We can expect the Argentinians to play similar defensive tactics like they did the games before. They will slow the tempo down and try to open lanes for Messi and Co. to dribble through. This time they will face their strongest opponent though and it is hard to imagine that the German ‘machine’ will not create goal scoring opportunities. While Argentina had to go through 120 minutes in the semi-finals on Wednesday, the Germans already started to rest after the first half against Brazil. They will set Argentina under massive pressure and with their huge selection of outstanding offensive players Germany should be able to crack the bastion.Who is not that confident and thinks that this match could go to extra time should go for the outright victory. Germany to become World Champions is probably the best betting-tip for this final.
Argentina have not been down at any time in this World Cup yet. Considering they would fall behind, they would have to open their back and allow the Germans the room they need. In that case it is possible that Germany could even win the final by more than one goal difference. So if you are looking for a bigger reward you should bet on a clear German victory.
+ The Germans are full of confidence after their historic 7:1 victory.
+ Besides other strong offensive players they have the top scores of the last two World Cups.
+ Argentina played 120 minutes in the semi-finals and had one day less for regeneration.
+ Germany beat Argentina 4:0 at the World Cup 2010.
- Argentina's rock-solid defence will be hard to crack.
- No European team could ever win the World Cup in South America.
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