Germany take on Argentina in the greatest game of them all, as they battle it out to become champions of the world.
Joachim Low’s side embarrassed the tournament hosts Brazil in Tuesday’s semi-final, winning 7-1, scoring four goals in a crazy six minute spell.
In the win Miroslav Klose became the leading scorer in World Cup history, with the second goal his 16th in the tournament, meaning he has overtaken Ronaldo!
As for Argentina they had it much harder in their semi-final, needing a penalty shoot-out to edge out Holland.
After 120 goalless minutes, spot kicks were needed, with Sergio Romero the hero, denying both Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder.
Germany’s route to final
Germany 4 Portugal 0 – Group Stage
Germany 2 Ghana 2 – Group Stage
USA 0 Germany 1 – Group Stage
Germany 2 Algeria 1 – AET – Second Round
France 0 Germany 1 – Quarter-Final
Brazil 1 Germany 7 – Semi-Final
Argentina’s route to final
Argentina 2 Bosnia 1 – Group Stage
Argentina 1 Iran 0 – Group Stage
Nigeria 2 Argentina 3 – Group Stage
Argentina 1 Switzerland 0 – AET – Second Round
Argentina 1 Belgium 0 – Quarter-Final
Holland 0 Argentina 0 – Argentina won 4-2 on pens – Semi-Final
Germany are unlikely to change their side from their incredible win over Brazil, meaning both Andre Schurrle and Mario Gotze will remain on the bench.
Argentina will be hopeful that Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero are fit to return, although only one of the pair is likely to start.
Expected starting XI’s
Germany (4-3-3): Neuer, Lahm, Hummels, Boateng, Howedes, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Kroos, Muller, Klose, Ozil
Argentina (4-3-3): Romero, Zabaleta, Garay, Demichelis, Rojo, Mascherano, Perez, Di Maria, Lavezzi, Messi, Higuain
Betting Preview
Germany are massive favourites given how they dispatched of Brazil in the semi-final, however don’t expected a similar scoreline.
Only once before in the tournament had Germany scored more than twice, which was against Portugal who had a man sent off early on.
Argentina are yet to concede a goal in the knock out stages of the World Cup and it would be a real shock if Germany were to score three or more goals.
Alejandro Sabella’s side have been average so far at the tournament, yet have reached their first final in 24 years.
Lionel Messi aside (although he hasn’t scored in the knock out rounds) Argentina’s forwards have struggled.
Gonzalo Higuain and the injury plagued Sergio Aguero have just a goal between them and they will need to improve against a classy Germany side.
Defensively Argentina have been surprisingly solid, conceding just three goals at the competition, with Romero the hero in their spot-kick win over Holland.
If Germany can score the first goal, then expect them to get home comfortably and lift their first World Cup since 1990.
Germany to win by the odd goal is a popular bet and there is a reason for this, back them at 13/5 to do exactly that.
Top tips
Germany to win the World Cup – 4/6 with Bet 365
Germany to win by one goal – 13/5 with Bet 365
Tagged With : Argentina • Germany • World Cup