After Germany annihilated Brazil 7-1 in the first semi-final to book their place in their record eighth World Cup final, they were seen as the favourites to win their fourth title. But past will be past and what they do against the Lionel Messi-led Argentina in the final on Sunday will be remembered by all the fans.
Germany will face the Argentines for the third time in a World Cup final, with Argentina winning in 1986 and Germany, West Germany then, claiming the title four years later in 1990.
ARGENTINA
Argentina have been relatively compact, especially after propping up their defensive wall of late. With Javier Mascherano looking in excellent from at the back of the midfield, the La Albiceleste have kept clean sheets in all three knockout matches after so-so performance in the group stage.
Argentina's progression to the knockout stage has expectedly been heavily reliant on their star striker Lionel Messi. But while the opponents were wary of him in the box, the Barcelona striker smartly adopted a playmaker's role in the quarters and semis, and has been instrumental in helping the defence while not missing out on creating good chances for players like Ezequiel Lavezzi and Gonzalo Higuain.
Coach Alejandro Sabella's side, despite having one of the best attacks in the tournament, has been very cautious in their approach - often leaving five or six players at the back as a safeguard against counter-attacks. And there is a very less chance that they will go for an all-out attack against the Germans, especially considering their questionable defence.
But the Argentines are expected to be way better on defence than the Brazilians who were routed 7-1 by Germany in the semis, but if Sami Khedira is again playing at his best, then there will be too many quality attackers together for Argentina to deal with.
GERMANY
Germany, on the other hand, have been very impressive and have registered two of the most comprehensive victories in the tournament. They defeated the Cristiano Ronaldo-led Portugal 4-0 in the group stage and embarrassed the hosts 7-1 in the semis. The Joachim Loew's side struggled only against Ghana and Algeria, with both the teams exposing huge gaps at the back of the German midfield.
The Germans have otherwise been most creative in the midfield, with their defenders coming up to create more chances for their front four. Khedira, who plays as a defensive midfielder, played a crucial role in Germany's 7-1 victory over Brazil. He took advantage of the available spaces provided by Brazil and played brilliantly alongside other German attackers and even scored one of their seven goals.
With the amount of depth that the German midfield has, it would not let the Argentines breathe easy or weave through. And with midfielders like Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos and Bastian Schweinsteiger getting assistance from Khedira and Philipp Lahm from the back, Thomas Mueller and Miroslav Klose could wreak havoc in Maracana.
But the biggest problem for the German midfield will undoubtedly be Messi. He can take advantage of the slightest slip in the midfield. With just a hint of space, he can create good chances for the likes of Higuan and Aguero. Messi has scored three goals in this World Cup from outside the box and this makes him even more dangerous.
Iran had defended superbly in the group match against Argentina but in the final minute, defender Reza Ghoochannejhad allowed Messia a little space to his left and the magician came out with a stunning shot from outside the box to give Argentina a 1-0 victory in injury-time. Messi also made a crucial assist for Di Maria's extra-time winner against Switzerland in the last 16.
And that should have Germany worried.
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