I am not an expert but I am simple sports enthusiast and very keen learner. Still I strongly differ with some soccer pundits and experts dismissing Argentina Completely from today’s final. I rather believe and strong reasons for that the teams are evenly matched and team that appears with “A” game on the day will lift the cup.

Some experts have dismissed the chances of Argentina completely against Germany tonight. One Bangladeshi Electroinc Media Journalist now covering World Cup from Brazil mentioned in a Face Book discussion last Germany’s chances are 100%. The overwhelming majority opines, when Germany takes on Argentina in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, they will be the pick of many of the experts to lift the trophy. Pundits such as BBC presenter Gary Lineker believe that the Argentines simply don't have enough sparkle to seriously test the rampant Germans.

We can understand where these assumptions come from. We are aware that the two teams have entered the final with two completely two different momentum. Germans started with a bang destroying Chritiano Ronaldo’s Portugal 4-0 in the very first match. Then keeping with their tradition of every world Germans were not at their brilliant best in the second game and had to play out of their skin to hold a very impressive African team Ghana in the second match. Germany’s solitary goal win against USA also failed to impress many. Germany literally struggled to get past another very impressive African team Algeria in prequarter final. In quarter also German machine did not move all that smooth against France. Two African teams actually showed how to pay Germany with their own coin. But Germans destroyed host Brazil with a humiliating 7-1 defeat making a huge statement of their intention in the semifinals. 

There is no denial that ,Germanydespite the ups and downs of their matches in this world cup has been a joy to watch, playing a high-intensity brand of quick-paced, creative and technically-assured attacking football.They scored 10 goals in knockout matches at this tournament. Included in their exploits is the 7-1 battering of host nation Brazil in the semi-final.

Argentina though won all matches yet they played well within themselves. Fabulous four Messi, Di Maria, Aguero and Higuain did not hunt together as predicted by many. Magical Messi always came to the rescue in every match and all their matches were won by the barest of the margin. Aguero missed few matches through injury and Di Maria is possibly not match fit for the final. Argentina did not spark like tightening but did not look subdued as well. Rather they were very consistent. Argentina improved game by game. The Argentine defence  looks rock solid .Centre-backs Martin Demichelis and Ezequiel Garay have received superb support from uncompromising midfield anchorman Javier Mascherano. The Argentines have not conceded a single goal during the tournament's knockout phase.

Germany has very strong attack with two natural goal scorers Muller and Klose. Argentina has Messi, the best footballer in the world. He cannot only score spectacular goals without any notice but also he can create for his mates. He has amazing skill of knocking off his marker and strike from any distance. Especially in spot kicks he is possibly the best exponent now. Messi will be X factor. German defence has their work cut out.

I cannot completely agree with others that Argentina is underdog in the final. Rather I would say the teams are even matched and with Messi in form Argentina has a slight edge.

Argentina’s Real Madrid player Di Maria is not yet fully recovered and is unlikely to play. But the Manchester City forward Aguero will definitely be in starting eleven. Aguero's presence could prove vital. With Germany likely to focus on Messi, Aguero's trickery, pace and power could provide a decisive contribution. It would be interesting to see whether coach Sabella be really bold and pick all three of Messi, Aguero and Higuain for the final.

We must remember that it is final and nothing to hold back. The teams will go all out to win. Germans play fluid football and are very dangerous in counter attacks. But they will also be aware that any momentary lack of concentration in their defence will be fatal for them as Magical Messi will need only a sniff to pounce. Sorry Linekar and others like you guys I cannot dismiss Argentina all together in the match. Rather I would say it is any teams’ game. The team that can hold their nerves will win. It will be interesting to see which team Brazilians support. Argentina is their arch rivals and Germany has humiliated them in the semifinal. It is to be seen, whether the Continental interest takes precedence over urge for revenge.

BDST: 1724 HRS, JUL 13, 2014