2014 World Cup Final Preview!

Estadio Maracana - sorry there'll be no Brazil, Rio

The big game is finally here. Much as we loved all the excitement, all the goals and all the shocks of the earlier rounds, everyone knows that the one game that matters is the World Cup Final.

For the first time in a while, there is consensus that Germany and Argentina have been the best teams at this World Cup and therefore, deserve to be in the Final in Rio - much as some die-hard Brazilian fans would like to disagree.

Both Germany and Argentina are unbeaten in this tournament - both have drawn one game and won the rest (Argentina did draw 0-0 with Holland in the semifinal but won the shootout). Normally that would mean you should make the Final.

At the moment, Germany seem to be the favourites objectively and subjectively. Objectively because their last performance was a 7-1 win over hosts, Brazil and they have scored the most goals at this World Cup and conceded few. The Germans have a good record over Argentina having won 2, lost 1 and drawn 1 (the Germans did win the shootout there too back in 2006).

Subjectively, because they clearly have played the best football at this World Cup and if this World Cup is to be remembered as one of the greats, it would need a great team to win the World Cup - this German side seems to fit the criteria of being one of the great teams.

However, favouritism means nothing in such big games - the Germans should know all about that given they were the underdogs to Hungary when they won their first World Cup in 1954.

Which is why Argentina with their underrated defence and the best player in the world cannot be completely counted out. Yes they haven't been as impressive as many would have liked but they have gone about the tournament professionally and gotten to where they want to be. It's an old cliche that real champions know how to win when they don't play well.

How will Lionel Messi perform in what could be his only chance to win a World Cup? Given his past performances for Barcelona in Champions League Finals, you could say he could do pretty well - however, Germany are admittedly a better team at targeting their man than Manchester United were against Barcelona. Furthermore, Messi doesn't have his usual Barca teammates to bail him out here - although Angel di Maria could very well still feature in the Final after missing the semifinal with injury.

Finally, Argentina are effectively the home team - they're on their home continent and should expect a large contingent from just across the border. That could very well play a factor in their 3rd Final against the Germans.

Adidas will be the guaranteed winner in this Final, being kit sponsor for both sides. Will football be a guaranteed winner in this Final?

We'd like to think so after this goal fest of a World Cup, whether it's Germany or Argentina who turn up with their attacking play and goals.