Germany and Argentina will meet for the third time in a World Cup final as both teams prepare to win the tournament on Sunday. Germany reached this point after dominating Brazil in a 7-1 win. Argentina took the Netherlands to penalty kicks as Lionel Messi shined once again. The game features the two best attacking teams in this tournament as this final could come down to an offensive showcase.
Germany has looked like a well-oiled machine throughout most of this tournament. The team has shown very little weakness during each round. Thomas Muller with his 10 World Cup goals and Mats Hummels have been leading the way. They have had high-scoring games. Prior to beating Brazil with seven goals, they beat Portugal 4-0. They have been the attackers that most everyone has expected them to be despite having to get through penalty kicks to beat Algeria.
Germany's offense is complex. They have three of the seven best attacking games in this tournament. They pass the ball more than any team and they also win on possession. They come in as a favorite simply because of the routing they gave Brazil and the talent they displayed for high scoring efforts.
Argentina has gotten known more for their defense in this tournament, showing two of the best seven defensive games. The team has gotten better with each game which sets them up well for the final. Messi will once again be the x-factor for Argentina as Gonzalo Higuain and Ezequiel Lavezzi will play the supporting roles. Argentina's defense is deep. Both Netherlands and Belgium figured out how to not throw too many attackers forward into the unit, Germany will follow that path.
Argentina has not had to blowout wins like Germany. They won by narrow margins against Switzerland and Belgium, but their discipline has prevailed. Winning against Germany would not only mean glory to Argentina, but it would also hit Brazil hard. The team could get the best of their rivals in their home country by winning, especially after Brazil lost the third-place match.
Germany is the favorite in the tournament. They have not shown any weaknesses that signify a loss in the final. Argentina has every right to be concerned with this match. After the Brazil game, Germany's confidence will be soaring. If Argentina can get in the net early, they could get the better of Germany.
