Argentina and Germany to play out World Cup final

The World Cup final has been decided, and it is perhaps not what most people expected. Predictions prior to the tournament suggested that hosts Brazil would take on great rivals, and South American counterparts Argentina in an epic showdown.

For good reason as well. They were the two competition favourites, though that was just the tip of the iceberg. The fixture would have carried an intriguing subplot. Barcelona teammates’ Lionel Messi and Neymar were perhaps secretly expecting a face-off in a battle for tournament top scorer.

It is fair to say Messi has the bragging rights. Although his Nou Camp colleague has been injured, both could be upstaged by Germany’s Thomas Muller, who is one behind Colombia and Monaco talent James Rodriguez in the top goalscoring charts on five. Messi and Neymar, meanwhile, are both on four strikes apiece.

Following Germany’s humiliation of Brazil, they are now odds-on favourites at 8/11 to win the World Cup, while Argentina are at 11/10. Looking ahead, it makes for an intriguing final, with La Albiceleste yet to concede in the knockout rounds, despite pre-tournament reports that their defence is the weakest part of Alejandro Sabella’s team.

Muller, unsurprisngly is Die Mannschaft’s best hope of scoring, and is 5/1 to net the first goal, having done so against Brazil, USA and Portugal.

Sergio Aguero, who came on as a substitute against the Netherlands in the semi-final clash, is 13/2 to strike first, and the Manchester City forward has paid tribute to his team’s efforts.

“A lot of people didn’t think Argentina would get to the final but we knew what players we had, very good players individually; this means so much.” he said.

Attacking midfielder, Maxi Rodriguez, who came on as a substitute against the Netherlands was understandably emotional at reaching the final in their neighbours backyard.