Any Bayern Munich player to score in the final, 8/11
Although this bet is odds-on, the likelihood of this happening is fairly certain. Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos, and Mario Gotze have amassed eight goals between them at the World Cup, with the former on five. Deployed in a number of positions in Brazil, Muller looked to be at his effective best against Brazil, especially in his link up play with Miroslav Klose. The Bayern Munich attacker played just to the left of the Lazio centre forward, and both netted. Kroos meanwhile, also opened his account by scoring twice, and could hit top form in the final.
Any Premier League player to score in the final, 5/6
Chelsea’s Andre Schurrle netted two in the semi-final, having also notched in the last 16 against Algeria. He has probably been one of the best impact players at the World Cup, coming off the bench. Mesut Ozil also smashed home from close range against Algeria, and is very capable at getting on the end of intricate passing moves. For Argentina, Sergio Aguero could be their best Premier League hope to score in the final. Although there was a slight injury concern, the Manchester City striker came on for 60 minutes against the Netherlands, looking lively and netting in the penalty shootout.
Any Man City player to score in the final, 5/2
Obviously, Aguero would be in contention, however there are a couple of others that can cause Germany problems in certain areas. Centre back Martin Demichelis is a handful from set pieces in the box, while right back Pablo Zabaleta has proved himself adept at finding spaces in behind the defence with his boundless energy. Striker Aguero, though, is the natural choice.
A Red Card to be shown to any player in the final, 3/1
It does happen. Four years ago, Howard Webb sent Jonny Heitinga off for the Netherlands, who lost to Spain 1-0 after extra time. The Dutch used heavy handed tactics to try and stifle the Spanish and were lucky not to be down to nine, after Nigel de Jong got away with a fly-kick to Xabi Alonso’s midrift. Striker Gustavo Dezotti and full back Pedro Monzon were sent off for Argentina when the two teams met in the 1990 World Cup final, as West Germany won by a goal to nil.
This occurred against Brazil, with the latter breaking Ronaldo’s record to become the highest ever World Cup scorer, with 16 goals. Ironically, it was his link-up play with Muller that produced the goal, while the two strikers’ ingenious, training ground movement manufactured his strike from a corner.
Any player to score a hat-trick in the final, 14/1
The scene is set for Lionel Messi. He would have wanted to do it against Brazil, however Germany’s top scorer has already upstaged him, hitting a hat-trick against Portugal in Die Mannschaft’s first group game. All eyes will be on Messi.
