GERMANY v ARGENTINA
We're tipping ...
ARGENTINA
KEN LIN
To true football fanatics, this match serves to be a dream final. A true final, if you look at the history of the World Cup. Germany, traditionally very strong in tournaments and with Argentina’s favourite son, Leo Messi, showing glimpses of brilliance in Brazil, this should be a mouthwatering final. However, Germany’s entire starting eleven are playing well, particularly star forward Thomas Mueller and clubmate Toni Kroos controlling midfield, the South Americans may face more than a few issues come this Sunday. My heart is tipping Argentina, but my head is saying Germany. I guess I will have to go with my heart then, my tip: Argentina to win 1-0.
SIMON TENNANT
You wouldn't have found two more vastly different games than the two semi finals. Germany was brutal against an undermanned (and honestly, overrated) Brazilian line-up, while Argentina continued to be uninspiring in their penalty-shootout victory over the Netherlands. The Germans were inspiring as a team in their demolition of the home team in their historic 7-1 win - with incredibly talented players like Mario Goetze, Thomas Mueller, Toni Kroos, Bastian Schweinsteiger (coming off the bench no less) - even their world-class keeper Manuel Neuer has been rock solid all tournament. Argentina still look too reliant on Lionel Messi to carry them across the line despite having a star striker in Sergio Agüero resting his legs on the pines. Tip: Germany 2-0.
TIM CARRIER
At the start of the tournament I thought that Argentina would be crowned the 2014 World Cup champions and despite Germany's astonishing semi-final win I still haven't changed my mind. However, if you had said to me at the beginning of the tournament that Argentina would be the team to earn the most clean sheets I would have not believed you. It is this defensive solidarity which is the main reason why they are in the final and not the traditional attacking flair that previous Argentinian sides have displayed. Players will tell you that how you win the match is not important just the fact that you do. Despite the Germans boasting a host of talent players in Lahm, Kroos, Khedira, Neuer and Mueller I think they will fall short against a well-organised Argentinian defence and Messi-inspired attack. Lionel Messi to score in the final and immortalise himself is my tip as Argentina wins 2-1.
