Autographed Movie, Hollywood, TV Show and Sports Memorabilia

2014 World Cup

Will the Germany Steamroller Continue through Argentina in the 2014 World Cup Final?

The beautiful celebration and glory of the Brazilian World Cup came to a frightening end on Tuesday as Germany thumped the home nation 7-1.  It was an entirely dominating performance against one of the world’s best teams, who many had expected to lift the cup.  Having also beaten Portugal 4-0 at this tournament, we can say for sure that the Germans have been the most powerful team.  But looking ahead, the Germans will face the best defense they have seen so far, and will have to counter against the world’s finest footballer, Lionel Messi.  Will the Germany romp continue or will Argentina have the final hurrah in the 2014 World Cup final?

Despite the fact that most experts now predict a German victory I am going to present something of a counter-argument.  Germany got very lucky in this World Cup in that they played most of their top opponents who were greatly wounded.

Against Portugal, they played against an injured CristianoRonaldo.  Lacking his usual power and pace, the Portuguese then imploded by means of a Pepe red card.  Another major force Germany encountered along the way was France, who played without their star player Frank Ribery.  Ribery plays with much of the German team at Bayern Munich and certainly could have held the key in battling his club teammates.  And of course, we must add an asterisk to the Brazil game highlighting the loss of Neymar, the next great Brazilian striker.  But another missing player was also key.  Defender and team captain Thiago Silva was missing from the game due to yellow card accumulation.  Thus, Brazil was without two of their best players on either end of the pitch.
 

And because of this advantage in facing top opponents without their best players at full strength, I think Germany has actually had a pretty easy road to the World Cup final.  However, that well has run dry because up next is Argentina, and Messi will certainly be playing.

Only a handful of players are on the same level as Messi.  Neymar, Ribery, and Ronaldo (when healthy) are among the few true difference makers in soccer.  At this World Cup, Germany hasn’t yet faced such an opponent.  Another concern for the Germans is that Argentina has a stiff defense that hasn’t conceded a single goal since the knockout rounds began against decent offensive teams like the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland, who were all at full strength. 

But Germany hasn’t chosen the lineups of their opponents and their displays at the 2014 World Cup have been most impressive.  Their roster oozes of talent from top to bottom where stars like Thomas Muller, Miroslav Klose, Philipp Lahm, and Mesut Ozil exert their will over opponents time and time again.  Needless to say, this mouth-watering matchup is completely up for grabs.  Yes, an Argentinean victory would help Messi achieve his dreams and rightfully become the legend he so covets to be, but you could say the same of half the German squad, who’s club and personal achievements still haven’t been matched with a World Cup title. 

So who will win this clash of super power soccer titans?  I think Argentina will take the 2014 World Cup in a 3-2 thriller, led by some wondrous Lionel Messi moments!