By Tam Nguyen, Nguoi Viet
After several years of matches to qualify for the World Cup, three weeks of group matches and three rounds of the knockout stage, it has come down to one match to determine soccer supremacy.
Argentina celebrates after winning the World Cup semifinal match against the Netherlands in a penalty shootout. (Photo by Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty Images)
Taking the stage in the World Cup finale on Sunday will be Germany and Argentina. Germany shocked the world with a 7-1 semifinal win over Brazil and handed Brazil the biggest loss in its soccer history. Germany scored four goals in six minutes en route to reaching the final round for the first time since 2002.
Argentina got the upset win over the Netherlands in a penalty shootout, 4-2, after the two teams went scoreless through both regulation and extra time. This is Argentina’s first final-round berth since 1990, a 1-0 loss to Germany in Italy.
Kickoff: Noon, PDT, ABC
Players to watch
GERMANY: Thomas Muller leads the team with four goals; his goal against Brazil opened the floodgates and the onslaught began with six more team goals. Muller is quick on his feet by getting into position for the high-percentage shots. Muller is no doubt the MVP for the Germans, as he is the one to set up his teammates and control the offense.
ARGENTINA: Another team MVP candidate, Lionel Messi, is similar to Muller of Germany. Messi also can generate plays where his teammates are open, and he controls the offense. Messi also can also strike when he sees an open lane for a clear shot.
Keys to victory
GERMANY: Just as they did against Brazil, the Germans have to attack the net with tremendous speed. They can’t slow the pace of the match until they have the advantage on the scoreboard and change the speed. The defense has one tough task ahead of it: stopping the speedy Argentinean offense from getting set up in the box.
ARGENTINA: Argentina must stop the German forwards at all costs and not let them get set up or be in the open. When on offense, Argentina needs to put the ball in the attacking zone via long lead passes so the forwards get great scoring chances. The Germans tend to have trouble getting back on defense.
Prediction: It will be a fast-paced game on both ends of the field, and fast breaks with odd-man rushes are possible. The field will be wide open at first, and as the game progresses, it will get much tighter and more physical. Argentina will take the upper hand because its players are faster and have more stamina than Germany.
Final score: Argentina 2, Germany 1
Do you agree or disagree with this prediction and analysis? Share your comments below.
