World Cup glory: Germany in Messi''s way

Jul 11, 2014

If there is one scenario the approximately 200 million Brazilians dread witnessing this Sunday, its rivals Argentina celebrate a third World Cup title on Brazilian soil.

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By Fred Kaweesi in Sao Paulo

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Third-place playoff : Brazil v Netherlands (Saturday)
Final: Germany v Argentina (Sunday)

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If there is one scenario the approximately 200 million Brazilians dread witnessing this Sunday, its rivals Argentina celebrate a third World Cup title on Brazilian soil.

The rivalry between Brazil and Argentina is so intense and deep-rooted that the hosts’ worst fears could be felt around the Corinthians Stadium.

Brazil, who had suffered a 7-1 humiliating defeat to Germany in the first semi-final, desperately pushed for a Dutch win on Wednesday.

But after watching on painfully as Argentina fought through to win the resultant shoot-out 4-2, Brazil’s sole hopes of avoiding further humiliation at home, now lay entirely on the Germans.

“We’ll push for Germany definitely. We can’t imagine Argentina winning the World Cup here. It’s not possible. We have a strong rivalry,” Brazilian journalist Rafael told New Vision in the aftermath of Argentina’s semi-final win.

Argentina’s Sergio Romero saved two penalties to seal Argentina’s first World Cup final place in 24 years.

Romero plunged low to his left to save the first penalty kick from defender Ron Vlaar and then made a superb stop from Wesley Sneijder as Argentina’s jubilant fans went wild at the Corinthians arena.

Dutch keeper Jasper Cillessen failed to emulate the heroics of backup Tim Krul in their quarter-final win over Costa Rica.

Substitute Maxi Rodriguez struck the decisive kick for the Argentines, for whom winning a World Cup on Brazilian soil, will be magnificent for a number of reasons.

However, for Coach Alejandro Sabella, it will also represent a chance of defying his critics.

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WINNER'S LAUGH: Argentina's forward Ezequiel Lavezzi will be hoping to laugh like this after the final whistle against Germany this Sunday. PHOTO/AFP

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LOOK HERE: Italian/Ukrainian model and Bollywood film actress, Nataliya Kozhenova shows off her Messi tattoo. PHOTO/AFP

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MESSI LOVE: Bangladeshi vendors sell vegetables in front of a street painting. PHOTO/AFP

Since replacing Sergio Batista as Argentina coach, Sabella has been criticized for his cautious approach –reflected in just seven goals scored in the tournament this far despite boasting a star-studded cast of strikers. Argentinean fans have also failed to identify with their team’s style of football.

But the man who timidly set about his task when taking over from Batista, has grown into this tournament. He arguably looks more comfortable than at any other time during his reign.

Sabella told the media that: “I’m very happy because we reached the final and now we will see what we can do. We will give everything as usual, with humility, work and 100 percent effort.”

That said, the biggest concern that remains here among Argentinean fans is whether their team will be able to outscore a Germany side that embarrassed the hosts in a goal frenzy on Tuesday.

Some of the fans are still questioning Sabella’s decision to ignore Juventus forward Carlos Tevez.

The 30-year-old was in exceptional form last season –scoring 19 Serie A goals for Italian giants Juventus but, incredibly, that wasn’t enough to persuade Sabella to bring him to the World Cup.

With Aguero still struggling with fitness issues, Sabella has been left with three choices –Higuain, Lavezzi and Palacio.

Unfortunately, all three are yet to spark.

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ONLY A MATTER OF TIME: Germany's midfielder Mesut Ozil (L) and teammate Sami Khedira warm up during training. PHOTO/AFP
 

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LEADER BY EXAMPLE: Germany's coach Joachim Loew controls the ball during a training session. PHOTO/AFP
 

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SAY SELFIE: This enthusiastic Germany fan wants his team to replicate his exhibit come Sunday. PHOTO/AFP

Compare that with the Germany situation where the lead striker Thomas Muller is on course for his second consecutive Golden Boot prize.

Muller and his attacking support cast that includes Andre Schurrle, Toni Kroos, Miroslav Klose and Mehut Ozil have managed a combined 17 goals.

Three-time winners Germany lost their last two World Cup semi-finals but pundits believe that the current squad has every attribute necessary to win the title on Sunday.

Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker stated on Tuesday that: “We have one of the strongest squads. We have two excellent players for every position.”

If Argentina, who lost 4-0 to Germany in their quarterfinal meeting in South Africa 2010, are to win on Sunday, they will need to look beyond Lionel Messi and register match-winning performances at the back, midfield and attack.

Sunday’s final will be a repeat of the 1986 and 1990 finals and the first time the same two teams will have faced each other three times in the title decider.


Also related to this story

Argentina beat Netherlands on penalties to storm final

Germany thrash Brazil 7-1 to reach WC final

Argentina's Lionel Messi grows into greatness


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