Will it be Messi’s day or Muller’s?

*Argentina takes on Germany in the final of FIFA Worldcup 2014

It has been a long and impressive road for both final competitors and now Germany and Argentina are set to lock horns in a match that has all the elements of a World Cup classic. The Germans are looking to finish something that they have started since 2010 whereas the Argentines are determined to return to the top by avenging an embarrassing 4-0 thrashing by the same opponents, which happened four years ago.

Germany manager Joachim Low is fortunate enough to have all hands on deck and is expected to feature the same line-up he did against Brazil with legendary striker Miroslav Klose up front with the support of Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos and Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil behind him. Defender Mats Hummels has been dealing with tendonitis but is expected to compete.

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella saw Real Madrid player Angel Di Maria return to light training but remains extremely doubtful to start after suffering from a thigh injury. However, Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero has completely recovered and could start instead of Ezequiel Lavezzi or even Gonzalo Higuain. Left-back Marcos Rojo is dealing with a sore ankle that would not allow him to complete training on Friday but he is nevertheless considered fit enough for the final.

KICK-OFF: Sunday, 8pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

Germany 1 (Howedes) Argentina 3 (Khedira og, Messi, Di Maria), International Friendly, August 2012

Argentina 0 Germany 4 (Muller, Klose, Friedrich), World Cup, July 2010

Germany 0 Argentina 1 (Higuain), International Friendly, March 2010

STATS:

Germany have won the World Cup three times whereas Argentina have triumphed twice.

Ever since the fall of the Berlin wall, both sides have competed with each other eight times where Argentina won four matches and picked up just one defeat which occurred at the last World Cup.

Germany striker Miroslav Klose became the all-time top scorer in the history of the World Cup last Tuesday as he now counts 16 goals in the competition, one more than Brazil legend Ronaldo.

Bayern Munich player Thomas Muller has picked up 10 goals and six assists in 12 World Cup appearances.

If Argentina win then they will become the oldest World Cup winners ever with an average age of just under 29 – Italy’s 2006 squad holds the record.

The Albiceleste’s superstar Lionel Messi surpassed Diego Maradona in international appearances last Wednesday and now the Barcelona forward will be picking up his 93 national cap.

ODDS:

Germany to win: 5.4

Argentina to win: 12.5

Draw: 21.10

CLASSIC MOMENT/MATCH:

The dominant Germany machine of 2010 destroyed Argentina at the World Cup quarter-finals in South Africa. The Albiceleste were led by legendary Diego Maradona who saw his side getting crashed 4-0, which ultimately led to his departure as manager.