Right! The FIFA World Cup Final is coming up on Sunday and we’ve all been reading with jealousy of the punter in New Zealand, who placed a triumphant bet on the 1-7 scoreline for the Brazil Germany game. So which way is the World Cup Final going to go? Let’s have a look at some of the stats.
Tight
Argentina have only scored eight goals on route to the final. Whereas, Germany have scored 17. On Tuesday, Germany beat hosts Brazil 7-1 in their semi final, which makes them the highest scorers in World Cup history. Prior to the World Cup commencing, the Argentines were accused of having a weak back four. With Javier Mascherano marshalling their defensive strategy, they are yet to concede a goal in the knockout stages of the competition and only three in total during the World Cup. Both teams have talent in all areas of the pitch, with no outstanding weaknesses. So expect a tight affair and little between them in terms of the end score. I don’t expect the final to be a goalfest.
Messi v Muller
Argentina will be hoping that the greatest player of his generation, Lionel Messi, will build on the 4 goals he has scored so far in the competition. As I mentioned above, Argentina have only managed 8 goals in total so backing Messi to score again may be wise. Whereas Germany will look to their frontman, Thomas Muller, who has scored 5 goals thus far, for inspiration. He needs just two more to overtake James Rodriguez in the Golden Boot standings. Even with Sergio Agüero returning to fitness, it is clear that the Argentines depend too much on Messi. In contrast, Germany have 4 or 5 creative players that can deliver.
Turning Up The Heat
Germany’s Head Coach Joachim “Jogi” Löw and his management team will be aware that Argentina played 120 minutes and a penalty shootout one day after Germany strolled, with unimaginable ease, past Brazil. Although Argentina will be more accustomed to the humidity of Brazil, it does not seem to have affected Germany thus far. Therefore, whether it is at the end of the 90 or in extra time, I expect Argentina to fade due to fatigue like they did towards the end of their semi final and for Germany to ‘up the tempo’ in an attempt to capitalize.
You may have read how Microsoft and Google both predicted a Germany vs Argentina World Cup final, based on their respective data analysis. We are not privy to their prediction for Sunday’s final. In my humble opinion, it does not matter. Regardless of what you think of computational data analysis predicting football matches, The World Cup Final is a different affair. Argentina will certainly bring intensity. Germany will bring composure. In these types of occasions, I think it’s those with a cool head that usually prevail.
Germany to win 1-0 after 90 minutes. Recommended bet with Bet365.
Written by Phillip a freelance writer / journalist.