The Final: Can Messi finally emulate Maradona by firing Argentina to World Cup Glory?

This World Cup was supposed to be Brazil’s crowning moment in front of its football crazy people. But after 63 games, 170 goals and one-month long extravaganza of intense drama, entertainment and suspense, the big match is just a few hours away, albeit without Brazil contesting in it. After spending a reported $14 billion, the hopes of a sixth World Cup victory was sky high among the 200 million Brazilians but sadly their team failed miserably shipping in 7 goals in the semi-finals against the Germans. Instead it would be their arch-nemesis Argentina who would take on their conquerors in the semi-finals, Germany in the ‘Mecca’ of all football stadiums, the Maracana.

Even before the tournament had started, the spotlight was on Lionel Messi, with everyone questioning if he can be called a true great to play the game without a World Cup winner’s medal. Now he is on the cusp of achieving that and etch his name into the folklore. He has been instrumental in taking Argentina to the finals with four goals but had struggled to produce his best in the knock out rounds. But his team-mates have ensured that the stage is set for the diminutive footballer to finally realize his dream of winnig the World Cup.

But Argentina will face arguably the best team of this World Cup and a team who had tore them apart 4-0 four years ago at the last eight stage. Germany has already scored an impressive 17 goals at this World Cup though seven of them have come in the one game against the Brazilians. Their amazing midfield will likely be tested more fiercely by the Argentinians than the Brazilians but if they can keep Lionel Messi quiet then they should clinch the World Cup for the fourth time in their history.

There has been a lot of history between these two illustrious sides at the World Cup and tonight they will face off for the seventh time at the World Cup. The teams have already met in two finals with Argentina winning in 1986 and Germany getting revenge four years later. Germany are set to play in their eighth World Cup final; more than any other nation while Argentina are set to play in their fifth World Cup final.

This World Cup has been a really glorious spectacle and we can definitely hope for an intriguing finale befitting one of the best World Cups ever.