2014 World Cup Final: Argentina-Germany Combined XI
Germany faces Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final that will encapsulate the memories of their dominance on world stage in the 1980s. The number 24 is of significant importance to both teams: it’s been 24 years since Germany last won the World Cup, it’s been 24 years since Argentina last featured in a final and it’s also 24 years since the last time these teams faced off in a World Cup final.
Both teams head to Mecca of football, the Maracana. Both achieved World Cup glory when they triumphed against each other – Argentina defeating West Germany in 1986 and Germany edging out Argentina for the title in 1990. Germany entered the final after a resounding 7-1 victory over the hosts Brazil in the semi-final whereas Argentina had to go through a nerve wracking penalty shootout to prevail against Netherlands.
We take a look at the players from both sides who will make a combined XI.
Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer
A doubt to start the World Cup for Germany due to an injury and questions over whether he is still one of the best, Manuel Neuer has come a long way through the tournament to silence his doubters. The shot stopper has been phenomenal throughout the tournament by being consistent and having a commanding presence in front of goal. He has been one of the standout goalkeepers with his ability to pull off reflex saves in almost every match.
He has managed to keep three clean sheets so far and made important interceptions in this tournament. However, it his ability to organize the defense and also play a bold sweeper role due to Die Mannschaft’s high defensive line that will be remembered for years to come.
He is well on course to emulate Oliver Kahn in 2002 by winning the Golden Glove in this tournament.
Defence: Philpp Lahm – Mats Hummels – Ezequiel Garay – Marcos Rojo
Having started the tournament in the centre of midfield, Philipp Lahm has been outstanding after being moved into his more natural position of right back midway through the Round of 16 clash against Algeria. The defence until this switch had been struggling against the fast and tricky African side. The defensive line looked solid and well organized once Lahm moved to the full back position.
Lahm has marshaled the team well and it his ability to not give the ball away so easily has been key to Germany performing so well in the quarter and semi-finals. Defensively, he has been excellent while also providing an attacking threat whenever he roams forward. He has definitely led Die Mannschaft with example.
Mats Hummels has had a productive tournament so far – both in defence as well as scoring goals. He has proved to be the side’s attacking threat in set pieces by scoring two important goals – one against Portugal and the winner against France. He has definitely looked a little vulnerable in his centre back position but to his credit he has recovered well in tight situations making last ditch tackles and challenges. As compared to Per Mertesacker who struggles against pace, Hummels is able to utilize his pace and physical presence to fend off the opposition.
Ezequiel Garay has had an impressive tournament in the centre of defence for La Albiceleste. He has gone about his duties in a quiet yet effective way ensuring that Argentina have shut out matches defensively. A leader in defence, more often than not providing the necessary blocks and interceptions, he has made sure that Argentina has one of the meanest defences coming into the finals.
His key strengths are his speed, ability to read the game and make clear decisions that makes him a very difficult centre back to beat. He has already produced some commanding performances, most notably against Netherlands, Belgium and Switzerland.
Another quiet contributor to Argentina’s cause, Marcos Rojo has proved to be one of the best left backs in this tournament. He has been up against tricky as well as reputed wingers but he has defended them with aplomb. He scored a goal against Nigeria and was also one of the standout performers on the defensive side in that match.
After serving a one game suspension, Rojo came back against Netherlands to be one of the defensive pillars who kept Arjen Robben and the Netherlands goalless for 120 minutes. He has definitely been important and Argentina would be hoping that he would be at his best again to thwart the German attack as well as help the team out during counter attacks.