Alejandro Sabella believes Argentina will repeat 1986 World Cup victory
Rio de Janeiro, July 13 (IANS) Argentina head coach Alejandro Sabella said he was confident enough that the team will repeat the title-winning performance of 1986 in the 2014 World Cup final Sunday.
"I can't remember the details of the match, where it was played, how they scored, but I believe the result will be the same," said Sabella when asked about the comparison between the 1986 and 2014 World Cup finals, the two encounters between Germany and Argentina, reported Xinhua.
Previously Argentina had won two World Cup titles. The second one came in 1986, when Argentina beat West Germany 3-2 in the final.
It was a close match. Argentina led by two in the first 74 minute, only to see Germany tie the score 2-2 after the goals from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Rudi Voller. However, Jorge Burruchaga carried Argentina out with a 83rd-minute goal, becoming the hero of the team to bring home the second World Cup trophy.
"The situation will be repeated," Sabella added.
Repeating the victory would not be an easy job for Sabella because Germany emerged as a strong, talented, balanced and well-organized team through the last six World Cup matches, especially after they overwhelmed the host team Brazil 7-1 in the semi-final.
"We have to play a great match to beat a team like Germany," said Sabella. "They are strong and powerful."
Argentina edged the Netherlands through penalty in the semi-final. More than two hours' playing and less rest were thought to be a disadvantage for "La Albiceleste".
"I kept telling the players that we had to save energy," said Sabella about the fatigue. "But we can see that this factor is in favour of Germany."
The 2014 World Cup final would take place in Estadio do Maracana Sunday.