FIFA World Cup 2014 Final: Germany SWOT Analysis

Some might argue that there is no reason to do such an analysis on the Germans who were so ruthless in hammering the hostsBrazil in the semi-final. But, previously in the tournament,Die Mannschafthave shown that they might be vulnerable and that they do not have that aura of invincibility about them.Germany surely go into this final as the favourites. But Argentina, with that little genius Lionel Messi playing for them, will surely have other ideas. One thing is for sure though. Germany will go into this final at the peak of their confidence, and they will be buzzing with self-belief.Argentina put in a gritty display against the Dutch, and will definitely be a tougher nut to crack than a Brazil side without Thiago Silva and Neymar.Here is a SWOT Analysis for the Germans ahead of the single most prestigious game in world football.

#1 Strengths

Germany is destructive on the counter-attack, as they showed against Brazil. But even without the opposition playing expansive, open football, they have enough in their armoury to score goals. The Germans have a solid midfield with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira playing the role of holding midfielders to perfection. And add to that, one of the players of the tournament in Toni Kroos, and you have arguably the perfect package. 

The Germans have already shown us that they are extremely strong from set-pieces, and Kroos’ deliveries have had a lot to do with that. Most of his crosses from set pieces have been inch perfect for the likes of Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller to attack. 

In general, the German forward line is also very potent with Miroslav Klose alongside Thomas Muller and Mesut Özil probably forming the most effective, yet potent attacking lineup at this World Cup (on paper). They will be high on confidence as well, with Muller having scored 5 goals at this World Cup, and Klose having just become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup football. 

It is going to be extremely difficult for Argentina to stop these rampant Germans if they get to their best football, and are not affected by the pressure of the occasion.