Lahm was already full back in the games v France and Brazil. I think Mertesacker would fill in for Hummels. That`s why I really hope Hummels will be ok. Things are generally looking a bit better for us compared to the start of this WC. Schweinsteiger and Khedira getting towards 100% and Lahm is playing in the right position. Still worried about Hoewedes as LB. At least he won`t have to face Robben there now.
Ah I mustn't have been paying enough attention- although in fairness in the game against Brazil was pretty difficult to distinguish position wise what with all your players being in Germany's box for large periods of time .
Yes, that wasn`t a "normal" game by any means. Brazil was all over the place. Still after 6 WC games I don`t know where we stand and how good we really are. Have to take back some of my criticism on Loew though. It worked out so far and it seems the team has found it`s form at the right time .
The Finale: Germany v Argentina Probably a fair reflection, although if any team has shown they have what it takes it would certainly be yours. Should be sky high confidence wise as well!
I`ve been watching the WC since 1978. We were in the final 4 times since (82,86,90,02) I`ve never been as confident as this time. Yet that doesn`t mean anything. I was also convinced we (Bayern) will win that CL final against Chelsea in 2012. But the trophy is there for the taking. Argentina are nothing special.
Thanks mate! Exciting times. My thoughts are with the Netherlands too though. They were never favorites before the WC started, yet did exceptionally well. I was cheering for them in every game. No football nation would deserve it more to lift the cup at least once, than they do. I know they didn`t play the best football and the likes of Robben tend to dive etc. But still over the centuries they did hell of a lot for the development of the game. Was gutted for them tonight.
Indeed mate, penalties is such a cruel way to exit the competition at this stage as well. They'll manage it eventually, this is one of the least talented Dutch teams for some time, but it the likes of Ajax, PSV & Feyenoord keep up their excellent youth development it is surely a matter of time.
Argentina are individually superior to Algeria or Ghana, but match up worse vs Germany imo. Argentina have a higher chance of beating Germany due to individual brilliance from Messi/Aguero and others, but their MF isn't too disciplined and they aren't as good on the counter as Ghana or Algeria. They likely won't sit back like those teams either.
It seems Ghana and Algeria are the benchmark we now reference the qualities of international football teams against. Even those who advanced further in the competition
I think Germany deserve it overall because they've overcome a lot of obstacles with a tough group (England gave up when the draw was made because the group wasn't easy enough), playing a lot of games in the northern furnaces with a lot of travelling, an injury crisis going into the tournament and one of the all-time performances in demolishing Brazil in Brazil who would have probably beat Argentina. Argies have been woeful all tournament but had a piss easy group and then Switzerland in the last 16 who aren't brilliant and a toothless Belgium in the quarters who they both laboured to 1-0 wins against. Needed penalties last night after a 0-0. Hopefully they can come up with something special to make for a good final.
Germany are heavy favourites. But do not underestimate the romance of the game. The 'story' is an Argentina win. Messi has a chance to shut up any and every doubter to his claim as the best ever. In honour of Di Stefano and the journalist who was unfortunately killed in Brazil Argentina winning it in Brazil It's a win win from a personal point of view. Either 3 Arsenal players win a World Cup or Messi wins it.
I can't see past Germany for this. I can see a few goals though especially if Germany start with Mertesacker and play a high line.
Argentina have scored just eight goals and are in the final. Eight goals in six matches............ shocking.
I would like Messi to win it only if he has an outstanding final and is by far the best player on the pitch. If Messi is as average as he has been but Argentina scrape it then Messi will still, by some, suddenly become the greatest ever. Which will be a joke.
