S.P. Read Esq. Germany v Argentina

Our daily columnist and pundit S.P.Read Esq. previews GERMANY v ARGENTINA (World Cup Final 8pm, BBC/ITV).

Brazil 2014 has come down to Germany and Argentina and the two heavyweights of international football will battle it out for the biggest prize on the planet at the Maracana Stadium in Brazil’s capital Rio de Janierio at the ‘new’ kick off time of 8pm.

It’s on both BBC1 and Channel Chiles as well so that’ll be…. it’s on BBC1.

Hopefully it won’t be one of those finals…. the sort of damp squib game that can often occur at the end of a tournament. This tournament really deserves to go out with a bang.

It’s been universally acknowledged as one of the best World Cup’s in living memory for both the quality of football and the sheer unpredictably of the outcome.

A Germany v Argentina final is hardly the biggest shocks of all time – but if you asked 100 people (Family Fortunes style) to give one memory of Brazil 2014 – I’m sure Germany’s 7-1 win will come out on top ahead of Suarez’s bite and possibly England’s dismal effort back in third.

So, it’s going to take something special tonight from both sides to eclipse those memories.

The two sides are delicately poised. They have met in the final twice before in World Cup finals. Argentina won 3-2 in 1986 but were then defeated 1-0 at the 1990 tournament.

HEAD TO HEAD RECORD
(Max last 10 only)
Aug 2012 International Germany 1-3 Argentina
Jul 2010 World Cup Argentina 0-4 Germany
Mar 2010 International Germany 0-1 Argentina
Jun 2006 World Cup Germany 1-1 Argentina
Jun 2005 Confederations Cup Germany 2-2 Argentina
Feb 2005 International Germany 2-2 Argentina
Apr 2002 International Germany 0-1 Argentina
Dec 1993 International Argentina 2-1 Germany

Germany are expected to name the same, or at least very similar, side to that which shell-shocked the hosts Brazil 7-1.

For Argentina, striker Angel Di Maria has returned to light training after a thigh injury, but is unlikely to be fit to start. Better news about Sergio Aguero who is fully recovered from a similar problem and could replace either Ezequiel Lavezzi or Gonzalo Higuain.

For many, the fate of Argentina will lie at the feet of Messi and how much he contributes to the game. It’s true he doesn’t look at his outrageous best but surely remains a potent force with four World Cup goals so far in Brazil?

Argentina have actually been stronger in defence and will need to be again tonight against the German attackers.

Disaster with the buy of the first match goal yesterday but I’m not sure it’s not worth repeating here. And I’m also buying on the bookings market.

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE GERMANY v ARGENTINA MARKETS ON STAR SPREADS

RECOMMENDED BET (scale 1-100 points)

BUY TIME OF FIRST GOAL at around 45 minutes with Star Spreads for 15 points
BUY BOOKINGS at around 40 with Star Spreads for 10 points

• Any spread prices quoted are indicative and as always prices are subject to fluctuation.
• Please note the opinion, views and forecasts above are of the author and not of Star Spreads.