The key battles of the World Cup final between Germany and Argentina.
Well, it’s finally here – the World Cup final always throws up some interesting tactical battles as there is so much riding on it. Teams are often cagey and reluctant, but there will come a time when one of them needs to go for it, and with that in mind we have highlighted the key battles that will set the final alight.
(Picture courtesy of WhoScored?)
Manuel Neuer vs. Sergio Romero
Both keepers have been in impressive form over the past month, and could be crucial in deciding where the prize goes at the end of the game. Having only made three appearances for Monaco last term, Romero has conceded just three goals in six World Cup appearances for his country, possessing the tournaments best save ratio at 88.9 percent. However, he will be tested by a rampant Germany side, who have bagged the most goals at the tournament (17).
Similarly, Neuer has played a vital part in the country’s success, often being deployed as a sweeper-keeper and only USA’s Tim Howard has made more saves than the Bayern star. He also has the distinct honour of being Germany’s best passer, completing 75% of his passes.
Toni Kroos vs Javier Mascherano
Kroos’ passing will be vital for Germany in what will be a heavy midfield battle. The Bayern star has completed 136 successful passes in the final third of the pitch, and is second to only Mesut Ozil (145) in the department. He was in rampant form against Brazil in the semi-final, and he will be looking to work himself into shooting positions to test Romero.
Mascherano, however, has made 28 tackles at the World Cup, which is meow than anyone else, and he will be hoping to keep Kroos quiet by sticking to him like glue. He will also be dangerous at moving the ball forward after completing 460 of his passes, showing that he is capable of winning the ball and using it smartly when he has it.
Thomas Muller vs Ezequiel Garay
Muller is still in with a chance of picking up the Golden Boot at the tournament, and could very well claim the title as his ornate ability to be in the right place at the right time is enhanced by a high technical ability in front of goal. Having looked deadly in every one of Germany’s game, and has contributed to the most goals in the tournament having scored five and created three, he will be looking to cause havoc against his former Bayern teammate.
Garay has been a colossus at the back for the Albiceleste, and has already kept the likes of Josip Drmic, Eden Hazard and Robin van Persie quiet on their way to the final. He has made the tournaments most clearances with 59, and has shown that he is often in the right place at the right time.
Lionel Messi vs Mats Hummels
The German centre-back has been alert throughout the tournament, notching up 1.4 interceptions, again, the tournaments best. Only Dutch duo Stefan de Vrij (7.76) and Ron Vlaar (7.70) have a better WhoScored rating than Hummels (7.66) and Joachim Low will be hoping to have him back to his best after having to be withdrawn during the semi-final victory over Brazil.
With four goals to his name, Messi still has the opportunity to leapfrog both Muller and Colombia’s James Rodriguez to the Golden Boot, though it’s not just goals that are making the Barca man a threat as he has played the most key passes (21) as well as the most successful dribbles (39) so the Germans will be well aware of everything that he will be able to bring to the table.