The Showdown: Germany vs. Argentina
Contributed by Chigo Ahunanya
This Sunday, Germany and Argentina will face off in what is set to be a very exciting World Cup Final.
On Sunday the 13th of July, the 2014 FIFA World Cup is going to culminate in the crowning of the new world champions. The patriotism, athleticism, pain, humiliation, and tears of joy as well as sadness are coming to a close.
For many us watching, this has been the most exhilarating soccer we have seen during the World Cup in a while. A couple of mainstays in the football world got sent packing before they could even make it to the knockout stages. England, Italy and Spain got knocked out in the group stages. Some teams have been humiliated in record-breaking fashion. (Just in case you were wondering: yes, we mean Brazil). For any neutrals who watched the Brazil-Germany game, a feeling of anguish and pity overcame us as we watched the five-time world champions and host nation get annihilated without their injured star player.
Now Germany and Argentina are the only teams left battling it out for the ultimate prize, and each team has the weight of an entire continent on its shoulders. There have been 19 FIFA World Cups prior to this, and they have all been dominated by European and South American teams. In fact, a South American or European country has won every edition of the World Cup since the first in 1930.
A Closer Look at the Teams
“Die Mannschaft,” as the German team is called, are looking to make this their 4th World Cup win, which would put them in joint second place for the most World Cups won with Italy (Brazil have won the most with five wins). The German players have displayed great teamwork and have executed their plays with great efficiency and immaculate precision.
The “Albiceleste”, Argentina, have had it a bit tougher in the lead-up to the Final. They have arguably had some harder-hitting opposition than the Germans, and are coming into this game after a nail-biting Semi-Final against the Netherlands.
This Final should be a fine display of two different styles of playing: the well-rehearsed, tactically-efficient German side and the creative, hardworking Argentinians, who are spearheaded by their Golden Boy, Lionel Messi.
A Season of Unexpected Surprises
No matter the result of this encounter, it’s easy to recognize what a huge effect this World Cup has had on the world. Many of the countries who usually cruise to the knockout stages and destroy weaker teams are now wary that even the lesser-known countries can pack a punch, as we have seen with Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia and Algeria. This goes to show that life is constantly moving, changing and growing. If we knew who would win, we wouldn’t even be watching the games. The surprise and the challenge keeps us on the edge of our seats.
We have also seen the World Cup break new records in the United States as it is slowly becoming one of the fastest-growing sports in our nation. According to ESPN, this World Cup saw a 44% increase from the 2010 World Cup and 122% increase from the 2006 World Cup. The sport is growing and incorporating the whole world, bringing players and fans to an international platform.
Whether you’re a soccer fan or not, Sunday July 13 is a day to hang out with friends and enjoy the international celebration that is the World Cup Final. Who are you rooting for, and who do you think will win? Leave a comment and you might be able to say “I told you so.”