argentina 2
Home  »    »  Argentina and Germany to play out World Cup final

Argentina and Germany to play out World Cup final

| 10.07.2014
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

The World Cup final has been decided, and it is perhaps not what most people expected. Predictions prior to the tournament suggested that hosts Brazil would take on great rivals, and South American counterparts Argentina in an epic showdown.

For good reason as well. They were the two competition favourites, though that was just the tip of the iceberg. The fixture would have carried an intriguing subplot. Barcelona teammates’ Lionel Messi and Neymar were perhaps secretly expecting a face-off in a battle for tournament top scorer.

It is fair to say Messi has the bragging rights. Although his Nou Camp colleague has been injured, both could be upstaged by Germany’s Thomas Muller, who is one behind Colombia and Monaco talent James Rodriguez in the top goalscoring charts on five. Messi and Neymar, meanwhile, are both on four strikes apiece.

Following Germany’s humiliation of Brazil, they are now odds-on favourites at 8/11 to win the World Cup, while Argentina are at 11/10. Looking ahead, it makes for an intriguing final, with La Albiceleste yet to concede in the knockout rounds, despite pre-tournament reports that their defence is the weakest part of Alejandro Sabella’s team.

Muller, unsurprisngly is Die Mannschaft’s best hope of scoring, and is 5/1 to net the first goal, having done so against Brazil, USA and Portugal.

Sergio Aguero, who came on as a substitute against the Netherlands in the semi-final clash, is 13/2 to strike first, and the Manchester City forward has paid tribute to his team’s efforts.

“A lot of people didn’t think Argentina would get to the final but we knew what players we had, very good players individually; this means so much.” he said.

Attacking midfielder, Maxi Rodriguez, who came on as a substitute against the Netherlands was understandably emotional at reaching the final in their neighbours backyard.

“We know the pain we have been through, and we deserved some kind of happiness,” Maxi said.

“Now we have to play the final but that is what we have dreamed of ever since we left Buenos Aires. We must make the most of it and let’s hope that the last 90 minutes are on our side.

“I dedicate this is to my family and all of Argentina, to everyone who is crying like us, who have had a dream since they were little and now might be able to see it fulfilled.”

Brazil and the Netherlands, meanwhile, will fight it out for third place. The hosts are 11/10 favourites for the match, with Louis van Gaal’s Clockwork Orange at 21/10 to win in 90 minutes.

«
»

Author

Matt Haynes

A long-suffering Leeds fan, Matt studied Sports Journalism at university, and has a plethora of multi-industry experience. Having worked on behalf of multiple hedge funds and top-tier investment banks in executive search, he has also had a stint with the BBC and the Press Association. Outside of work, he pursues entrepreneurial activities and likes to keep fit.
Although he has interviewed current England manager Roy Hodgson as well as Rafa Benitez and a number of other names, he is honoured to have spent time in the company of Gordon Banks. Matt enjoys cultivating long-lasting professional and personal relationships, is solution orientated, and supports Coral’s sports content provision.