Germany v Argentina World Cup final: Pundits’ predictions
Diego Maradona
The big man himself, Maradona, lifted the World Cup in 1986 with Argentina, and his comments are always much-publicised. Speaking ahead of the final showdown between his nation and Germany, who he helped beat 3-2 to win the trophy.
“[Germany] are, as we say, full of themselves. That is better for Argentina,” he said. “Germany are not impossible.”
Odds of 50/1 say this match will finish 3-2 to Argentina in normal time again.
Harald Schumacher
Villainous West Germany goalkeeper at the 1982 World Cup, where he knocked out France’s Patrick Battiston (as well as Les Bleus) in the semi-finals, Schumacher has also spoken briefly about his nation’s chances. He was in that 1986 final as well, but is confident Die Mannschaft will be on the winning side this time.
“I’m absolutely convinced that we will beat Argentina,” he exclaimed.
Take odds of 13/10 for Germany to win in 90 minutes.
Felix Magath
Current cunning Fulham manager Felix Magath was a teammate of Schumacher in both that semi against France and the final versus Argentina four years later. He was also an unused substitute in the final against Italy in 1982, so the German is highly qualified to have an opinion.
However, it seems he is not too interested in seeing his home country bid to become the first non South American nation to win the World Cup in that continent, as he already knows what the score will be. What a man!
“I don’t know if I will watch it. For me, the result is obvious. I think it will be 3-0 to Germany,” Magath said with high confidence.
Go with Magath at 25/1 for Germany to win 3-0.
Pope Francis
This match has been billed by some as the ‘Battle of the Popes’, as the current Catholic leader hails from Argentina, and his predecessor Benedict XVI is German. However, prior to the tournament, the current Pope gave a more old-fashioned, spiritual and heart-warming message.
“I wish everyone a wonderful World Cup, played in a spirit of true fraternity,” he tweeted.
Thomas Muller
Five-goal World Cup wonder Muller is bidding to be tournament top scorer, and needs just one more to equal Colombia’s James Rodriguez.
Speaking ahead of the game, he said: “I don’t know what kind of a game it will be on Sunday [July 13th], but I don’t expect it to be 5-0 at half-time. That would be nice, but it’s probably going to be tight like it was against Algeria or France.”
Odds of 150/1 say Germany will be 5-0 up at half time again, while Muller is 9/4 to be World Cup top scorer.
Microsoft’s Cortana
Finally, this World Cup’s version of Paul the Octopus, a Microsoft programme called Cortana, has correctly predicted the outcome of all the knockout round results so far, and is going with Germany in the final. Cortana has also said that Brazil will beat the Netherlands to win the battle for third-place.
When asked “who will win the Germany Argentina match”, Cortana responded: “It’s too early to say for sure, but I’d give Germany the edge over Argentina.”
Germany are odds-on at 4/6 to win the World Cup, while Brazil are 4/7 to claim the bronze prize.
