World Cup Final five talking points

Germany and Argentina meet in the Maracana on Sunday night for the third time in a World Cup final with it being one-all in previous clashes.

Can we have a final that tops off a memorable tournament? Here we assess what the final might have in store.

Should we be surprised to see Germany there?

The answer should be no. Colombia, France, Chile and Holland all sparkled at times but look who’s there at the end. Germany has a team full of winners, used to success wherever they play Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, even Arsenal. They are the ultimate tournament team, who are never ruffled by anything. Hot conditions, inspired opponents, a difficult build-up, the Germans just put them all to one side and play the match in front of them. They have never had the most glamorous players, but look at the job done by guys like Thomas Muller and Miroslav Klose. They flourish while more famous names flounder. It may not be fashionable, but their record of reaching the final stages in major tournaments means that should be the blueprint for others to follow.

Have Argentina over-achieved or are they yet to peak?

Watching Argentina has been a strange experience in Brazil. Willed on by their thousands of supporters, great things have been expected. But apart from the flashes of brilliance from Lionel Messi, they have been frustrating to watch. They have reached the final with five one-goal victories and penalty shoot-out success against Holland in the semi-final and it feels like they have so much more to offer. They are so desperate for success, but we forget that they hadn’t reached the semi-finals for 24 years. Surely it is to coach Alejandro Sabella’s credit that he has steered them to the Maracana in those circumstances. And if Messi dazzles in the final, that would be mission accomplished get the best player to the biggest match and let him do the rest.

Is Manuel Neuer due a big mistake?

Manuel Neuer has been the stand-out goalkeeper of this World Cup. The German cuts an imposing last line of defence as he patrols his area and outside. But does his role as ‘sweeper-keeper’ leave him vulnerable to a big mistake? He was forced to make plenty of forays outside his box in the last-16 game against Algeria and just about got away with them. Would Messi or Ezequiel Lavezzi punish Neuer if the German goalie erred one time too many? Neuer’s positioning is crucial in how Germany wants to play as his sweeping behind the defence allows them to press in the opposition’s half. Yet if Argentina could exploit that space and force a misjudgement from Neuer, it could have a huge impact.

Is it time to stop hammering Martin Demichelis?

For most of the last season, Martin Demichelis has been derided. The Argentine was considered the weakest link in Manchester City’s team, and the player who may cost them the Premier League. But the centre-half turned his form around in the run-in and was a pivotal player as City pipped Liverpool to the title. That form even earned him a late spot in the 23 for the World Cup. After Argentina’s defence looked shaky for the first few games, Demichelis was brought in for the quarter-final against Belgium. Since then, they haven’t conceded a goal in 210 minutes. Bad players don’t win World Cups and league titles in the same season so maybe Demichelis deserves a bit more respect.

Will the final be a fitting send-off for Hansen?

Alan Hansen has been the voice of football analysis for more than 20 years. But the BBC’s main pundit retires from his ‘second career’ after tonight’s final. Watching him during Brazil’s collapse the other night was to see a man in despair. Not that his football life was coming to a close, but more about the chronic deficiencies of David Luiz and Co. in the Brazilian defence. Never mind the second half, Hansen needed that 45 minutes to analyse all the mistakes made in the first period! Tonight, let’s hope there is a spectacle worthy of the occasion, and Hansen has chance to praise, not criticise the players on show.