Argentina v Germany Preview & Betting Tips: Schurrle To Start Ahead Of Ozil?

Germany take on Argentina in Rio de Janeiro at the Maracana Stadium on Sunday night in the final of the 2014 World Cup.

It’s certainly been one of the best World Cup’s in recent memory and hopefully the tournament will get the finale it deserves this weekend when these two heavy-weights go head-to-head.

Germany head into the game as favourites and it’s no surprise after their sensational 7-1 humiliation of hosts Brazil on Tuesday night. It was a remarkable first half that saw Joachim Low’s men race into a 5-0 lead and their ruthless finishing was as impressive as anything we’ve witnessed this summer.

We’ve shouldn’t overlook the fact Brazil’s defending was totally inept, but the devastating way the Germans punished them rightfully earns them the title as favourites for Sunday’s clash.

However, Argentina are highly unlikely to give them as much freedom as the Brazilians did and they haven’t conceded a goal since Nigeria netted two in the group stages – which equates to over 6 hours of football – so we should expect a far closer game on Sunday.

Argentina edged into the final thanks to a penalty shoot-out win over Holland following a 0-0 draw on Wednesday and boss Alejandro Sabella will be hoping the extra time and one day less rest wont catch up with his side in the final.

Team News

Germany have no fresh injury or suspension concerns for the game so Joachim Low is able to pick from his entire squad.

Chelsea attacker Andre Schurrle is pushing for a start after coming off the bench to score twice against Brazil and there have been suggestions he should replace Mesut Ozil in the starting eleven.

The Arsenal playmaker was once again harshly criticised for his performance in the semi final by some corners of the media but I feel his contribution goes under the radar sometimes. Low has started the Gunners ace in every game this World Cup and I fully expect him to keep his place in the side on Sunday which is likely to see Schurrle remain on the bench.

As for Argentina, they are expected to once again be without influential attacker Angel Di Maria through injury. Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero is pushing for a start but I think we’ll see Enzo Perez keep his place on the right as Sabella will probably want to go with a slightly more defensive approach against the Germans.

Javier Mascherano and Pablo Zabaleta picked up knocks on Wednesday but are expected to be fit which is good news for the Argentinean’s as they are both vitally important.

Expected Line-Ups:

Germany: Nueur; Lahm, Boateng, Hummels, Howedes; Schweinsteiger, Khedira; Ozil, Kroos, Muller; Klose.

Argentina: Romero; Zabaleta, Demichelis, Garay, Rojo; Mascherano, Biglia; Lavezzi, Messi, Perez, Higuain.

Betting Tips

We successfully tipped Germany to beat Brazil and to score over 2.5 goals which kept us in touch at the top of the bwin Bloggers Betting League, but we’re going to need to win big in the final game to stand a chance of winning the prize.

Germany to win and over 2.5 combined goals (odds 4.10)

Germany are the favourites and although Argentina have proven an extremely difficult side to break down, I think the ruthless efficiency of the Germans will see them edge this and with so many attacking talents on show, I’d also back over 2.5 goals to be scored in the game.

Germany to win 2-1 (odds 8.75)

We need a big win to put us in contention to win the Bloggers League so I’m backing Germany to win 2-1 at odds of 8.75. It may end up a cagey, boring affair with both sides too scared to lose like the second semi final, but I’m hoping for a thriller and see Germany lifting the trophy.

Klose to score first in 2-1 win (odds 29.00)

For even more value I’m going to have a cheeky punt on Klose to score first in the 2-1 win. The guy is a goal-scoring machine and you just know he’ll tuck it away given half a chance.

bwin World Cup Blogger’s League

We are taking part in the bwin World Cup Blogger’s League, a betting competition between top football sites, to follow our progress head to www.bwinbetting.com.

All of the odds included are sourced from bwin.com and you can find more on bwin’s World Cup offering, including Double/Treble returns, here.

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