FIFA World Cup: Germany vs. Argentina – 10 Bold Predictions
July 8, 2014; Belo Horizonte, BRAZIL; Germany players celebrate after the semifinal match against Brazil in the 2014 World Cup at Mineirao Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Groothuis/Witters Sport via USA TODAY Sports
It’s all come to this. 90 minutes plus stoppage time and penalties, if necessary. Joachim Loew’s Germany vs. Alejandro Sabella’s Argentina, at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. For Germany, they have a chance at becoming the first European team to win the FIFA World Cup in South America and Brazil. Can they do it? The MLS Multiplex thinks so.
Kickoff in Rio on July 13 is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET and will be televised by ABC. Here are 10 Bold Predictions for Sunday afternoon’s showdown between Germany and Argentina for the right to hoist the FIFA World Cup.
1. Lionel Messi will score
You know the name. You know the number. You know the club he plays for. If the answer is no to all three, either you are new to the sport or you are making a very bad attempt at lying. FC Barcelona’s Lionel Messi has 42 goals in 92 appearances and will score one more goal to cap off a solid World Cup campaign.
2. At least 40 fouls and four cards
There’s all to play for in this match, so watch for the fouls and cards to pile up. The MLS Multiplex boldly predicts for at least 40 fouls and four cards of any color in this contest.
3. At least five saves from Sergio Romero
Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero has 53 appearances for La Albiceleste and will put on a brave showing against a German side ready for history. Romero will make at least five saves.
4. At least five saves from Manuel Neuer
Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has 51 caps to his credit and will hold firm against Argentina. The DFB-Elf netminder will also record at least five saves in this wild encounter.
5. Toni Kroos will score
Toni Kroos, another Bayern standout, scored a brace in the 7-1 thumping of Brazil and will also get a look on goal in this World Cup final. Kroos will score in the first half.
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6. Thomas Mueller will score for Germany
Bayern’s best will be on display in this encounter, and Thomas Mueller is an example of that. Mueller has 22 goals in 55 appearances and will score in the first half for Germany.
7. Miroslav Klose goes out with a bang
This will most likely be Miroslav Klose’s final World Cup game for the DFB-Elf, and he will score in the second half against Argentina. With 71 goals in 136 appearances, Klose deserves to be up there with the world’s best.
8. Sami Khedira joins in on the party
Real Madrid’s entry to the DFB-Elf is midfielder Sami Khedira. He only has five national team goals, but with 51 national team appearances, Khedira is hoping to add a little more scoring punch to the scoreline, and he will do it in the second half.
9. No goals for Bastian Schweinsteiger
One notable face that won’t get on the scoreline is Bayern Munich goalkeeper Bastian Schweinsteiger. Despite 23 goals in 107 appearances, Schweinsteiger will record at least one assist, but otherwise, his supporting cast will deliver the action.
10. Germany makes history in Rio
Germany will become the first-ever European team to win the FIFA World Cup in South America on Sunday. This is also a big boost for US Soccer, in which the USA can say that they only lost 1-0 to the eventual World Cup winners. It seems that the German way of doing things when it comes to association football is the best way. Isn’t that why Juergen Klinsmann will be the USA Men’s National Team manager heading into the next cycle? You readers should all like where this is going.
Germany 4, Argentina 1