World Cup 2014: Germany versus Argentina

Tonight Germany and Argentina will decide who can call themselves World Football Champion for the next four years. Both football powerhouses are obviously not meeting for the first time against each other in a final. But what makes this game so special?

1. Never before in history have two countries played three times against each other in the final of the World Cup. In the mutual matches, Argentina has the upper hand for the time being. Argentina won nine times, the Germans six times. The other 5 games ended in a draw.

2. Germany and Argentina play each other for the seventh time World Cup. Only one other encounter does the same: Brazil versus Sweden.

3. If Argentina wins they get as many stars as Germany: three. But Germany has played more finals (eight, compared to five for Argentina). If Germany wins,they have four stars (just like Italy). The best team is still Brazil with 5 World Cups on their shelves.

4. Tonight the best offensive team (Germany) meets the best defensive team (Argentina). Both teams have the best statistics regarding completed passes.

5. Germany has never won a World Cup final outside Europe (1954: Bern, Switzerland - 1974: Munich, Germany - 1990: Rome, Italy). If Germany wins, they will be the first European nation to win a World Championship on the American continent. Argentina won both their two world titles in the Americas: (1986, Mexico City, Mexico - 1978: Buenos Aires, Argentina).