World Cup 2014: Germany is my favorite to beat Argentina
We've got two off days before the 2014 FIFA World Cup will wrap up with the consolation game on Saturday featuring Brazil trying to save some sort of face when they meet the Netherlands in the third place game. I said it before and I'll say it again: Without Neymar Jr., Brazil is without its rudder. Germany proved that in their 7-1 backside whipping of the host nation in the semi-final. Thiago Silva will be back, so that gives Brazil a better chance, but the Dutch are my pick on Saturday.
So that sets us up for the championship game, Germany against Argentina, with Thomas Mueller and company against Lionel Messi and his crew. These two nations have met 20 times in international play. Argentina has won nine times, Germany six times, and there have been five draws. Fifty-six goals have been scored between the two countries, an exact 28 by each side. The Germans said they put that 7-1 drubbing of Brazil out of their minds the next day and that's smart. Argentina had to play an extra 30 minutes, then win in a penalty kick shootout over a tough Dutch side. So Germany has an extra day of rest, as if they need it. Right now, Joachim Loew's squad is playing GREAT SOCCER. Let me say that again, Germany is playing GREAT SOCCER. You feel me for where I am leaning with this? Friday, we'll get into the why Germany will beat Argentina in the finale which will air LIVE here on ABC beginning at 2 p.m. CST.
P.S. Mike Tirico and the gang at ESPN/ABC are doing a fantastic job of broadcasting this World Cup.
