Germany’s coach Joachim Loew reacts during his team’s 2014 World Cup semi-finals against Brazil at the Mineirao stadium in Belo Horizonte in this July 8 file photo. (Reuters)
Argentina will have revenge on the mind when they meet Germany in an unprecedented third World Cup final between the two football powers on Sunday.
Argentina beat Germany 3-2 for the 1986 title in Mexico City thanks to the inspiration of Diego Maradona and a late winner from Jorge Burruchaga, after the Germans had fought back from 2-0 down to 2-2.
But Maradona was reduced to tears when the Germans bounced back to lift the 1990 trophy 1-0 from Andreas Brehme’s late penalty in Rome.
Now comes a third showdown at the Maracana on Sunday where Germany seek a fourth title following 1954, 1974 and 1990. If they win, they would also be the first European side to win the World Cup in the Americas.
Argentina seek a third trophy following the 1978 home event and 1986, but need to defy history in order to prevail.
It is the first time that two teams play in a third final, after Brazil and Italy met twice in the decider, with Brazil winning on both occasions 1970 and 1994.
The Albiceleste have a positive overall record of nine wins six defeats and five draws with Germany, but the 1986 triumph is their only win from six meetings at the World Cup.
Germany won the first date 3-1 in the 1958 group stage, the two drew 0-0 in the 1966 group stage, and, after the two finals, Germany have eliminated Argentina in the quarter-finals of the past two editions.
The first was a 4-2 win on penalties in Germany in 2006, and the second a 4-0 demolition of a Maradona-coached team 2010 in South Africa.
Argentina will be keen to make up for that latest loss but run into a German side boosting with confidence after their 7-1 semi-final demolition of hosts Brazil on Tuesday, arguably the best World Cup game ever played by a German side.
Coach Alejandro Sabella’s side made the decider on penalties over the Netherlands on Wednesday, and the coach must find a way to contain the rampant German midfield and forward line, led by all-time World Cup top scorer Miroslav Klose and five-times tournament scorer Thomas Mueller.
“I have great admiration for German football,” Sabella said. “Germany have been a force throughout history. The match is extremely difficult.”
His main hopes will lie in Messi while question mark remains behind Angel di Maria who missed the semi-final with a thigh muscle injury. But Loew is also taking nothing for granted, even more as South America has a 7-2 edge overall in finals against European teams.
“Argentina is strong defensively, compact and well organised. They have outstanding players in attack like Messi and Higuain. We will prepare well and are looking forward to Rio,” Loew said.