FIFA World Cup 2014 Final: Germany vs Argentina - 5 key players

Argentina is set to face Germany in the World Cup final on Sunday in a clash that will see two very contrasting styles. While Argentina has been heavily reliant on Messi to get the job done, the Germans have made use of the entire team and not just one or two individuals to get bring them to this stage. These two sides have already met twice in a World Cup final, with either time coming out on top on the two occasions.Who will win it this time? Will it be Messi leading Argentina to their third World Cup title? Or will it be Muller and co., who celebrate their fourth title and become the first European side to win a World Cup in South America?Here are five players who will be pivotal in deciding who takes home the trophy this time around.

#5 Mats Hummels

With Sergio Aguero deemed fit to play and Higuain finally finding some form, Germany will have a triumvirate of Messi, Aguero and Higuain to deal with. The man that will be given the responsibility of marking the strikers will be centre back Mats Hummels. The 25-year-old who currently plays for Borussia Dortmund has been the tournaments standout man at the back.

Whether it is mopping up in defence and clearing any danger, or attacking the ball from set-pieces and being a goal threat, Hummels has been an all-round threat in Brazil. Against France, he gave arguably one of the most complete defensive displays by any defender in the tournament thus far. He will have to be on his toes yet again, if he is going to sort out the Argentine attack and help his side claim their first World Cup in 24 years.

#4 Javier Mascherano

While all the plaudits have gone to Lionel Messi for his goals, Javier Mascherano has been quietly pulling the strings behind the scene. Whether it is breaking up opposing attacks, marking key players or initiating attacks from midfield, the Barcelona midfielder has done it all. He is neither the vocal leader or the charismatic midfielder like Kroos, but his crucial yet ‘under the radar’ performances in the midfield have lifted the side and carried a midfield that doesn’t brim with quality to the final.

Against Netherlands in the semi-final, Mascherano was given the arduous task of marking Arjen Robben, a task he accomplished without breaking too much sweat. The midfielder will once again be important as he comes up against arguably the best midfield of the tournament. And if Argentina is to have any chance, then Mascherano needs to have a blinder.

#3 Toni Kroos

Playing alongside the more experienced Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira, Toni Kroos has really shone in Brazil. Afforded more freedom compared to the other two, the Bayern Munich midfielder has made the utmost use of it, looking a threat every time he has the ball in the opposing half. Whether it is creating an opportunity for his team-mates or unleashing a venomous shot on goal, Kroos has shown that he has the versatility and the potential to become one of the most complete midfielders in the world.

Although Kroos hasn’t received much in the vein of plaudits for his performances so far, he has been one of Germany’s key performers. His link-up play with the forwards and his ability to create space for himself and play crucial passes have been one of the reasons why the Germans have dominated the midfield battle. With a keen eye for a pass and an appreciation for the space in behind the opposing back line, Kroos will be crucial for the Germans as they look to pick this Argentine defence which is yet to concede a goal in the knockout round.

#2 Thomas Mller

While all the talk of the tournament so far has been about Miroslav Klose and his World Cup goal scoring record, Thomas Müller has gone somewhat under the radar and still managed five goals for the second successive World Cup. The Bayern Munich star has arguably been the most clinical forward in Brazil and has shown his versatility in being able to play both on the right and centrally in a front three.

If there is one player that Argentina will be looking to keep a close eye on, in attack, then it will be Müller. There are only a few players in world football who posses the combined skills of spatial awareness, finishing ability and the knack of being in the right place at the right time, like the Bavarian front man. Müller’s insatiable appetite for goals and his desire to help his team out in any way possible has been the hallmark of Germany’s players in Brazil.

#1 Lionel Messi

Throughout the World Cup, Messi has been the cynosure of everyone’s attention. The comparisons with Maradona aren’t likely to go away anytime soon, but if Messi can lift his first World Cup and emulate Maradona’s achievements then he will certainly put that ghost to rest. So far, Messi has been on the right track.

In every single game, the Barcelona forward has been Argentina’s main goal threat and although he is yet to score a goal in the knockout stages of the World Cup, without him, Argentina wouldn’t even have come anywhere close to the final. While Messi might not always score, he has certainly created plenty of opportunities for his team-mates and with Di Maria set to miss the game; it looks the like burden of creativity once again falls on Messi’s slender shoulders.

So far, the Argentine forward has shown that he is up to the task. If he can carry his side through one more time, he might finally have a place in the annals of football folklore as the man who led his side to a World Cup triumph.