FIFA World Cup 2014 Final: Germany SWOT Analysis

Some might argue that there is no reason to do such an analysis on the Germans who were so ruthless in hammering the hostsBrazil in the semi-final. But, previously in the tournament,Die Mannschafthave shown that they might be vulnerable and that they do not have that aura of invincibility about them.Germany surely go into this final as the favourites. But Argentina, with that little genius Lionel Messi playing for them, will surely have other ideas. One thing is for sure though. Germany will go into this final at the peak of their confidence, and they will be buzzing with self-belief.Argentina put in a gritty display against the Dutch, and will definitely be a tougher nut to crack than a Brazil side without Thiago Silva and Neymar.Here is a SWOT Analysis for the Germans ahead of the single most prestigious game in world football.

#1 Strengths

Germany is destructive on the counter-attack, as they showed against Brazil. But even without the opposition playing expansive, open football, they have enough in their armoury to score goals. The Germans have a solid midfield with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira playing the role of holding midfielders to perfection. And add to that, one of the players of the tournament in Toni Kroos, and you have arguably the perfect package.

The Germans have already shown us that they are extremely strong from set-pieces, and Kroos’ deliveries have had a lot to do with that. Most of his crosses from set pieces have been inch perfect for the likes of Mats Hummels and Thomas Muller to attack.

In general, the German forward line is also very potent with Miroslav Klose alongside Thomas Muller and Mesut Özil probably forming the most effective, yet potent attacking lineup at this World Cup (on paper). They will be high on confidence as well, with Muller having scored 5 goals at this World Cup, and Klose having just become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup football.

It is going to be extremely difficult for Argentina to stop these rampant Germans if they get to their best football, and are not affected by the pressure of the occasion.

#2 Weaknesses

One might argue that there are no real weaknesses in this German side and could be forgiven for thinking that, given how professional and efficient they have been in this tournament. You have to think long and hard to pick out a weakness with this German side, but if there is one, it has to be the high defensive line that they play.

That defensive line was caught out on multiple occasions by the Algerians in the Round of 16 games, and the Germans were spared their blushes by a brilliant Manuel Neuer. Argentina, with the pace of Lionel Messi and, if fit, Angel Di Maria could exploit that by getting in behind the German rearguard.

Jerome Boateng has looked extremely shaky after being shifted to centre back in the last few games, and that could be a real area of opportunity for the Albiceleste.

#3 Opportunities

Considering the way Argentina has defended at this tournament, this final could well be billed as the best attack playing the best defence. Lucas Biglia has stepped in expertly in midfield, while Javier Mascherano has been orchestrator-in-chief. So the midfield battle will be intriguing.

But Germany’s window of opportunity would come from set-pieces. Argentina has looked rather shaky defending them in a few games at this tournament, and Germany have been the best side on attacking set-pieces.

The likes of Mats Hummels, Thomas Muller and Miroslav Klose are powerful in the air, and with the perfectly flighted balls coming in from Toni Kroos, this could well be the Germans’ best chance of finding a goal.

#4 Threats

When one plays against Argentina, there is always the threat ofLionel Messi pulling off a moment of brilliance.Bastian Schweinsteiger and Sami Khedira have to be extremely wary of that.

Messi is capable of producing moments of magic, and the German defenders have to be careful not to give away freekicks in dangerous positions;because more often than not, Messi will make you pay for your errors.

But he is not the only player in the Argentine side who could be seen as a threat. Javier Mascherano has been terrific shielding the Argentine back four, and the German midfield will have their task cut out to overcome the grit and determination of the Barcelona midfielder.