2014 World Cup Final Odds

Argentina and Germany will meet in the 2014 World Cup Final, on Sunday July 13th. Both Germany and Argentina have earned the right to be here. The Germans know another blowout is unlikely, while the Argentines look to avoid another nerve-shredding shootout. Ultimately there’s little to choose between the teams. But, oddsmakers at Bovada have the Germans as +120 favorites against the Argentinians (+240) with a draw at +230. The total for goals is posted at 2. And that’s exactly how it should be with the title of World Champion on the line. Argentina may benefit from the “home crowd” effect and nothing would give Messi and company more satisfaction than winning the World Cup on Brazilian soil.

Both countries have clearly demonstrated offensive prowess and defensive stability. For the Germans, Thomas Muller has carried on where he left off in South Africa, while Lionel Messi has finally silenced the critics who accused him of being a marginal figure when representing Argentina.

Lionel Messi is a footballing genius and despite his diminutive frame he is extremely difficult to knock off the ball. Given a chance he can — and does — score from anywhere but like anyone else he needs service. The Germans will have studied the Dutch game plan which severely limited Messi’s influence.

Thomas Muller is an opportunist, and a very good one. It is no accident he is often in the right place at the right time. His excellent reading of the game buys the German striker crucial space and time to deliver the goods or set up a teammate. And as the Brazilians found out the hard way, Germany has plenty of potential goal scorers in its ranks.

The German back line has been equally effective. Just four goals conceded — including two in the same group game against Ghana — is a testament to the Europeans’ solidity. During the campaign, the Germans shut out Portugal, the U.S. and France, and were seething about the one they allowed Brazil in the closing moments of that one-sided semifinal.

Argentina come into the final on the back of three straight clean sheets. They haven’t conceded in 330 minutes of knockout football and they’ve allowed only three goals in six games to date. Proof positive, apparently, that Argentina’s defence is to be trusted.

The two goalkeepers have proved themselves time and again in this World Cup. Manuel Neuer is a solid shot stopper, good organizer and has even played sweeper on occasion. Sergio Romero is a little more unconventional, often electing to punch rather than catch, but distinguished himself in the win or bust shootout against the Netherlands.

2014 World Cup Final
When: Sunday July 13th@3:00 PM ET
Pick: Germany +120

The Bottom Line: Argentina has Messi, but the Germans are loaded with talent and they’re patient with the ball. Germans win another World Cup. We recommend you sign up with Bovada to receive a 10% sign up bonus heading into the World Cup Final.