That night is nigh. That night which will answer the question – Germany or Argentina?
“It is going to be Germany,” says film director V.M. Vinu. “After watching the Germans for that incredible half-an-hour in the semifinal against Brazil, I became convinced that nobody could stop them in this World Cup.”
However, N.M. Najeeb, former Indian footballer and one of the most successful coaches to emerge out of Kerala, feels Argentina is capable of overcoming the mighty Germans.
“Germany has the upper hand, no doubt about it, but I believe Argentina has the team to win the final, especially if Angel Di Maria is fit enough to play,” he says. “Di Maria has been the perfect foil to Lionel Messi and the duo could cause serious problems for Germany.”
Actor Sudheesh, though, is not so sure. “With so much talent at its disposal, Germany should be able to beat Argentina and repeat the result of the 1990 World Cup final,” he says. “Germany and Brazil have been my two favourite teams at this World Cup.”
M. Fousiya, the coach who has taught several girls to play the beautiful game, too was disappointed when Brazil was knocked out. “I was rooting for Brazil, like most people in the city, and one of my wards, Athira Rajesh, was weeping after that disastrous semifinal against Germany,” she says. “Though I like the Argentine team, I think Germany will be the champion this time around.”
Fousiya’s trainee at the GVHSS, Nadakkavu, A. Archana, though, thinks otherwise. “I have been supporting Argentina right from the beginning and I believe they can beat Germany and lift the cup,” she says. “Messi, Di Maria — I hope he recovers and plays in the final — and Gonzalo Higuain have been playing well and they should be able to win it for Argentina.”
Would Argentina prove Archana right? Or would her coach prove to be better at predicting outcomes? We have to wait until late on Sunday night to find that out.
UnforgettableWhat we already know is that we are going to miss these sleepless nights of the last one month, when we marvelled at Robin van Persie’s header, celebrated the feats of underdogs Costa Rica and Colombia, cheered the valiant Ochoa, and wept with Neymar.
