Live Match Thread: World Cup Final - Germany v Argentina

After one month of roller coaster emotions, sheer madness, and some brilliant (and not so brilliant) football, we are finally here.  The World Cup final will be decided over the course of the next few hours and either Germany or Argentina will receive another star for their country's crest.

Germany are a powerhouse.  There's no ifs, ands or buts.  Those watching this team over the last decade or so has seen the evolution and why the Bundesliga is arguably the strongest league in the world.  Jogi Loew took the project over from Jurgen Klinsmann after 2006 and he has done a fantastic job on the building block left by the now USA coach.  Their 7-1 drubbing of Brazil has made them the favorites against Brazil's neighbours to the south.

Argentina barely squeaked by the Netherlands in their match and honestly, they have not looked like the dominating force that many thought they would be with Lionel Messi leading the charge.  "La Pulga" had a nominal effect in the game against the Dutch, save for a free kick in the first half and making his penalty.  That being said, you can never count them out.  They have a chance of winning another World Cup on their biggest rivals' home turf, which only makes the prize that much sweeter.  Despite being underdogs now, they were the favorites before the tournament and would FIFA really want to miss the chance to crown their golden boy, Messi, as a World Cup champion?

The World Cup Final. It's on.

Who: Germany v Argentina

Where: Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

When: 21.00 CET / 3.00 pm ET / 12.00 pm PT

Inter players featured: Rodrigo Palacio, Hugo Campagnaro, Ricky Alvarez (Argentina)