Why I Believe Germany will win the 2014 World Cup.

Yesterday the Netherlands lost to Argentina in penalties. In the end, it was a fair game, called well by the refs and, no real controversy.
As a fan of the Netherlands (my grandparents are immigrants from Holland after world war 2) it really sucked to see this happen but the fact is that it was as fair game and the Argentinian goal keeper played very well in shoot out. Nothing you can do. What's fair is fair.

So now it's on to the grand final.
Germany versus Argentina.

If you read my post before the World Cup started I predicted that Germany would take the title this year. I'm sticking to that.
I feel like the Germans have a better squad all around and although Argentina has (arguably) the world's best player it will not be enough.

Funny enough: in 1986 Argentina won the World Cup by beating West Germany in Mexico. Germany got revenge in 1990 by beating Argentina to win the World cup, so this is the rubber match and to the winner? Their second World Cup title.

Head to Head, Argentina has beat Germany 9 times and has scored 28 times during those 9 wins. Germany has won 6 times and managed to scored 28 times themselves.

The top scorers for each team in this World Cup has Messi of Argentina notching 4 goals while Germany's Muller has 5.

Argentina is ranked 5th in the FIFA ranking while Germany is ranked 2nd.

Outside of the "goals scored over the tournament" category (Argentina has 8, Germany has 17) this match looks VERY close on paper. If we adjust Germany's number to 10 because of the beating they laid on Brazil, that number looks very close again!

So why do I believe that Germany is going to win this game? A couple reasons:
- Germany has been in the past 4 World Cup semi-finals.
- Germany plays a more team focused game while Argentina leans on a few key players (primarily Messi and the hot goaltending of Romero).
- Germany's back line, while younger, all play for big name clubs and have experience playing in big tournaments. Not to mention this German team has played together in international competitions where German has made deep runs.

In a couple words: This German team knows how to win and that's why I believe Germany will be the 2014 World cup Champions.

2014 World Cup Picks

With the 2014 world cup around the corner I thought I'd put together a little prediction bracket.
I think this year we are going to get a treat in the sense that there are a couple of groups that have the potential for all 4 teams to move forward meanwhile we a have couple groups in which a team that may not be considered a threat will get through to the round of 16.
I'm very interested in group C for example. Greece has been a good team for years but the likelihood is that Ivory Coast will challenge them and Columbia for that spot in the round of 16. Group G could be equally as interesting. Germany will most likely win the group but will the USA be able to beat Portugal to get in or vice-versa?

I've made my picks in the picture below. I feel strongly that Germany will finally break through this year. I also expect Brazil will make an excellent showing as most are predicting. Spain is still a very strong team and can't be counted out.
Speaking from a fan's point of view only I will be watching the Netherlands and USA closely. My background is Dutch so I'll be hoping for a Dutch world cup win...after loosing in the final in 2010. I also will be following the USA because I feel like they are in an interesting group, they have a lot of MLS talent and, with Ronaldo's injury being a hot topic I'm not sure how well Portugal will play (sorry Phil if you are reading this!). With that said, I kind of hope the USA doesn't make it to the round of 16 so Michael Bradley gets back to TFC.
Below is my bracket (you can do one too if you visit mlssoccer.com) what do you think? Feel free to let me know your opinions in the comment section!