Argentina will look to win its third World Cup when it takes on Germany in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final for the third time in its history Sunday.

The Albiceleste won the trophy at home in 1978 before claiming it again in 1986 against the Germans. But in 1990, when a battered Diego Maradona carried the nation to the final in Italy, the side lost against the Germans.

Now, the team looking to reclaim their World Cup glory in Brazil is led by a fellow called Lionel Messi, who has, among other things, won four Ballon d'Ors and every club trophy possible. But he still has yet to capture the World Cup. On Sunday, he gets the opportunity to add that trophy to his collection and take over the mantle as the best player in the history of the game.

But can he do it? Can he lead Argentina back to the top of a mountain they haven't scaled successfully in nearly 30 years? Here are some reasons why Argentina will win as well as tactics they must employ to win it all:

Why They Will Win


1. Lionel Messi

Messi is the best player in the world. Period.

And anyone that doubts it will probably rethink their doubts after the tournament.

Messi has not been great through six games, but he has been efficient. He scored all four of his markers in the group stage and added a vital assist on the winner against Switzerland in the Round of 16. Against Belgium, his play with the ball on his feet wound up leading directly to the opening goal; if the secondary assist existed in soccer, then he would have gotten one. The game against the Dutch was undoubtedly his worst of the tournament to date, but that had more to do with Louis Van Gaal's brilliant tactics than his lack of desire in the contest.

Messi knows what opportunity lies in front of him. At 26, this is his best chance to take home the trophy and elevate his legacy. Russia may not be as kind to him in four years when he is 30, and the team around him will probably be no better than it currently is. Expect Messi to put on the performance of his life as he leads Argentina to the cup.

2. Continental Advantage

America for the Americans.

No European side has ever won a tournament on this side of the world. Five European teams have competed in finals on one of the two American continents, but none have managed to pull off the win. In fact, no European nation had ever won the World Cup outside of Europe until Spain managed the feat four years ago. Could the Europeans do it two tournaments in a row after failing to do so for decades? Unlikely.

3. Steady Defense

Argentina's weak backline had been a major point of contention prior to the tournament and throughout its early stages. Alejandro Sabella's team, despite its best efforts, simply did not look capable of holding the fort for the duration of the tournament. Like Brazil's defense did against Germany in the semifinal, many expected the floodgates to open at some point. But they never did.

Instead, the South Americans started to improve their defense as the tournament wore on and have not conceded in the knockout stages. The team has found a way to remain organized and cut down the space allowed to opposing teams. Argentina conceded seven shots against Switzerland, but only let the Belgians get four shots on target; the Dutch were no better and only managed four tries at goal.

What They Need to Do to Win


1. Play Patiently

The worst thing that Argentina can do is run at the Germans, lest they want the same treatment that Brazil got. If Argentina sits back and shuts down space around their area, then they will force the Germans to resort to a more conservative passing game. Not only is this easier to defend, but it nullifies Germany's attacking game and leaves them more susceptible to a counter attack.

2. Try to Keep Possession

Allowing the Germans to keep possession would be a big mistake, however. Argentina's offense has been far from dynamic throughout this tournament, and it would be a mistake to let Germany dictate the pace. Argentina is better with the ball and needs to keep it in order to have any chance at winning this final. Moreover, the Germans will likely be afraid and nervous, and it will be the Argentineans' job to take advantage of that fear and use it against the Europeans.

3. Find Space for Messi by Starting Aguero and Higuain Up Top

It will be hard to free Messi from what is likely to be a gang mentality from the German defense, but if the team puts two strikers at the top of the offense, then it will force the Germans to focus more on the other two scoring threats. This will leave Messi with more space to work his magic. He can score from anywhere (just ask Iran or Bosnia-Herzogovina). Messi has not been great, but he means everything to Argentina and its chances of winning the big game on Sunday.

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