World Cup 2014 – Dugout Discussion – Matchday 7, Day 2

A month of thrilling football culminates this evening as Germany and Argentina take to the pitch in the 2014 World Cup Final. Many Fantasy mini-leagues are on the line tonight as Joachim Low’s free-scoring side square up to one of the most resilient backlines in the tournament so far:

Germany: Neuer; Lahm, Boateng, Hummels, Howedes; Khedira, Schweinsteiger; Muller, Kroos, Ozil; Klose

Argentina: Romero; Zabaleta, Garay, Demichelis, Rojo; Biglia, Mascherano; Perez, Messi, Lavezzi; Higuain

Low makes one late change to the XI that started the 7-1 rout of Brazil, with Christoph Kramer replacing Sami Khedira in central midfield. Mats Hummels has recovered from the knee problem that forced him off at the break last time around, then, while Miroslav Klose leads the line for the third successive match. Thomas Muller carries the hopes of many Fantasy managers into this one after serving up five goals and a trio of assists so far, whilst Toni Kroos’ double against the Brazilians has earned him plenty of new owners across the Fantasy games. Elsewhere in attack, Klose is gunning for his third of the campaign after breaking the World Cup Finals scoring record last week, though Low also has the option of Andre Schurrle off the bench, with the Chelsea man notching three times already.

Alejandro Sabella’s side is also unaltered from the semi-finals. Martin Demichelis gets the nod ahead of Federico Fernandez in the heart of defence once again, while Enzo Perez and Ezequiel Lavezzi are handed another start due to injury concerns over Angel di Maria and Sergio Aguero – the latter is likely to appear off the bench again, though. The South Americans have delivered four clean sheets in their last five matches and Sabella’s defence has been subject to heavy Fantasy investment as the returns dry up for Lionel Messi. It’s now three games without a goal for the Barcelona man now, who has looked lethargic for his country over the knockout matches – when it matters most of all, can he deliver?