World Cup Final: Brazil v Germany Preview

Germany are not expected to defeat Brazil in the Yokohama World Cup final but the European side have every reason for optimism.

Brazil have excellent goal options in their side but face the best defence at the tournament. It was always hard to tip a European side at the start of the tournament due to the conditions in Japan and Korea and several have struggled spectacularly but the Germans have proved again to be the best organized and best prepared side around when the World Cup finals reach a critical stage.

They certainly lack a little flair but they lost four certain starters in the weeks leading up to the start of the competition one long month ago. Coach Rudi Voller has coped admirably with adversity and stands a chance of matching Franz Beckenbauer’s amazing of achievement of winning the highest prize as a coach and a player. Voller is less than two years into the job but the continuity shown by the DfB in their coaching strategy tends to pay very big at times.

One of the most remarkable records in world football is certain to end in Japan whatever happens.

These sides have seven World Cup wins between them and fourteen finals but have never played a competitive match at any stage of the competition. Brazil have appeared at every finals – the only country to do so – with Germany not far behind in appearances but despite the intense football traditions of the two nations their first ever clash comes at the very summit of the international game with Brazil substantial favourites to win.

It is not the best preparation for the World Cup final for your coach to be engaging agents to find him a European club deal but that is what Brazil chief Luiz Felipe Scolari has been doing.

No matter perhaps with Ronaldo top scorer at the finals with 6 goals and Rivaldo just behind on five strikes. Ronaldo showed he is back to his best with a clever finish on the run to win the semi final against Turkey.

The Selecao have Ronaldinho back to influence attacks in his play-making role and the muscular wing play of Roberto Carlos may be ideal for this encounter with the Germans. Brazilian captain Cafu was very quiet in the semi final win over the Turks but remains an excellent attacking player and key defender. The Brazilian defence has seen Lucio – a star in the Bundesliga for Bayer Leverkusen – and Roque Junior form a good partnership that has proved resilient ahead of the in-form goalkeeper Marcos.

Brazil are deserving finalists with coach Scolari flourishing under the pressure of a Brazilian fan base and media which has not been lavishing praise on their side. The form of the defence and Ronaldo’s improvement has been warmly praised but they may be a little short of championship winners.

The introduction of Kleberson into midfield has helped the Brazilian side protect their defence and win possession in midfield that could prove the key to staying with Germany in a what is sure to be a very tight match.

Some have predicted a Rivaldo-inspired walk over for Brazil in Yokohama but if the South American side does win its fifth World Cup then they will have earned it with Germany’s hard-running discipline perhaps running part of the midfield battle.

Ahead of the German midfield combat unit, striker Miroslav Klose may not be fully fit with bruised ribs but must be keen to pay to try and exploit a definite weakness in Scolari’s side. Brazil do not defend crosses and corners well with Klose – five goals all from headers in the finals so far – just the player to take advantage.

Voller may use a back three – the regular German formation – and five in midfield to close down the Brazilian midfield who could easily match up this formation to turn the game into a very tight attritional midfield battle of few chances. Jens Jeremies is expected to start in place of the suspended Michael Ballack just behind the forceful Dietmar Hamann. If Hamann plays well then the Germans have every chance of staying with Brazil and if wide player Bernd Schneider can get past Roberto Carlos, Voller’s side will threaten victory.

Brazil have no injuries or suspensions to trouble Scolari and much depends on the free role given to Ronaldinho. Hamann could be detailed to block his runs and touches of the ball which could isolate Ronaldo in attack.

But even if that happens then Carlos, Cafu and Rivaldo can all raid to possibly win the game.

At that point the game’s true star may emerge.

German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn has been exceptional so far at the finals. He has total command of his penalty area and defence. The joust as the Bayern star tries to turn back Ronaldo and Rivaldo and keep his side in the match will be the key to the event.

After more than nine hundred qualifying games it may all come down to one kick in one moment.

While the German are likely to play well, that moment may be Ronaldo’s to share with his Brazilian fans and confirm his return to the summit of the game. A scrappy winner by any player will do just as well for Scolari of course but in the biggest games the greatest match players of a generation are defined.

The fact that realistically for Germany their greatest match player is a goalkeeper suggests Ronaldo or Rivaldo may prove decisive as Germany find their own options in attack restricted to free kicks and corners.