Argentina vs. Germany: Quick team facts

So we are almost at the end of what’s been one of the most action-packed (and might I say, controversial) FIFA World Cup tournaments to date. On Sunday (21:00) we will see Finalists, Argentina and Germany battle it out for the coveted Cup at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro.

Here are some “Quick facts” about the competing teams that you need to know:

Argentina

1. Argentina’s head coach is Alejandro Sabella (since 2011)
2. The first match ever recorded by Argentina was against Uruguay
3. Argentina has appeared in four World Cup finals, and won twice (1978 and 1986)
4. The national team is also known as the Albicelestes (sky blue and whites)
5. The team’s home stadium is the Estadio Monumental Antonio Vespucio Liberti in Buenos Aires
6. Argentina’s Captain is Lionel Messi (also the second highest goal scorer (42) for the team to date)
7. Most goals for Argentina were scored by Gabriel Batistuta (56) in 1991-2002
8. Javier Zanetti is the most capped player in the history of Argentina with 145 caps
9. Argentina reached the top of the FIFA World Rankings for the first time in March 2007
10. Argentina has won the Copa América fourteen times

Germany

1. Germany’s head coach is Joachim Löw
2. Germany has won three FIFA World Cups (1954, 1974, and 1990)
3. During the FIFA World Cup 2014 semi-final against Brazil, Germany became the first team ever to score 5 goals in only 18 minutes during one half
4. Germany has won the European Championship three times
5. The nicknames for the team are Nationalelf (National Eleven), DFB-Elf (DFB Eleven), Die Adler (The Eagles), Die Mannschaft (The Team)
6. Germany played their first official match against Switzerland in 1908
7. The team does not have a national stadium, but home matches are rotated among various stadiums across the country
8. Miroslav Klose is the national team’s top goal scorer with 71 goals (2001 to date)
9. Lothar Matthäus is Germany’s most capped player (1980-2000)
10. Adidas has been the long-standing sponsor of Germany’s kit, since 1954 and contracted to continue until 2018

So who are you rooting for? Will the Cup be staying on South American turf, or be heading to Europe? Make your prediction for the FIFA World Cup 2014 Finals below.