Our final set of odds for this summer's memorable tournament.
This is it – World Cup final time. One month of action, 32 nations, 63 thrilling matches and it all comes down to this, as Germany and Argentina face off for the chance to write themselves into international football folklore.
The World Cup trophy is no stranger to these two, great footballing nations, having lifted it five times between them, but only one can be reunited with their old friend at the Maracana on Sunday.
Three-time champions Germany are hot favourites heading into the clash in Rio de Janeiro, having brushed hosts Brazil aside 7-1 in the semi-finals, making them 13/10 with SkyBet to win the World Cup final in 90 minutes.
Joachim Low’s men have undoubtedly been the most impressive team in Brazil, and it’s safe to say that even their 7-1 thrashing of the Brazilians didn’t do their football justice. Likely to dominate proceedings once again, the Germans are an outside 22/1 with SkyBet to score four or more goals in Sunday’s match.
Though the destination of the World Cup trophy is still to be settled, a mini-battle will also ensue at the Maracana, as the Golden Boot goes up for grabs. Thomas Mueller and Lionel Messi are still in the running, with the Bayern Munich star needing one more goal to win back-to-back honours.
He’s 6/4 to score in 90 minutes with SkyBet against Argentina, putting him level with James Rodriguez at the top of the scoring charts with six. Messi, meanwhile, needs at least a brace to stand any chance, and he’s 9/1 with SkyBet to get that, while a hat-trick stands at 28/1.
Can’t decide which of the two to back? Not a problem – SkyBet have put together a Mueller/Messi special for Sunday’s clash, with either player scoring first at 9/4.
The Barcelona man displaying his brilliance on the biggest stage of them all is well within the realms of possibility, but considering just how stable the Germans have been all tournament, he may not be in for a fruitful evening.
Germany have conceded just three goals in normal time of matches at the World Cup, and the way that Low sets his side up means that Argentina will have a hard time breaking them down.
However, the same has to be said for the Argentinians, who have kept four clean sheets out of six in Brazil. Under 1.5 goals looks appealing at 7/4 with SkyBet, then, as does a 1-0 victory for the Germans at 11/2.
Whatever happens, it’s going to be an incredibly tight affair between two of the best in the business, and the draw markets could once again be where the value is. A 0-0 stalemate is 6/1 with SkyBet, while 1-1 and 2-2 stand at 5/1 and 16/1 respectively.
As 2010’s final taught us, there’s no drama quite like extra time of a World Cup final, and SkyBet have priced up there being a winner in extra time at 5/1.
While us neutrals would love to see this match going all the way to the wire, based on the tournament as a whole, the trophy is going back to Germany.
As they seem to be in every major tournament, the Germans have been solid yet lethal in their approach, and the Argentinians may just come up short yet again.
Though we’ve a lot to look forward to in the World Cup final, its climax rather depressingly means the end of summer football. Let the Football League countdown commence!
Head to SkyBet.com to place your bets. Remember, each flutter benefits Colchester United directly!