Former Germany striker Jurgen Klinsmann is confident the German national team possess the strength and quality to defeat a tough Argentina side and emerge champions following tonight’s World Cup final showdown in Rio de Janeiro.
The 49-year-old ex-World Cup star, who featured in the old West Germany team that beat Argentina and sailed to victory in the 1990 World Cup final, said the time has come for the three-times World Cup champions to end their long wait and bring home the trophy to Germany once again.
He told reporters: “I want them to finally bring the World Cup back after 24 years of waiting.
“I think they’re ready for it. I think they have the quality to win it.
“But, still, you’ve got to find ways and you can’t concede a goal against a very dangerous Argentina side so you have to respect them.
“Looking from the outside, Germany are favourites.
Tonight’s highly-anticipated clash will be the third Argentina v Germany final in the 84-year history of the World Cup tournament, with the two nations a win a-piece – Argentina seized the glory in 1986 and Germany in 1990.
Klinsmann, who now manages the USA national team, described the history between the two sides as ‘very special’ and said on both occasions the better team won the tournament fair and square.
“Germany v Argentina is a very special final because of the history.
“I think, in both finals, the better team won. In 1986, Argentina with (Diego) Maradona, had the better side, and in 1990, when I had the pleasure to be part of that team, we were clearly the better team.
“Even if it wasn’t such a nice final, ending with a penalty-kick and it was only 1-0. But we were clearly the dominating team in that game.
“I think, now, the favourite is Germany. I think Germany has all the tools in the world to finish things off.”