The 2014 World Cup final on Sunday sees the South America giants Argentina take on European powerhouse Germany. Argentina beat Netherlands 4-2 on penalties in the second semi-final a day after hosts Brazil were humiliated 7-1 by the Germans.
For the first time in 24 years, Argentina find themselves among the best four teams in the world, and with Lionel Messi on the pitch, you can never write them off even against Germans who have kept the 'tiki-taka' alive after the early exit of defending champions Spain.
But the Argentines have arguably the world's best current footballer - Lionel Messi - in the line-up. That and these five reasons is why the South Americans can create history on Brazilian soil:
Argentina will be playing for the entire nation
The squad's emotional celebrations following victory over Belgium and Netherlands said it all. Lionel Messi and his team-mates are not just playing for themselves but for all those thousands who have packed the stands from Rio to Brasilia and millions back home. More than 170,000 fans have streamed across the Argentine-Brazilian border to follow the nation and the team will want them to have the biggest smiles on their faces on Sunday.
Not Messi, Mascherano is Argentina's real leader
Ask an Argentinean fan who the most effective player in their team is, and you are likely to receive one of the two answers. Lionel Messi for obvious reasons, but the second name will be none other than Javier Mascherano. A rock in the Albiceleste team throughout the tournament and his match-saving challenge on Arjen Robben in the semis was one of the best pieces of defensive footwork in this tournament. A tackling machine who seems never to miss a single pass, if Mascherano can keep up the same level against the Germans - Argentina have a good chance to lift the trophy.
They have the world's best player
Argentina's progress through to the World Cup finals has gone hand-in-hand with the individual exploits of one man. Although Lionel Messi has not been at his very best, it takes only seconds for him to destroy any defence in the world, and Argentina fans will be hoping that Messi has reserved his best for the most important game of his life to date. With four goals so far, the Barcelona star is by far the top scorer in the Albiceleste ranks and will surely be hoping to add to his tally in race for the Golden Boot.
The defence looks fortified
Martin Demichelis has been a revelation in the centre alongside Ezequiel Garay. Jose Basanta, meanwhile, made sure Marcos Rojo would not be missed too much in the earlier match during his suspension, and now Sabella has the welcome dilemma of choosing anyone of them. And three clean sheets in a row highlight a defence coming into its own during the World Cup.
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