The Brazilian tears may just be enough to water the grass at the Maracana for a fitting finale between Germany and Argentina.

After 63 matches in which 170 goals have been scored, just a goal shy of breaking the record of the highest number of goals scored in the history of the World Cup; after flattering performances by Costa Rica, Colombia, it is yet another traditional final between two decorated football nations.

It is the clash of the gods, a re-enactment of the 1986 final in which the Maradona led Argentina edged past Lothar Mathaus Germany in a thrilling finale in Mexico. 3-2 it ended on that night.

At the Maracana in Brazil 2014, a man cast in the frame of Maradona, short and talented, a wizard, a ruthless assassin who despite his four goals in the tournament is yet to come alive, will lead a timid Argentina side against a well oiled German machine gifted with the panache to humble hammer and humiliate arrogant  teams who a month ago were touted as favorites to win the World Cup.

They started with Portugal decorated with the current World Best footballer, Ronaldo. But the Portuguese left the tournament so early thanks to the thumping four nil annihilation by Germany in the Group F's opening game.

Then came Brazil; a tournament host with promise; the pundits' favorite for a historic sixth world cup title. But they were tortured, torn into shreds and left in tears by a merciless German side who poured seven goals into the leaky Brazilian net and offered a consolation goal to Oscar.

It's the turn of Argentina, another World Cup favorite, with another superstar performer. Will there be another white washing? It is not impossible. It happened four years ago in South Africa when Argentina were humbled 4-0 by Germany with Messi then as the World Best footballer.

Germany go into Sunday's game with the hope of being the first European side to win the World Cup in South America, even though the Spaniards were the first European side to win the World Cup outside Europe (In Africa). It sure will be a thrilling World Cup final. One that will mean so much to Lionel Messi, the Barcelona man who has won everything football has to offer except the World Cup. It is the missing link to a successful football career and would love to die hard to win it.

Germany is the highest scoring team in Brazil with 17 goals with veteran Miroslav Klose still keen on extending a new record as the highest goal scorer in the history of the tournament but several other players Muller, Hummel, have shown they can score on any given day.

The South Americans despite a poor showing have a resolute defence and will need Messi to weave another magic to make history.

It will be a Germany victory, a possible 4-1 score line but with Messi in there for Argentina, anything can happen.