Argentina and Germany are no strangers when it comes to squaring off in World Cup finals.
They’ve been here before: twice.
After the two soccer giants both reached the 2014 final in Brazil, it will be the third-time that both nations will battle it out for the famous trophy.
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No other nations have squared off in three separate World Cup finals. Inevitably, there are a plenty of narratives bubbling away behind the scenes.
Throughout the 80s and 90s Argentina and Germany possessed some of the greatest players the world has ever seen. They faced each other in back-to-back World Cup finals in 1986 and 1990, with both nations prevailing once. Could the 2014 final be the start of a new power-struggle between the South American and European countries? Both squads have plenty of young stars, so that could well be the case.
Now is the perfect time to take a look a back at those past finals. Below you will find a quick recap on both finals, plus the chance to watch both games in full (thanks, YouTube) to get yourself ready for Sunday’s final.
1986 World Cup final: Argentina 3-2 Germany
A Diego Maradona inspired Argentina won the 1986 tournament at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. Argentina raced into a 2-0 lead in the final thanks to goals from Jose Brown and Jorge Valdano. Then Germany (still known as West Germany then) bagged two quick goals late on through Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Rudi Voller to make it 2-2 with 10 minutes to go. Then Jorge Burruchaga popped up to score the winner, as Argentina won their second World Cup title.
1990 World Cup final: Argentina 0-1 Germany
Revenge was sweet in the 1990 final as the two nations squared off once again for the world title, this time in Rome, Italy. A barbaric game ensued as no love was lost between these two nations. It was the first final in 14 World Cups to see a player sent off as Argentina’s Pedro Monzon was sent off for a tough-tackle on Jurgen Klinsmann, then the Albiceleste were reduced to nine-men as Gustavo Dezotti was sent off for hauling down Jurgen Kohler. The game-winner came in controversial fashion five minutes from the end as Rudi Voller was adjudged to have been fouled by Roberto Sensini and Andreas Brehme stepped up to score the winning penalty kick. Germany prevailed to win their third World Cup, as Argentina were there own worst enemies.