bodyType

customContents

entityId

entityUuid

articlePageQuery

filter

article

articleBaseAdvertisingInfoArticle

articleListArticle

articleSeoArticle

hooksArticleAcknowledgementGateOverlayArticle

hooksTrackPageViewArticle

hooksContentInterestArticle

articleLinkingDataContent

hooksAmpRedirectArticle

articleSchemaContent

liveArticle

advertZone

sentiment

contentLock

topics

types

sections

paywallTypes

createdDate

publishedDate

sponsorType

urlAlias

moreOnThisArticles

commentCount

authorLocations

authors

corrections

displaySlideShow

multimediaEmbed

printHeadline

seriesContainer

articleSpeeches

socialHeadline

headline

images

flag

firstTopic

glossary

flattenTypeIds

image

relatedLinks

relatedNewsletters

__typename

sponsor

pdfFiles

seriesReverseOrder

series

disableOffPlatformContent

published

updatedDate

summary

subHeadline

body

keywords

readingTime

customTimezone

liveContents

History dictates that the winner of Sunday's World Cup final will be crowned the world's ultimate footballing superpower.

Germany and Brazil are the proven giants of international football. Both teams have made it to the World Cup final seven times, but the pair have never clashed in the tournament until now.

Brazil have played the most matches (80), won the most games (53) and scored the most goals (120) and appeared at all 17 World Cups since 1930.

Germany (including the former West Germany) are their closest rivals, having played just two fewer games than the South Americans at 15 World Cups and last failed to qualify way back in 1950.

A long list of the World Cup's greatest-ever players can be picked just from these two sides.

Germany boast Franz Beckenbauer, who appeared in the World Cup of 1970, and 1974 when they won; Gerd Muller, who is the most prolific striker in World Cup history with 14 goals in 1970 and 1974; and the legendary Lothar Matthaus, who made a record 125 appearances for his country and played in five World Cups - in 1982, 86, 90, 94 and 98.

Other names that have left a lasting impression are current German coach Rudi Voller, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, Sepp Maier, Andreas Brehme and Jurgen Klinsmann.

Brazil have an equally illustrious array of former stars that includes the great Jairzhino, who scored in every round of the 1970 World Cup, including the final.

Pele needs no introduction - he played in four World Cups and was a champion three times - 1958, 1962 and 1970.

Garrincha, a player born physically disabled, appeared in three finals. An operation enabled him to walk, but left him with a curved left leg and a right leg six centimetres shorter than his left. An outstanding dribbler, he beat incredible odds and played a big part in the team's 1958 and 1962 successes.

Other greats are Rivelino, Careca, Socrates and Romario.

The contrast in the playing styles of the two teams are as fascinating as the legends of the past.

The Germans have a proven ability to get a result no matter what obstacles they face. They can grind out success even if it bores everyone to tears, winning is what matters. They call it durchetzungsvermogen,  which translates as the ability to get to grips with a problem whatever form it takes and resolve it.

They certainly had a problem last year when England thrashed them 5-1. 'There is no shame in losing to England, but there is when you lose like that,' said keeper Oliver Khan at the time.

Like a team of determined scientists they had a problem to solve and focus on and the outcome is for all to see.

But one thing that can beat Germany is brilliance, or inspired moments of magic that cannot be anticipated.

Argentina's Diego Maradona demonstrated that in 1986 when he almost single-handedly defeated them in the final.

Brazilian football is renowned for its beauty, grace and rhythmic style, and the nation is recognised as producing the most skilful, artistic and naturally talented players.

'We deserve to win. We play the most beautiful, graceful, football in the world,' said Brazilian fan William Souza after watching his team beat Turkey in the semi-final on Wednesday.

But they are also seen to be erratic, when things go wrong tempers can flare, concentration can wane and they can become vulnerable.

Brazil struggled to qualify for the 2002 finals as most of their players are based overseas and their commitment to the national team was questionable. But when it matters most they can turn on the style as we have seen time and again.

One thing is for sure, Sunday's final will be a great game and, hopefully, the best team will win.

Graphic: WCYPGES



Footballing styles a world apart