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LIVE: 2014 World Cup Final - Argentina v Germany as it happened

LIVE: 2014 World Cup Final - Argentina v Germany as it happened

After 31 days, 63 matches, 170 goals and hundreds of millions of tweets, the 2014 World Cup comes down to this: Argentina v Germany.

Today's showpiece final at the magnificent Maracana has been billed as "Messi vs. The Machine" as the greatest player on the planet takes on the best collective of the World Cup.

Argentina, who beat Netherlands on penalties in the semis, are seeking their third World Cup crown and their first since 1986, where they defeated West Germany 3-2 in Mexico.

Germany would get their revenge four years later at Italia '90, winning 1-0 in the final to clinch their third title. After humiliating Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals, they go into tonight's match as the favourites.

 

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- Rich, bitter history makes Argentina-Germany final must-see TV

- Lionel Messi 90 minutes away from dethroning Diego Maradona as the greatest

- Forget Messi, why Javier Mascherano is Argentina's real hero

- Thomas Müller: Bavarian boy-next-door leading Germany's World Cup charge

 

TALKING TACTICS

Ahead of the match, Yahoo Global Ambassador Jose Mourinho discussed where tonight's match will be won and lost.

 

LIVE COVERAGE

 

OPENING CEREMONY

Colombian superstar Shakira stole the show before kick-off as she entertained those lucky enough to have tickets and the millions watching at home with a spectacular opening show.

WORLD CUP FINAL

Aside from Messi and Mueller, the other 'star' of the evening will be Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen who will be on hand to present the World Cup trophy to the winners.

 

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