Basanta: We have to enjoy the final

Argentina Defender Jose Maria Basanta believes that be team "by a magic wand touched been" and urged his colleagues to enjoy World Cup final against Germany on Sunday FIFA.

The left-back said Saturday's pre-game press conference at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro, the prospect of a World Cup final was a dream.

"The dream is a dream that belongs to everyone," said Basanta. "We have been touched a wand and we have to enjoy this moment." It's a dream true once in life, but we have to enjoy it. It will be over very quickly."

Germany defeated Brazil 7-1 in the semi final, but Argentina went over six hours without conceding a goal, a goal and Basanta believes that defensive displays should pull his team heart from her.

"We have seen how Germany will play during the World Cup. They are a balanced team in all they do, "said the 30-year-old, who started the competition with Marcos Rojo link back.

We have a big dream, and we hope that we can implement it in the real world.

Jose Maria Basanta, Argentina Defender

"We also talk about emotional balance and this identifies Germany. You are one of the best teams in the world, but we also have our own thinking. I think the team to the knockout rounds have been very solid. We still not rooms left open for our opponents, and we need for tomorrow (Sunday). "

On Sunday, game won a repeat of the 1990 final in Rome, the Federal Republic of Germany 1-0, with a penalty, but Basanta dismissed suggestions, the Argentina revenge were on a mission.

"We want to write a new story," he said. "It was very painful, we know what happened. We have to be very focused, we're all motivated and we want a positive story tomorrow to make.

"I think it would be something nice for the people of Argentina with the Cup back. But we have one more step to take. We have a big dream and we hope that we can implement it in reality."

An evening of Russian culture at the Copacabana

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Russian melodies and traditional Russian cuisine adorned a fine, Brazilian Friday evening ahead of Sunday's historic Final between Germany and Argentina. The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairman and Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko brought together his colleagues, figures from the football community and members of the press to provide a taster of what football fans can expect in four years' time, when the World Cup will be held on Russian soil for the first time.

FIFA president Joseph S. Blatter was among the distinguished guest to celebrate the transition between Brazil and Russia as World Cup host nations. The event was held on 11 July on the picturesque summer terrace of the Copacabana Palace Hotel in Rio de Janeiro, located on the promenade of one of the world's most-prized beaches, Copacabana. Guests included members of the FIFA Executive Committee, representatives of the international football community and journalists, who are already showing a great interest in the next World Cup.

In an introductory word to guests, Mutko remarked on the successful organisation of the 2014 World Cup by his Brazilian colleagues and pledged that, four years from now, Russia would undoubtedly surprise all football fans with its trademark hospitality and an impeccably organised tournament.

“Four years ago, in December 2010, for the first time in history our nation was granted the right to hold a FIFA World Cup,” Russia 2018 LOC chairman Mutko reminded guests. “This decision by my colleagues in the FIFA Executive Committee is, without exaggeration, historic – in 2018 the World Cup will be held in the world's largest country, where people truly love and treasure football.

Welcoming conditions
"Believe me, we will do everything to create the most welcoming conditions for everyone taking part in the tournament – the teams, the international football families, partners and, of course, the hundreds of thousands of fans coming from all over the world.

"Today we are in the astonishingly beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro, in Brazil, where football is the very soul of its people; its passion; almost a religion. I would like to congratulate my Brazilian colleagues on a wonderfully-organised tournament, whose incredible quality of football, emotion and surprises have touched us all.”

Melodic Russian ballads and soulful Kuban Cossack songs filled the air as guests enjoyed the Russian evening at the Copacabana Palace hotel, and everyone had the opportunity to sample Russian cuisine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to arrive in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday to watch the FIFA World Cup Final at the Maracanã stadium, and will take part in the hosting rights handover ceremony from Brazil to Russia, which will take place before the match.

Russia 2018 will feature 11 host cities: Moscow, St Petersburg, Kaliningrad, Kazan, Nizhny Novgorod, Samara, Saransk, Volgograd, Rostov-on-Don, Sochi and Ekaterinburg. 

A fresh start, and some consolation, for Brazil

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In his second spell as coach of Brazil, Luiz Felipe Scolari has amassed a record of 19 wins, six draws and three defeats, with 70 goals scored and just 26 conceded. Since winning the FIFA Confederations Cup last year, his team have suffered just one defeat in 10 games. Unfortunately, that turned out to be as costly as it was painful: the harrowing 7-1 loss against Germany last Tuesday. The result ended a 64 year dream of winning the World Cup on home soil.

Having had just four days to recover from the defeat, Brazil now take on the Netherlands in Brasilia in the Play-Off for Third Place. While coming third is important, the team will have another source of motivation when they take the field. It is a chance for Scolari and his players to validate the work they have invested in a campaign in which the team achieved a winning percentage of 75%, yet still finished two steps away from their goal.

"Now we have to focus on the goal of coming third," said Scolari at a press conference. "We know that even a win won’t take away the disappointment, but we have to have objectives. We couldn’t achieve our aim of reaching the final, so now we have to play for a smaller dream.”

Historical precedents
This will be Brazil’s fourth appearance in the Third Place Play-Off. Interestingly, there are similarities between the current campaign and those of 1938, 1974 and 1978, the other years when Brazil played in the podium decider - with the crucial difference that the team was not the host nation on those occasions.

The 1938 FIFA World Cup was when Brazil first announced itself to the world as a major footballing power. After overcoming Poland and Czechoslovakia in the knockout stages, the team was eventually defeated 2-1 by eventual champions Italy in the semi-final. Interestingly, Brazil’s best player, Leonidas da Silva, was ruled out of that match due to injury problems, just like Neymar this year. Unlike the young striker, however, the Black Diamond recovered in time to play in his team’s last match, and scored two goals in a 4-2 win over Sweden. He eventually finished the tournament as top goalscorer with seven goals.

By the time the 1974 World Cup in Germany came around, the structure of the tournament had changed. The semi-final stage consisted of two groups of four teams, with Brazil facing Argentina, East Germany and the Netherlands. In the last match of the group, the reigning world champions were beaten by the fast-emerging “Clockwork Orange,” as the Dutch team was known. Although the 2-0 scoreline was far less impressive than what the Germans were able to achieve 40 years later, the result left the Brazilians equally stunned, coming just days after coach Mario Zagallo had guaranteed his team would win. In their final game in the tournament, Brazil lost again, this time 1-0 to Poland.

This same tournament structure was used at the 1978 World Cup in Argentina. In the second phase Brazil were placed in a group with the host nation, Poland and Peru. Despite remaining unbeaten, Brazil were eliminated and had to watch as Argentina advanced to the final. The similarity between that year and the current campaign was the consistency of the team’s results, with coach Claudio Coutinho announcing he was pleased with his work even if the title had eluded his team. In the battle for third place, Brazil managed to overcome their disappointment by beating Italy 2-1, with a memorable goal from full-back Nelinho.

Starting Over
Three Third Place Play-Offs then, and two symbolic bronze medals for Brazil. Now it is the turn of Scolari's team to try to say farewell with dignity, in front of fans who never turned their backs on their team, even during its darkest moments.

“We didn’t expect such a catastrophic defeat, in terms of the number of goals we conceded. But don’t forget that this is the first time the team has reached the World Cup semi-final since 2002," recalls the coach. "It was a bad defeat, six minutes of total meltdown. If I knew how it happened I’d tell you, but I don’t.”

Scolari knows that many of the current group have a long future ahead with A Seleção. Now it is time to get back on track against the Netherlands. "Life goes on. It isn’t just about the defeats," concluded Scolari. "These players will continue to give everything for Brazil. At least 70 per cent of them will be back in 2018, with a different mind-set.”

Sabella: We have a perfect match to play

Alejandro Sabella said that his side will need to overcome a perfect game Favorites Germany and win the FIFA World Cup ™ for a third time in Rio de Janeiro on Sunday to play.

The Argentina coach highlighted the dangers, which can represent Germany and feels that his side to give a complete performance, need to defeat them.

"We have to stay very focused and connect all spaces, for they opened. "Most importantly, we cheap way of the ball, not giving", said the 59-year-old. "Germany are always very strong, physically and tactically. For this reason, they are the team that has won the most titles with Brazil and Italy.

"they use the ball very well and playing the ball between the lines. You use the room full back very well, especially with (Philipp) Lahm. We have a perfect match to play."

Germany are always very strong, physically and tactically. For this reason, they are the team that has won the most titles with Brazil and Italy.

Alejandro Sabella, opponents Germany

On the Sunday meeting will be held for the third time, that the two countries in a final of the World Cup with Argentina in 1986 won 3-2 and West Germany met revenge to win 1-0, in 1990. Argentina Captain Lionel Messi hopes to ensure Maradonass feats in 86 to his place among the greatest players of all time and Sabella emulate hopes that the signs are good for a repeat result.

"It is true there are some parallels, we hope that the situation be reviewed against a very strong opponent."

The opposite of what Sabella page was expected before the tournament, Argentina have reached the finals based on their strong defensive record that won't admit it in 330 minutes of football in the knockout stage. Sabella hailed the tactical discipline of the side, which has compensated for its lack of firepower because of injuries from Angel di Maria and Sergio Aguero.

"It is the great merit of players who have worked very hard," he added. "Education has also changed which has allowed us to fully back more protect and close out of the room." That gave us more balance."

Graduation ceremony to celebrate Brazil 2014 in the way

Before the year 2014 FIFA World Cup ™ final passage at the Maracana in Rio De Janeiro on Sunday, is a special closing ceremony with about 1,000 people that greatest values celebrate the world's most popular sport, as the tournament approaches its inevitable climax.

An integral part of which is competition in Brazil, but before that launches football and the masters decided meet South American rivals Argentina in the showpiece European heavyweights Germany, an 18-minute show in the stadium will pay tribute to the game and the most important symbols.

Starting with an on pitch expression of the values of sport through four characters - freedom, solidarity, passion and diversity - the ceremony is took part then included representations of all 32 teams in this World Cup, with a special focus on the two finalists: Joachim low's team and Alejandro Sabellas Albiceleste.

Set to a soundtrack of Samba music, involving a cast of 400 persons and with GRES Pinelo stands do Rio Grande, a special reference to the coveted trophy at the Center, while a unique tribute to football symbolically unites the two sides fight to be crowned winner, when the full-time whistle in Rio is blown.

The Brazil 2014 closing ceremony close with a spectacular combination of music: Shakira, Carlinhos Brown and run "Dare"; Alexandre Pires, Carlos Santana and Wyclef Jean offer an interpretation of the World Cup anthem "we will find A way"; Furthermore, a medley of Brazilian songs courtesy of Pires and Ivete Sangalo.

Dutch to Brazil seal third place

The Netherlands secured consolation of third place at the 2014 FIFA World Cup ™ courtesy of a simple 3-0 victory over Brazil at the Estadio Nacional.

Fees for home - and in the case of trainer jobs in club football at Manchester drive recording a third successive clean sheet, Louis van Gaal United – avoid defeat in standard or extra time. For Luiz Felipe Scolari, there were men but to celebrate little.

Perhaps the sharpest edges to the representations of the Brazilian anthem, lacked the spine tingling, but voices have been raised before the game as A selection was looking for redemption. Still, the hopes of lasting memories smashed degradation by Germany within 90 seconds after kick-off in Brasilia in their semi-final.

Robin van Persie's slide rule pass into the left channel on the hosts defence married, has a blisteringly fast Arjen Robben dash in from the right. The winger was then torn down in pace Captain Thiago Silva turns, as he was dangerous to shoot at a distance. A penalty was the judgment of the referee, and Van Persie found above with aplomb.

After 17 minutes was line up 2: 0 Jonathan de Guzmán, a late inclusion in Van Gaal after a Wesley Sneijder injury during the warm-up, collected a Robben pass and drove to the byline. Once he slid there a seemingly harmless cross into the area only for David Luiz from top blind, refrained a touch his attempted directly on Daley control, others set and then calmly found the roof of the net.

Oscar haul car in the palms of Jasper Cillessen, de Guzman cut off from a central position to high to hit by more effective work set up by Robben, and Georginio Wijnaldum had to align perfectly to the rear post removed kick pesky look that kindly went in the direction of Paulinho. Still, another diabolical Oscar duty piece somehow deprived his teammates after a Luiz Gustavo-flick on.

Interested in increasing his World Cup goal tally at the start of the second half, Robben with a quick one-two with blind from a free-kick scenario completed and in the Brazil box powered; Compensation, however, Silva was quick to block sliding doors, an explosion of the 30-year old as Julio Cesar armed to prevent another addition to the scoresheet.

Ramires earned single-handedly room after a shot on Cillessen shortly before the hour mark through skip to a challenge by Defender Ron Vlaar to the edge of the Dutch territory, but the Chelsea midfielder dragged his effort on the left side of the goal. Next, the Netherlands goalkeeper was unconcerned by Charles Deadball--Pack drivers.

I looking for an injection of creativity and invention, Scolari introduced Hernanes and later Hulk procedure, but the home nation filled with frustration at almost every corner. If in the freedom on the left 10 minutes on the clock, the playmaker disappointingly, curled high and far from the post long Oscar scurry.

Wijnaldum, in fact, added more luster of the place reference for van Gaal team in the first minute of stoppage time, fire home low at the near post after in central position in the penalty area of unmarked links and by a delivery from the right flank by Daryl Janmaat replacement found.

So the history books shows, stopping the third Dutchman at the 20th Edition of the World Cup downs Brazil in fourth place. Now the focus shifts here and everywhere all over the world to the last remaining results be decided, on the biggest stage in the world of football - with Argentina and Germany in the competition for the trophy on Sunday.

Dunga: Das Spiel ist dynamischer geworden.

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Such is the weight of expectation on Brazil that any FIFA World Cup™ campaign that ends in anything other than triumph and the world title is regarded as a total failure. As a former Seleção player and coach, Dunga knows all about that, having come in for considerable criticism when his largely successful four-year stint in charge of the side ended with defeat to the Netherlands in the quarter-finals at South Africa 2010.

Now on the outside looking in, in his capacity as a TV commentator at Brazil 2014, Dunga has some interesting views to offer on the hosts’ shock semi-final defeat to Germany, which he expressed in a lengthy interview with FIFA.com. Also up for discussion was the quality of the football that has been played at the tournament so far, most notably by Sunday’s two finalists, Germany and Argentina.

FIFA.com: As the previous coach who is now on the sidelines supporting the team, what’s your view of Brazil’s first-half performance against Germany?
Dunga: I think Germany did what Brazil used to do a long time ago: set up a triangle on one side of the pitch and then switch the play with 40 and 50-metre passes. The advantage they had was that they had the ideal player on the other side in [Thomas] Muller, who quick enough and skilful enough to keep the play moving. Some might say that they didn’t really do anything out of the ordinary or exceptional – except that they did, because they did what every team dreams of doing. Germany played as a unit. They got forward, played with depth and at pace and got back to defend at the right times. And if you look at the goals, you’ll see that the Brazilians always had a numerical advantage. The thing was, the players were always four or five metres away. Leaving that kind of space can be fatal these days, when you really have to be compact.

Some people have said that Germany haven’t really played that well, until the Brazil game at least. What is it that finally allowed them to express themselves and play the kind of football we’ve all been expecting?
Germany have worked things out as the tournament has progressed and they got their team right after beating Algeria, a game in which they had a lot of problems. He (coach Joachim Low) had [Philipp] Lahm in midfield and then switched him to full-back, where he’s been outstanding. He put [Sami] Khedira in the middle with [Bastian] Schweinsteiger, played a faster man in defence, namely [Mats] Hummels, and brought [Miroslav] Klose into the attack. He’s also got Schweinsteiger running things in midfield, both when it comes to defending and pressing and to dictating the pace. He knows when to sit tight and take up position between the two central defenders and when to get forward and press. You have to understand that a national team is not a collection of the best players but the players who fit in with the kind of football you’re trying to play. There isn’t that much difference between sides any more. The problem is that here in Brazil we think that exceptionally talented players don’t have any kind of tactical function to perform. It’s that kind of mentality that we need to change.

They did what every team dreams of doing. Germany played as a unit.

Dunga on Germany during the 7-1 defeat of Brazil

Do you think that the Confederations Cup only increased the pressure on the players or did it make people believe the team was ready to win the World Cup?
Not really. Brazil are always among the favourites, whatever the competition, and players have to be able to deal with that pressure. We’ve got players who are with the best clubs in the world, like Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea, and they’re used to winning. I think winning the Confederations Cup gave them more self-confidence. It was a good thing it happened because it calmed a lot of the fears people had about the World Cup. In the end, the fans warmed to A Seleção and supported them in every game, even in the match against Germany. I’ve had some very different experiences, including a qualifier against Argentina in Minas, where we were booed for the whole 90 minutes. This time there was none of that.

The 2010 defeat brought about change in the national team, and the same is probably going to happen again now. What lessons do you think can be learned from what’s just happened?
Well, that’s a question for the people on the inside. The thing is, any national team heading into a World Cup has to have a programme in place and decisions have to be respected. I took a lot of criticism for organising so many training camps, but what people don’t understand is that you don’t have much time to work with, so you have to make the most of it. A World Cup is hard work for a national team and a party for everyone else on the outside. That means you have to make a very clear distinction between the two because it’s a huge challenge. There’ll be arguments, but just because you lose doesn’t mean to say that everything’s been a mess. There are a lot of good things that need to be built on.

The Netherlands, who beat Brazil in 2010, have kept their core of experienced players together and still managed to achieve continuity, as have Germany. Do you think the team needs to maintain ties with the old generation, for the experience they have?
Like I said, just because you lose doesn’t mean to say that everything has been a disaster. And just because a player is old doesn’t mean to say he has nothing left to offer. Look at Klose. He’s 36 and he’s the highest goalscorer in the history of the World Cup. What you need to do, then, is take a step back and strike a balance between new faces and experienced players who can take responsibility when things get tough, be leaders on the pitch and get the side together as one to prevent the kind of disaster that just happened to A Seleção.

A World Cup is hard work for a national team and a party for everyone else on the outside.

Dunga on the challenges teams face during a World Cup

You’re impressed by Germany, but how do you see Argentina ahead of the Final? Do they have the tactical maturity to win the title?
I think it’s a similar situation. Argentina have been working things out as the World Cup has progressed and they’ve made some changes that have worked well for them. For example, [Javier] Mascherano was very much on his own in the midfield before, but now that they’ve got someone else in there alongside him, they look a lot stronger. [Martin] Demichelis has added a bit of character and the pieces are fitting in. [Ezequiel] Lavezzi has also changed his position as a result, and is tracking back a little bit more. Up front they’ve got [Lionel] Messi, [Gonzalo] Higuain and Lavezzi, so they don’t need much more there. You need space to be able to attack at pace and keep things moving.

Do you think this World Cup has seen the emergence of a new trend in football, with teams looking to get forward more and try to score more?
Look, just because you’ve got three or four players up front, it doesn’t mean to say you’re playing a more attacking game. You can have one or no players at all and yet still get forward with four or five men. Those concepts have all been undermined at this World Cup. The only team that’s played with three up front and pressed the whole time were Chile, but that’s because of the type of players they’re got. They knew that defensively that don’t have players who can go in hard, so they responded by attacking. In general I think the trend is to have players who are more offensive and faster and who look to pounce on the mistakes opponents make. We’ve seen a lot of goals come about here because forwards are getting more and more effective and mobile. Today’s system, with everyone marking together and dropping back in midfield to close down the space and then attacking at pace when they win the ball back, is one that brings results. Generally speaking the game’s become more dynamic now.