I would give it to Toni Kroos/Mueller if they have a good game on Sunday, otherwise it should be James.

Klaus wrote:

The only reason Messi is getting criticised is because everyone have come to expect twice as much from his as any other footballer. He scored around 50 goals last season. Any other player and that would have been THE outstanding season in their career. For Messi it was the worst one he's had in five years. Comparing him to a two-bob player like Berbatov is just not on.

Messi is still one of the best two players in the world, but he's not the same player he was a few years ago. A few years ago he was at times unstoppable. Seems to have lost pace and his work rate is terrible now.

Kroos hasn't impressed me at all, don't think he deserves all the plaudits. Decent player, hasn't had the best tournament, though. Muller far superior.

Kurtz wrote:

... Like Berbatov in his heyday.

Behave!

it's true that messi looks unfit/uninterested or both. he's still the best player in the world, but i think he needs to recharge and maybe get a change of scenery. must be taxing to maintain such a high level for so long.

he does seem to have lost a yard. defenders can 'stay with him' in a way they couldnt 2-3 years ago. think that long term injury has had some lasting effects. still arguably the best in the world.

Aside from the Netherlands game, he's been involved in the majority of goals scored for Arg. He's had a pretty good tournament by normal player standards but he'll need a MASSIVE game tonight if Argentina are going to win.

I reckon he's probably injured/unfit because his form for Argentina leading up to the tournament was very good as well.

Don't mind who wins just well pleased Brazil, France and Holland crashed out

Gazza M wrote:

he does seem to have lost a yard. defenders can 'stay with him' in a way they couldnt 2-3 years ago. think that long term injury has had some lasting effects. still arguably the best in the world.

Messi's legs look well old many now

Any predictions? Draw first half, Argentina second half is 6/1. Would prefer the Arsenal boys to win but fancy Argentina to do this.

If Germany score in the first half hour they will win it by two or three.

If it's scoreless at half time I give it to Argentina by a goal margin, winner in the last ten minutes.

Logic says Germany.

Far superior to Argentina. Nervous about them screwing it up though.

3-1 Germany

Andre santos scabbed a final ticket off podolski

Argies with a shit AET or penalties win. The Messi narrative is set.

Think Messi is probably just not quite as fit as he has been in previous years.

The injury flattened a tire for him. He'll score 60 goals or so next season again.

@lorddulaarsenal wrote:

Andre santos scabbed a final ticket off podolski

He could buy a lot of pies with that if he flogs it!

Hope Messi wins it but doubt he will. Germany too strong for Argentina.