Barcelona forward Lionel Messi was unable to inspire Argentina with the magic everyone was expecting as they lost to Germany 1-0 in the World Cup final.
Sergio Romero 7 – Generally played pretty well throughout the game making some decent saves. There was however very little he could have done bout Mario Götze’s goal.
Pablo Zabaleta 7 – Made some clinical challenges and showed surprising pace to keep up with Germany when they bombarded forward.
Martín Demichelis 8 – Played brilliantly shutting out Germany’s attacks, rolled back the years and looked quite the player.
Ezequiel Garay 8 – Had a great game alongside Demichelis and was part of a defensive unit that conceded very few goals this World Cup.
Marcos Rojo 6 – Looked a little irrational at times and was caught out by the pace of Germany’s attacks on several occasions.
Lucas Biglia 7 – Really charged on his position and looked very comfortable in the midfield and showed good feet and skill.
Javier Mascherano 8 – Another great game from the Barcelona midfielder, but was very lucky to have stayed on the pitch. Could have easily picked up a yellow card for at least several nasty tackles.
Enzo Pérez 5 – Didn’t quite fit in with that midfield three, and had a poor game.
Gonzalo Higuaín 5 – Really should have taken his chance early on but dragged it wide. After his disallowed goal he never looked in it again.
Ezequiel Lavezzi 7 – Had a blinding half and put in some great crosses, unlucky to be substituted at half time.
Lionel Messi 6 – Should have finished early on in the second half but shot wide. He never produced that piece of magic everyone expected him to.
SUBS
Sergio Aguero 5 – Replaced Lavezzi and surprisingly didn’t add anything to the game.
Rodrigo Palacio 5 – Should have really scored but lobbed his shot wide.
Fernando Gago – N/A
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