They Won The World Cup: GERMANY

For a third time, the Germans met Argentina in football's biggest game. For a second time they won. For the fourth time they win the World Cup. And for the first time a European nation triumphs in South America

The best team won. A team without standout stars but with bite and guts in midfield. Schweinsteiger scarred. With a poacher upfront in Klose and the man destined to beat his goal scoring record Muller. With the number one keeper between the sticks and with youth all over

Here are Spain's successors. Here are the Euro 2016 winners 

They Finished 2nd: ARGENTINA

For the second World Cup in a row, my tips to win the thing have ended as runners-up.

Messi shone in the early stages but looked too tired to take the final by the scruff of the neck. He is world class no question, just not world class on the world stage.

Aguero's injury didn't help. But Mascherano was massive, deserving of the golden boot or ball award if ever it was due to go to an Argentine.

Di Maria was missed in the final but enough of the excuses. The Argentines never put anyone to the sword like the Germans did in the semi. They never dished out a thrashing to teams that were there for the taking. As a result, they came up just short. 

The World Cup Final: Germany 1-0 Argentina (after extra time)

54. 74. Now 2014. The only blip 1994. Otherwise if the year ends in a four, the World Cup is yours Germany. And it's hard to say they didn't deserve it.

No classic, the final. But few finals are.  It could have gone either way though. Higuero will rue the chance he snatched at, one on one with Neuer. Messi's skied free kick at the end a low point. Goetze's winner was a gem. Schurrle crossed, the young German chested and volleyed. With seven minutes to go of extra time, the Argentines were preparing for pens. There was no way back.

This young German team has more tournament wins in it.  It's like Spain circa 2008. Expect a period of dominance from the side that has helped Europe win the trophy on South American soil for the first time. And we all know who will win in 2034.

They Finished 3rd: HOLLAND

I thought they'd flunk it. Should have known better with someone like Van Gaal  on the sideline and Robben on the pitch there's always hope. Nay, expectation. No win again for the Dutch but I'd take third place even though the medal looked a bit dodgy. But this is the side that thrashed Spain in their opener. Seeing off the champs with duch a swagger. You knew they'd go far. And but for the dreaded PKs it could have been further. Always entertaining to watch though. But will they ever lift that trophy? 

They Finished 4th: BRAZIL

Nothing else will this team be remembered for other than losing 7-1 in a semi final on their home turf. They will forever be tainted with that. And that's harsh on some great players some of whom will be instrumental in lifting their nation out of the footballing pits. It was never the greatest Brazilian team but home advantage and neymar dragged them this further. But a team without its talisman is not the same team. And after this display at home it's probable that what we've all suspected for a while is now true. Brazil no longer strike fear into other team. Shame. Bring it back. 

Third Place Match: Brazil 0-3 Holland

Misery heaped upon misery for the less than miserly hosts. No metallic medallions for brazil this time     Holland dutchspatched with one of the poorest squads to sport the yellow and blue with ease. An early van persie pen sending them on their way. Back to the drawing board for brazil. But are the Dutch destined to never win this thing?

What's It Like To Be In The World Cup Final?

Less than two days to go, and the citizens of two nations, thousands of miles apart are preparing for the biggest football match of their lives.

The butterflies must already be infecting their stomachs. Invitations to barbecues, pub get-togethers or official fanzones will have been handed out and considered.

Flags draped from windows, new shirts purchased from shops, cars decorated with colours.

What a build-up it will be. Tense anticipation. Nervous excitement. Get the beers in. Can't sleep for thinking about it. Could we win? Or will it be them?

Good luck fans of Germany and Argentina.

I envy you both the excitement you must be feeling right now.

But come Sunday night, I will envy only one of you.