World Cup Daily Brief: The final

Throughout the tournament, we've begun each day with our World Cup Daily Brief, bringing you all the highlights from the previous day's matches and news cycle, while also looking forward to what you to expect from the day ahead.

It seems like such a long time ago, even though it also feels like it all happened so fast. 31 days ago the World Cup began with a match between Brazil and Croatia. The hosts won 3-1. Since then, 62 other matches have occurred, 147 more goals have been scored and all but two teams have been eliminated.

It all leads up to this: Germany vs. Argentina. The midfield maestros against a surprisingly stalwart back four. The sweeper 'keeper will take on Lionel Messi. Die Mannschaft vs. La Albiceleste. Today, for everything.

But before we get to that, let's relive the action from yesterday.

Yesterday's Match

The Netherlands win third place at the 2014 World Cup over hosts Brazil

Pundits love to suggest that results are determined by whoever wants the win more. It's obviously not true. You can't quantify desire simply by results. 

However, there were times during Saturday's third place match between Brazil and the Netherlands, in which it seemed the winner would be the side who didn't want to be there less.

It happened to be the Netherlands, who scored twice before 20 minutes had elapsed, then took their foot off the pedal to coast to an eventual 3-0 victory, thanks to an added goal in stoppage time.

It was an exclamation point on a wonderful (though still disappointing) tournament for the Netherlands, and a drastically different World Cup for the hosts, whose emphatic departure from contention against Germany was still haunting them, and will likely continue to do so.

But whatever. At least we got this wonderful meme out of the affair:

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What You Need To Know

Kickoff: 3:00 PM EST.
Venue: Estádio​ do Maracanã, Rio De Janeiro.
Television: ABC (United States), CBC (Canada), BBC and ITV (UK).

5 reasons why Germany will win the World Cup:

• The Germans have been preparing for this moment;
• The intimidation factor after beating Brazil 7-1;
• Familiarity with 16 of 23 players from the Bundesliga;
• A lethal blend of attacking and defense; and
• They're due.

5 reasons why Argentina will win the World Cup:

• A European side has never won the World Cup in South America;
• A surprisingly good recent record against Germany;
• All Lionel Messi needs is one opportunity;
• Haven't conceded a goal in 373 minutes; and
• 100,000 supporters will be in Rio for the final.

Injury News

For Argentina, the status of Angel di Maria remains unknown. It's expected that Sergio Aguero will be available as a substitute.

For Germany, defender Mats Hummels is still not 100% fit, but he's expected to start because he's by far the best center back the team has, even at less than optimal.

Random Facts

Netherlands forward Arjen Robben has traveled almost 80 kilometers after seven World Cup matches.

Colombia's James Rodriguez is the tournament's leading scorer with six goals from 17 shots.

Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano has completed more passes than any other player with 478. His success rate with passes is 87%.

Netherlands goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen has made the most saves at the World Cup with 18, while only conceding four goals.

Germany's 7-1 victory over Brazil had the most goals, Belgium's 2-1 victory over the United States had the most attempts on target with 52, Costa Rica's penalty shoot-out win over Greece had the most cards shown with seven in total and Argentina's penalty shoot-out win the Netherlands had the most completed passes with 1,457.

5 Must Reads

The two histories of the World Cup final.

Why the third place game needs to be eliminated.

Pele remembers despair of last Maracana final.

Brazil protests fizzled, but roots of anger remain.

5 players to watch after the World Cup.

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Finally, Your Moment of Fandom Paid Off

Robin van Persie, after winning the third place match, gave his captain's armband to this Dutch super fan.