Ard Mhacha, I agree that the quality of the German teams (I'm speaking here only about those that reached the finals) varied over the times. I personally think, the team that lost to England in 1966 was the best and most convincing German team (of 1954, I have only seen those 30 seconds that are repeated about once every month) and I think the German vice champion team of 1982 was the worst by far.

The fans have a good feeeling for that. Nobody wanted to cheer the 1982 team when they came back and the 1966 team got a rousing reception. The present team is better, in my eyes than the 1982 and the 1986 teams, but worse than all others.

Some statistics: From 1950 on, there has only be one final without either Brazil or Germany, in 1978 (and everybody who remembers knows that Brazil should have been in the final instead of Argentine), but the present final is the first with both team in. Brasil has won most of its finals by more than one goal (5:2, 4:1,...), Germany has won always by one goal (3:2, 2:1, 1:0). The closest victory was by Brazil ,however, in that incredibly boring 0:0 (win on penalties) against Italy in 1994 (worst Brazil team in my eyes). Brazil has won 4 of its 6 finals, Germany has won 3 out of 6. In friendlies, Germany has won 3 out of 17 against Brazil, the worst record Germany has against any team of the world.

If it was a best of five decision I'd give 95% for Brazil winning. In a single game, the outcome can be surprising, but I'd give Brazil a two third or even three quarter chance of winning. I'd say it'll be a one-sided game with a clear winner.

I hope for a less one-sided game, of course.

Wolfgang