Brazilian legend Pele has tipped his fellow countrymen to record a fifth World Cup triumph while Germany’s greatest ever player, Franz Beckenbauer, has backed Rudi Voller’s side to pull of a surprise win on Sunday.
“Four months ago nobody would have thought these two teams would make the final,” Pele said.
“However, for me the two strongest teams are here. This will be a match of attackers versus the defence, as Brazil has the best scorers and Germany has the best defenders.
“Brazil could do it, I trust Brazil. But I don’t want to say Brazil is the favourite, as all the favourites have gone home,” he added.
Beckenbauer meanwhile, perhaps basing his assessment on loyalty than cold logic, disaggreed.
“I will stick my neck out and say Germany will win 1-0 after extra-time – with a golden goal from Miroslav Klose,” said the man who skippered West Germany to their 1974 success and was in charge the last time Germany won the World Cup in 1990.
“We have in Oliver Kahn easily the world’s best keeper and Germany have unbreakable team spirit,” he added.
