A BILLION people worldwide are set to watch the Germany v Argentina World Cup final tonight.
The showpiece event of the FIFA tournament in Brazil is expected to draw in the year's biggest TV audience as the two nations vie for the coveted trophy.
Around 75,000 are expected to watch the match at Rio's Maracana stadium and fans from both countries have travelled to Brazil to watch sporting history.If Germany win they will move up to joint second on the list of all-time winners while Argentina could be tied as the third most successful team.Brazilian authorities will launch their largest ever security operation for the World Cup final tonight.More than 25,000 security personnel, which includes police, soldiers and firefighters, will be deployed in the city for the pivotal match.
The showpiece event in Brazil is expected to draw in the biggest TV audience of the year [EPA] The Germany v Argentina World Cup 2014 final is expected to be watched on TV by one billion people worldwide
There were fears of civil unrest prior to the tournament but protests and riots were mainly isolated to before the World Cup began.Heads of state including German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to be in the stands tonight.Authorities said terrorism, clashes between fans, visiting foreign politicians and the security of Brazil President Dilma Rousseff are the main issues.The Germans will be riding a wave of confidence after thrashing hosts Brazil 7-1 at the semi-final stage.They will be hoping that the crushing win will be the springboard towards their first World Cup trophy in 24 years. It would be their fourth win in total and it would mark the first time a European team has won the World Cup in South America.
Germany will be riding a wave of confidence after thrashing hosts Brazil in the semis [REUTERS]German midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger said: "There is huge anticipation here and in Germany. We have no pressure. "We know how to handle things. We just have to concentrate on our jobs and what makes us strong. "We have to be calm and have clear heads focused on the football."Argentina will be looking to win their third World Cup and clinch their first title since 1986.That tournament, held in Mexico, saw legendary striker Maradona score the infamous "Hand of God" goal against England in the quarter-finals.
Groundsmen tend to the pitch at the Maracana in Rio where the World Cup final is being held [PA]Tonight's game is a repeat of the 1986 and 1990 World Cup finals when the German and Argentina national teams faced one another.Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero was the hero against the Netherlands as he saved twice in the penalty shoot out during their semi-final win.He said: "The most important thing is that our team and our country provide the best image in the eyes of the world, that the world will speak well of Argentina."We will remember what the champions of 1978 and 1986 achieved but we will also try to achieve glory by the fight and heart of this team. "Maybe for many people it is not the dream final because they wanted to play Brazil, but it will be a fantastic game."Argentina captain Lionel Messi will be looking to win the main trophy that has so eluded him in his illustrious career.While German striker Thomas Muller needs to score once to become joint top scorer and twice to clinch the Golden Boot.
The World Cup 2014 final will kick off at 8pm and be shown on BBC One and ITV [PA]Tonight's final is expected to be watched more than the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa.FIFA said 909.6million tuned in to watch one minute of that game.If one billion people tune in to the World Cup 2014 final it will eclipse the 900million people who watched the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony.And it would far exceed the 167million people that watched the Super Bowl this year • The World Cup final kicks off at 8pm GMT and can be watched on BBC One and ITV
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