As in politics, Deputy President William Ruto and Coalition for Reforms leader Raila Odinga will be on opposing sides as the curtains on the World Cup come down from 10pm tonight at Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium.
Arch-rivals Germany and Argentina lock horns in what will seem as the repeat of two consecutive world cup finals of 1986 where Argentina won and 1990 where Germany dethroned them.
Interestingly, though, Ruto will be supporting Argentina alongside Raila's co-principals in CORD, Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Senator Minority leader Moses Wetangula. Similarly, Leader of Majority in the National Assembly Aden Duale switches camp tonight to Raila's side, in support of Germany.
Notably, today's premier event showdown will be the first sports contest in history watched live by one billion people. Only the Olympic opening ceremony comes close to matching the one billion figure. England fans are expected to blow a massive £40m betting on the match.
Opposition rivalry between Raila and Amani coalition leader Musalia Mudavadi, who is on the Argentina side, will remain as Mudavadi, though feeling Germany has some chance, is on the Argentina side.
Political tension that has been experienced in the country in recent weeks between the two main political divides (Jubilee and CORD), will therefore be temporarily suspended when Germany and Argentina take the stage for the much anticipated World Cup final tonight.
The close of the most popular global bonanza that has captivated the minds of both the poor, as well as the high and mighty, has created the best opportunity for political adversaries to find themselves on one side passionately cheering their favourite team.
The 90 minutes if the winner is decided in regulation time, or the 120 minutes if the match has to go to extra time, may prove the much needed bonding session for some, whose relations had of late been poisoned by the talk of Saba-Saba rallies, Mass action and now the push for referendum by the opposition CORD. Italian Nicola Rizolli will oversee the match.
Things could be even worse if the match goes to the dreaded spot-kicks, as those in opposing camps will have to pray as each single kick is taken, while hoping for divine intervention since at this stage, soccer experts opine the match can go either way, not necessarily to the best team.
Germany versus Argentina, the third time these two have contested though yes, to be precise, it was actually West Germany rather than the whole thing that played the first two, all the result of Berlin having the best defensive wall in the game, and no need for any of that shaving foam to keep people in position – machine guns and barbed wire are altogether more persuasive.
Tonight's encounter will renew rivalry as two time champions Argentina hunt their third title against The Germans who denied them the title in a 0-1 loss in the 1990 finals in Italy. The Argentinians had beaten the Germans 3-2 to lift the 1986 trophy.
In recent times the Europeans have triumphed over the South Americans. Germany demolished Argentina 4-0 in their 2010 world cup encounter in South Africa.
All eyes will be on the world's football superstar Lionel Messi as he leads his side against the super team. Unlike the star-studded Germany Argentina have been highly depended on their talisman Messi who has not disappointed to this end. Gonzalo Higuain has also impressed for the South Americans.
Goalkeeper Sergio Romero is in good form as he saved two penalties to send Argentina into the finals in 24 years. Manchester City's duo of Pablo Zabaleta and Martin Demichelles have kept a clean sheet in defense not conceding a goal in their knockout round matches.
Still in the run for the golden boot Germany's Thomas Muller with five goals is also a player to watch as he will try to score goals and go past James Rodriguez of Costa Rica who has six goals. Phillip Lahm and Mats Hummels will be in defense to keep Messi and his team at bay.
Head to Head
These two teams played 20 times against each other before. Argentina won 9, Germany 6, and 5 of those ended in a draw. There were 56 goals scored in total. Both scored 28 each. So, basically there is nothing that can separate the two in terms of overall past records. Germany, however, has a better record against Argentina in world cups. (West) Germany won against the South American team in 1958 (3-1), 1990 (1-0 in final), 2006 (4-2 in penalty shoot-out) and 2010 (4-0). Argentina won only in 1986 (3-2 in final).
Key matchups
Thomas Muller vs Marcos Rojo
If Thomas Muller isn't truly a forward when he's deployed up front, he's certainly not a right-winger when used on the right.
Since being moved there by Joachim Low ahead of Germany's quarterfinal victory against France, he has stayed in extremely advanced, narrow positions -- often appearing more like a second striker than a wide forward.
And landlords can expect to pocket another £59m this weekend as they screen both tonight's third-place play-off between Brazil and Holland and tomorrow's final. Supporters splashed out £335m in shops and supermarkets on food and drink as they staged World Cup parties and barbecues. The TV industry got a £180m boost as many forked out on big-screen sets to watch the action. And sportswear manufacturers pocketed £175m from the sale of replica strips and souvenir.
Tonight, the Germans won't be so compassionate if the score line reads anywhere near the same. This is the World Cup Final and any team, whether their emotions are running high or not, will go all out. Argentina have a collective belief that their time has finally come after edging out in a nibly encounter versus the Dutch. And it is highly unlikely that the Germans will enjoy such freedom of movement and easeful stride as they did against Brazil. Argentina are here to win it, and their talismanic Lionel Messi will keep them on their toes every second of the game.
But taking a closer look into the two teams tells us that stage of Football couldn't be more perfectly set. Germany and Argentina both offer the two opposite sides through which football functions. In other words, Germany is primarily a Team whereas Argentina are primarily led by one man. Germany have had no stand out player, but their team play has been near perfect, flawless and devastating for any other team who are to come in their path. Argentina have been carried by one man. Though Messi hasn't been the match winner in every game so far, he is Argentina's Halogen light. Not only do Argentina's game play revolve around Messi, but the opponents tactics centre around keeping Messi at bay. So whether we see it with a naked eye or not Messi is always in "medias res", the middle of things.
Key matchups
Bastian Schweinsteiger vs Lionel Messi
Bastian Schweinsteiger always seems a level below the best deep-lying midfielders of this generation, players like Xavi Hernandez and Andrea Pirlo. Converted into that position, having been an inconsistent, flashy winger in his youth, he's never faultless in either aspect of his game -- his ability to dictate play when pressed heavily, or his defensive work.
The former won't be a problem. Leo Messi plays a much more relaxed role for Argentina than at Barcelona, more of an old-fashioned, languid, classic Argentine No. 10 role. He's not expected to press energetically, as became his forte at club level under Pep Guardiola, and instead remains in a position to receive the ball. Schweinsteiger should be able to find pockets of space, especially inside his own half, and play intelligent balls forward into attack.
We know what Messi will do -- drift right, suddenly drop his shoulder and move onto his left foot, and either dribble directly or slide a through-ball between defenders. Schweinsteiger must show the defensive discipline to stop him.
Sami Khedira v Javier Mascherano
Two combative midfielders going head-to-head in something of a Clasico battle. They play different roles, but their meeting in the centre of the pitch will be crucial.
Mascherano has been the outstanding holding midfielder in this tournament, with some steady, reliable defensive performances capped by a quite wonderful display in the semifinal against the Netherlands on Wednesday. The lasting memory of the game was his last-ditch, last-minute tackle on Robben, and it summed up a scrappy, defensive-minded game -- exactly the type of situation Mascherano thrives in.
Key statistics
FIFA Rankings- Germany: 2, Argentina: 5. Goals - Germany 17, Argentina 8
How they got here
Germany: Group stage (Portugal, 4-0, Ghana, 2-2, USA, 1-0); Round of 16: Algeria, 2-1 AET, Quarter-final: France, 1-0; Semi-final: Brazil, 7-1.
Argentina: Group stage: Bosnia, 2-1, Iran, 1-0, 3-2); Round of 16: Switzerland, 1-0; Quarter-final: Belgium, 1-0; Semi-final: Netherlands, 0-0 (4-2 on penalties).
Race for the Golden Boot
Germany: Thomas Muller (5)
Argentina: Lionel Messi (4)
Saves and concessions
Manuel Neuer (23 saves, 4 conceded)
Sergio Romero (16 saves, 3 conceded)
Shots
Lionel Messi (16, 50% on target)
Thomas Muller (14, 57% on target)
Passes
Javier Mascherano (509, 90% accuracy)
Toni Kroos (498, 91% accuracy)
Tackles
Javier Mascherano (28, 79% accuracy)
Bernard Howedes (15, 87% accuracy)
A day before the World Cup draws to a close with its showpiece final, Brazil take on the Netherlands in the third/fourth place play-off in Brasilia.
All logic points to a win for Germany, yet Messi has built a career in Catalonia out of defying logic. Now he must do it for his homeland.
Carol Radull-Head of News, Radio Africa Group
“Germany will definitely win 2-1. Unlike Argentina whose game is focused around Lionel Messi, Germany is a machine and playing like a team. It’s a team of eleven talented footballers and it’s always not easy to score Neuer. “
Jacob Ghost Mulee-Former Harambee Stars coach cum soccer commentator
“It’s a difficult match, but my bet is that Germany will probably have the final laugh. Going by their consistency and tactical superiority they are favorites to win the World Cup. Argentina is equally a good side and I respect them for reaching the final, but having played in an extra time against Holland they are not as fresh as Germany who’ve been fully tested in the tournament. Lionel Messi can be out-marked, but with players like Neuer, Kroos, Müller and Klose Germany is a complete side,”
Sam Nyamweya-Chairman Football Kenya Federation
“As the President of FKF I don’t want to predict on the results, but I expect a very tough match. This has been one of the most dramatic, competitive and World Cup finals full of surprises with unexpected results. Nobody could predict the humiliation of defending champions Spain and hosts Brazil. And from my own point of view, it can go either way.”
Hassan Mwana wa Ali-Sports Editor Radio Maisha
“It’s going to be a cracker at Maracana. Germany plays like a team and will certainly outplay Argentina but the South Americans will bank Lionel Messi’s magical to squeeze through. Argentina beat Germany in the 1986 finals and I expect them to do the same either 1-0 or snatch it after penalties.”
Fred Arocho-TV and Radio soccer analyst
“From Germany’s historic 7-1 victory over Brazil, Argentina will for sure approach the final in a courteous manner. But remember never lost a single match in the qualifiers and from number goals conceded so far and the kind of players they’ve, Germany have what it takes to win. The final score will definitely be low, but a 2-1 win for Germany is not bad.”
Joe Kadenge-Kenyan soccer legend
“Unless something else happens, I can see Germany prevailing in the final. I am not quite sure with the score-line but since I was disappointed by Brazil’s show I am rooting for the Germans because they’ve been playing very well.”
Bismarck Mutahi-Senior Sub-Editor Game Yetu
“It’s going to be a very close match. If Germany will not close down Messi then Argentina will easily win it and also if Matt Hummels will not recover in time for the final. Otherwise I will gor with 1-0 for Argentina. Mascherano and Khedira will be key men and whoever comes on top will propel his team to victory.”
Austine Oduor-Kenyan soccer legend
“Yes, Argentina has good individual-talented players, but if Germany continues with the trend they showed in the semis they’ve a great chance to win (2-1). It’s evident the Germans are back on their philosophy of less touches and with team work they’ve an advantage over the South Americans.”
John Kamau-Thika United coach
“Germany are tactically sound and have matured players. They’ve no star player and anybody can score and in Neuer they’ve a world class goalkeeper who can determine the game. Most of the players in the team are from Bayern Munich which has been transformed by Guardiola. If they manage to block Messi’s path, Germany will win (2-1).
Joshua Kemboi-Sports Editor KTN
“Germany goes into the final as favorites and will beat Argentina 2-1. When you look at their formation and the way they’ve been playing all along from the Group stages, the Germans are both tactically and technically superior to Argentina. “
Kipchoge Keino – Nock chairman and two-time Olympic gold medalist
I think Germany will win because they play as a team. The win against Brazil has also inspired them.
