Image source, AFP

The excitement is building among the Germany squad.

Germany midfielder Toni Kroos via Twitter:, external "Matchday!!! #GERARG #worldcup2014 #finale Thanks for your support!"

As a counterpoint to our pundits' selection, statisticians Opta have also provided their 2014 World Cup XI based on cold, hard data.

Mats Hummels, James Rodriguez, Toni Kroos and Thomas Muller make the cut in both line-ups. Which line-up is closest to your team of the tournament?

As the World Cup draws to a close, BBC Sport pundits Alan Shearer, Chris Waddle, Rio Ferdinand and Tim Vickery have got their heads together to work out their team of the tournament.

You can see how they came to their decision during Match of the Day's uninterrupted live coverage of the World Cup final on BBC One from 19:00 BST.

Do you agree with their selection? If not, what changes would you make and why?

Let us know via Twitter (using the hashtag #bbcworldcup), text (81111) or the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Dan Roan
BBC Sport

Image source, @danroan

"Just a few of the 25,000 security personnel at the Maracana - biggest security operation in Rio's history."

BBC Radio 5 live

Ian Payne is building up to the World Cup final on BBC Radio 5 live right now - and there's an alternative look at the tournament from 17:00 BST.

Live commentary from Rio will come from Mike Ingham and Alan Green with analysis provided by Chris Waddle and Danny Mills, before we round things off on 5 live at 22:30 when Darren Fletcher and Jason Roberts will take your calls on a special World Cup 606.

Whether you are watching or listening, make sure you also stay with us here on the BBC Sport website for live text commentary of the match itself.

Image source, Informaco Extra/O Estado De Sao Paulo

It might be the day of the World Cup final but the Brazilian press are still sticking the boot into coach Luiz Felipe Scolari and his players.

Following Brazil's defeat to Netherlands in the third place play-off the headlines in Informaco Extra, external reads 'Saco de pancadas' which translates as 'Punching bag'

While O Estado De Sao Paulo, external goes with 'Despedida melancolica' which in English means 'Farewell melancholy'.

Gary Lineker
BBC Sport

"A quick reminder that the World Cup final kicks off at 20:00 BST tonight. We start on BBC One at 19:00. We would be chuffed if you'd join us."

Image source, Getty Images

Italy started the 1982 World Cup unimpressively - and only scaped through the first stage after drawing all three group games.

But they improved dramatically and, led by 40-year-old goalkeeper and captain Dino Zoff, were convincing winners over West Germany in Madrid.

Paolo Rossi, the tournament's top scorer, struck first before Marco Tardelli and Alessandro Altobelli sealed victory.

Throughout the day, Sportsday will be looking back at World Cup finals from the past.

Image source, @OllyFoster/Twitter

BBC Sport's Olly Foster in Rio de Janeiro:, external The number of Argentina fans in Rio is incredible. They own this place at the moment.

Image source, Chris Hurst

BBC Online's Chris Hurst in Rio de Janeiro: After the heavy rain in Rio over the past few days, the sun has finally come back out again for World Cup final day - and thousands of fans are enjoying the weather on Copacabana Beach.

Image source, Getty Images

Everton manager Roberto Martinez, quoted on Fifa.com,, external appears to be hedging his bets ahead of the final:

"At the beginning of the tournament, I thought that it might be a Germany-Argentina final and that Argentina would win. For his career it would be great for Messi to win it to emulate what Maradona did in 1986. But any team that wins a penalty shootout usually loses the next game, so you'd have to fancy Germany.

"So if you look at the stats and follow your head, it's Germany. If I stick with my original prediction, it would be Argentina."

That sounds like Martinez might just be edging towards Germany. Maybe.

Image source, AFP

Germany and Argentina face each other in the final knowing there is a chance a penalty shootout could decide the destination of the famous trophy.

There have already been four shootouts in the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, a joint record along with Italia 1990 and Germany 2006. Another one in the final at the Maracana would make finals history.

Argentina have featured in the most World Cup shootouts, winning four of their five, while Germany have a 100% record, with four wins from four.

BBC Sport has analysed the penalty shootouts at Brazil 2014 and compares them with historic shootout data to see what the sides would need to do to win should the final be decided from 12 yards.

Jozef Brodala:, external Been travelling in South America for a month and our final stop is Buenos Aires - so got to be Argentina today.

James Atkinson:, external Germany in extra time for me!

Wasim Fazel:, external Here is hoping for an Argentine win, with Messi magic, and of course, it has to be the BBC - can't wait! #excited

Image source, Getty Images

Controversy delayed the start of the 1978 final. First hosts Argentina emerged on to the pitch late, then they protested about a lightweight cast on the arm of Netherlands midfielder Rene van der Kerkhof. The match eventually kicked off 10 minutes late.

For the second final in a row, the Dutch fell to the World Cup's host nation in the final. Mario Kempes scored twice - including once in extra-time. But with the match poised at 1-1, Rob Rensenbrink could have won it for the visitors - only to hit the post.

Argentin's success had a knock-on effect in England. After the tournament, two members of their winning squad - Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa - joined Tottenham.

Throughout the day, Sportsday will be looking back at World Cup finals from the past.

Image source, @shakira

Colombian singer Shakira will perform at the World Cup final at the Maracana - although she hasn't the foggiest who is going to lift the trophy.

She says on Twitter:, external "At Maracana hours away from the final! I would love to have Paul the octopus to help me, but he already died, poor thing. So I cannot predict anything for this final."

Image source, AFP

Away from the World Cup for a brief moment and Manchester City are in advanced talks with Porto to sign France defender Eliaquim Mangala for about £32m.

The Blues are hopeful of finalising a deal next week for the 23-year-old, who came close to joining City in January.

Mangala was a member of France's 2014 World Cup squad but did not feature in any of their five games.

Image source, AFP

Argentine football-fan Pope Francis held his Sunday Angelus prayer at St Peter's Square in Vatican City earlier and there were plenty of Argentina and Germany fans asking for a bit of divine intervention.

Diplomatically Pope Francis says on Twitter:, external "The World Cup allowed people from different countries and religions to come together. May sport always promote the culture of encounter."

Gary Lineker
BBC Sport

"The day of the World Cup final. Games don't come much bigger!"

Image source, Getty Images

Germany coach Joachim Low believes his side can make history by becoming the first European team to win the World Cup in South America - and set up years of domination.

"We know we can write history," he says. "In the past we have never had this. Latin Americans, on this continent, have dominated all the time. So why not?

"They can go on to play for a number of years. We can play on top of the world for a good number of years, with some young players coming in to reinforce the team."

Conor McMeekin:, external Germany have looked devastating so far, and Argentina have looked average - only one outcome. Argentina to win.

UnSimpleSimon:, external I had Argentina as dark horse to win before the World Cup. Too bad their future just looks dark now. Germany. 3-1 win!

Marcel:, external The only way Argentina can win is when the Germans lose! Germany are far superior overall & should win comfortably.