The biggest game in European and possibly world football is just a day away, Wembley is the stage & two teams will be watched by the world. The question on everyone's lips is, who will win?.
The obvious answer to that question is, a German team will win. The Germans have dominated this season's competition and rightly deserve to have two teams in this years final. Both Dortmund & München have been worthy adversary's, both have ruled the German leagues in recent times and both will be gunning for the trophy.Both managers have had the ability to get the best out of their players, perhaps in then case of Dortmund...playing beyond themselves as their manager has said. This is not meant in a disrespectful way towards his charges, rather a leveler and mind game perhaps.
Earlier this week Klopp mentioned that if they manage to lift the trophy this weekend they will not be the best team in the world, instead they have beaten the best team in the world.
After Bayern's demolishion of Barcelona, many pundits have put them as favourites. It is a safe bet and you can't really argue, they have set the standard domestically (league wise) and in Europe. They have it all, strength, power, pace, skill, experience and leadership all over the pitch. You can't really see them losing, but they have found themselves in Europe's major final in recent times and not been able to get the W.
This may not be such a big concern because of their form this season but it does stick in the back of player's minds, its all about BMT. Physically a team can be prepared for such an occasion but mentally they could struggle, yes everyone will focus on the players, stats, injuries and so on. I felt we should look at the encounter differently, I believe what will count is how they manage the occasion in their heads.
Bayern have experience to rely on, they have played in games of this magnitude before so perhaps their players will be more at ease. As for Dortmund, this is their first time and the occasion perhaps could get the better of them...this isn't any old game its possibly the biggest competition in the world.
KEY POINTS
Experience vs. Inexperience
Positives
Knowledge and firmiliarity, the surroundings are not daunting. The crowd, cameras, press and media will not shake Bayern and the players will be able to relax more and gather routine to adjust. The anticipation will not be as great, sleep before the game will be easier, nerves before the game will be there but not as stomach turning. Experience of losing two finals, will drive them on to make right the third time.
Dortmund don't know the feeling of playing in a Champions League final, in their minds its perhaps just another game. Nobody gave them a shout to get this far, so what's stopping them from winning. No fear of the unknown, to Dortmund they have beaten Bayern in finals before so they believe they can do it again.
Negatives
Over eagerness to make the past wrongs-right, over thinking and trying too hard to make things work. Doubt, because of their awful record in the finals of late, any hint of doubt and self pity will destroy morale and form.
If things take the wrong turn for Dortmund early on, the panic button could be pressed and everything could go tumbling down. The occasion could be too much for some the youngsters, these athletes thrive on pressure but a final is another ball game.
This is destined to be a wonderful battle, we praying for good football and not a cagey affair.
Prediction
My head tells me Bayern but my gut tells me Dortmund, I'm all for the underdog so I say Dortmund to win in a penalty shoot-out.
Enjoy tomorrow's game and thanks for reading.
By Denis Lugemwa
