Javier Mascherano: 'Argentina must restrict space on offer for Germany'

Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano has suggested that the key to stopping Germany in the World Cup final is to restrict the space available to them.

Germany produced a free-flowing attacking display to thrash Brazil 7-1 in their semi-final, and Mascherano believes that it is important for Argentina to learn from the mistakes made by the hosts after booking their own spot at the Maracana with a penalty shootout triumph over the Netherlands.

"On Wednesday we played like we did against Belgium - we didn't give them any options," the 30-year-old told FIFA.com. "Now we will study Germany. Obviously we can't afford to give them the space that Brazil did.

"It will be a final we must play with patience and calm, with hunger and heart."

Sunday's meeting at the Maracana is a repeat of the 1986 and 1990 finals.