Maxi Rodriguez desperate to get payback on Germany

Argentina midfielder Maxi Rodriguez has admitted that payback is on his mind ahead of Sunday's World Cup final against Germany.

Rodriguez was successful from the spot before seeing his side knocked out by Germany on penalties in 2006, and was once again a member of the squad when they were thrashed by the same opposition in the last eight four years later, but he is hopeful that Argentina can enjoy revenge at the Maracana.

"Since they knocked us out on the last two occasions, I can't deny that I'm out for payback," the 33-year-old told FIFA.com. "The first time was more painful because it was on penalties.

"In South Africa it was different, because we hardly got into the game, but now it's a final, the most important match we're going to play. Of course I want revenge."

Rodriguez scored from the spot in Argentina's shootout victory over the Netherlands in the last four.