Germany hoping to avoid penalties in World Cup final

Germany manager Joachim Low has admitted that he is keen for his side to avoid a penalty shootout in the World Cup final against Argentina tomorrow night.

Argentina required penalties to get past the Netherlands in the semi-final on Wednesday, with Alejandro Sabella's men scoring all four of their spot kicks.

Germany themselves have an impeccable record in shootouts over the years but, while Low is confident that his side will be able to deal with the pressure should the final go all the way, he is hoping to decide the game in normal time.

"We hope and expect to decide the match before. Penalty shoot-outs depend on so many things," Low told reporters.

"They're an additional pressure. But all the goalkeepers are ready for that potential. We have tried to analyse the situation."

Tomorrow's match will be a repeat of the 1990 World Cup final, which Germany won to pick up their third and most recent title.