Bastian Schweinsteiger: 'Javier Mascherano the leader of pack of wolves'

Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger has compared their World Cup final opponents Argentina to a pack a wolves.

The two sides face each other tomorrow in a repeat of the 1990 final, and Schweinsteiger has said that his side must be on top form to overcome a dogged and determined Argentina team.

"Javier Mascherano is the leader of a pack of wolves - as he showed with the tackle against Arjen Robben to deny him a goal," the 29-year-old told Sky Sports.

"You see what kind of attitude he has for his country. It will not be easy for us. Argentina are a very, very good team who are deservedly in the final. They have world-class players with Lionel Messi, Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero.

"We have to be patient but if we show our quality on the pitch and we have the necessary cleverness then we can beat this team."

Mascherano admitted in the aftermath of his side's semi-final penalty-shootout victory over the Netherlands that he stretched his anus making the challenge to block Robben's injury-time effort.