Sunday evening will draw the curtains on one of the most memorable and distinct World Cups in recent years, although it will end in a somewhat familiar manner - a Germany v Argentina final.
In fact, this will be the third World Cup final meeting between the two nations, after 1986 and 1990, although Germany was still divided by the Berlin wall during this time.
Maradona : "Germany are full of themselves"
It was the South Americans who prevailed, winning their second World Cup, in Mexico City in 1986, while Germany were crowned champions of the World at Italia '90.
Diego Maradona, Argentina's unrivaled hero of 1986, believes that the current side's humility may be the deciding factor at the Maracana.
Speaking of the opposition, Maradona said: "[Germany] are, as we say, full of themselves. That is better for Argentina. They are not impossible [to beat]."
Meanwhile, Franz Beckenbauer, who has won World Cups as a player and manager in 1974 and 1990 respectively, believes the key for Germany lies in keeping Lionel Messi quiet.
"Of course, there is the superstar Lionel Messi, who, if you don't keep him under control, could decide the final with one stroke of genius".
Argentina's road to the final, arguably, has been relatively easy. Three wins out of three in a group that included Nigeria, Iran and new boys Bosnia.
In the Last 16 against Switzerland, an Angel Di Maria goal in extra-time was enough to set up a Quarter Final tie with Belgium, which they won 1-0, before beating The Netherlands via a penalty shoot-out.
Germany topped Group G, despite drawing with Ghana 2-2 in their second game. A seven point total was guaranteed after wins over Portugal (4-0) and USA (1-0).
In the Round of 16, Die Nationalmannschaft needed an extra half hour to dispose of Algeria, a Mats Hummels header saw off France in the last 8 and they dealt Brazil with a crushing 7-1 defeat in the semi-finals, of course.
7 of tomorrow's finalists have been nominated for the Golden Boot. Thomas Müller, Mats Hummels, Philip Lahm and Toni Kroos for the Germans, Lionel Messi, Javier Mascherano and Angel Di Maria for Argentina.
However, Angel Di Maria remains a doubt for the final itself, having torn a thigh muscle. His father, Miguel, said: "he's confident he will make it. I also think he will play in the final, even if it is just for a few minutes."
Both first choice goalkeepers, Manuel Neuer and Sergio Romero, have been nominated for the Golden Glove, the award given to the tournament's best goalkeeper.
A Germany win will mean a fourth World Cup in total, having lifted the trophy in 1954, 1974 and 1990. However, a win on Sunday may hold slightly more signifigance than the previous three, '74 and '90 at least, as it will be the first time they have won the tournament as a re-unified country.
Argentina will be looking to add a third star to their shirt, contributing to the successes of 1978 and 1986, which were won in Argentina and Mexico respectively.
Sergio Romero has spoken of the need to remember those previous successes without forgetting about their own qualities as a side.
"We will remember what the champions of 1978 and 1986 achieved but we will also try to achieve glory by the fight and heart of this team" said the 27 year old.
Whatever the outcome of Sunday's final, it promises to be an exciting contest between two of the most powerful sides on the national stage.
