Sabella says Germany has an edge

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella believes a well-rested Germany will have an advantage against the weary South Americans in Sunday's World Cup final.

Sabella's players advanced to the Maracana showpiece after prevailing in a penalty shootout with the Netherlands that the Argentina coach described as "like a war."

The fact Germany has had an extra day's rest and effectively had its 7-1 win over Brazil wrapped up inside half an hour could be crucial, Sabella said.

"Some of our players are sore, beaten, tired - the results of a war, so to speak," said Sabella.

"We have a final to play, with one day less to prepare. But with work, humility and seriousness, we'll do all we can to make it all the way to the top."

Sabella spoke admiringly of German soccer, saying the European nation often produces players with "a South American touch."

"Germany has always shown physical might, tactical and mental prowess, and has always had players with a certain South American touch," he said.

"The match is extremely difficult and I repeat the fact they haven't played extra time and we've played two. Germany is always a very difficult hurdle to overcome.

"We'll see if it's a minor issue, the fact we played extra time and the Germany game was decided in the first 45 minutes, so they could ease off in the second half. We had to spend all the effort and every last drop of sweat to reach the final."

Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero repelled penalties from Ron Vlaar and Wesley Sneijder in the penalty shootout after a cagey stalemate finished 0-0 following extra time at Corinthians Arena.

Argentina, chasing its third World Cup title, last reached the final in Italy in 1990, when it lost 1-0 to West Germany.

Meanwhile, Sabella praised defensive midfielder Javier Mascherano, who pulled off a sensational block to deny Arjen Robben.

"Mascherano is a symbol, an emblem. We were able to move onto the final and he took this huge weight off his shoulders," Sabella said.

"He's an outstanding player. Other clubs wanted to take him.

"I don't need to make any other comments. (Pep) Guardiola, (Rafa) Benitez, these coaches wanted to take him with them.

"He's an emblem for the national squad on the field of play and off it."