Germany, seeking a fourth World Cup, crushed hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals, while two-time winners Argentina beat Netherlands 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw. Rio is preparing what local authorities claim to be the "largest security operation in the city's history".

Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero, who has not conceded a goal in the knockout phase and was the hero of the win against Netherlands, said: "The most important thing is that our team and our country provide the best image in the eyes of the world, that the world will speak well of Argentina. The Germans will be playing in their eighth World Cup final, more than any other nation, but have won only one of their past four finals. Sunday's game is the climax of a World Cup that is being regarded as a huge success in Brazil, with fears of widespread public protests similar to those that marred last summer's Confederations Cup proving unfounded.(ST)