The sports media has been making a big deal about how only countries from the American continents have won the World Cup when the World Cup Finals have been held in the Americas. Something have changed since the last two (I say two because for a while the media focused only on South American countries winning the World Cup when it has been held in South America) that may make you think about dismissing Germany from being able to win today.
First, keep in mind when these two World Cup Finals were. The last time the World Cup was held in the Americas was in 1994 when the U.S. hosted it. The last time a South American country hosted it was in 1978 when Argentina hosted it. Brazil won the tournament in 1994 and Argentina won it in 1978.
Since 1994 (or 1978 if you want to focus on South America), the availability of data, video, and other scouting material is much easier. Things that were considered difficult to get for a sports team are now easily available on the internet and people can even access the internet with their cell phones.
Players take their professional careers to other countries. As such, they play against or with some of the players they would face when they play for their national team. Players know more about their opponents for the World Cup now simply because they are more familiar with them and their tendencies.
Another effect of players taking their professional careers elsewhere is that they travel more. More clubs are doing international tours during the summer. The more you travel, the more you learn how to deal with the time zone changes. So the effect of the time zone change is not as great as it was in 1994 and 1978.
Germany is the favorite to win today and many are willing to give Argentina the edge simply because of the history of countries in the Americas winning the World Cup when the Finals are held in the Americas. A lot has changed since the last World Cup Final in the Americas or just in South America. That doesn't mean that Germany will definitely win, but I wouldn't write them off simply because of this piece of history. Should Germany win today, this is something you should consider as to why a a country not from the American continent won.
My pick is Germany 3-1 Argentina.
