Taking part in a FIFA World Cup™ final is something that precious few footballers get to experience in their careers. The list of those who have emerged victorious on the biggest stage of them all is more rarefied still.
Today, the players of Spain and Argentina will be looking to achieve lifelong dreams as they take to New York New Jersey Stadium with the aim of lifting the trophy.
Jurgen Klinsmann, who helped West Germany win the coveted title over Argentina at Italy 1990, explained to FIFA that taking part in a World Cup final is an experience unlike any other.
"It's a uniqueness of that game because everyone involved in a World Cup final understands it might only happen once in your lifetime. The magnitude is enormous, it's what everyone dreams about — every player, coach, staff member, fan dreams about their country being in a World Cup final at one point in their life," he said.
Klinsmann added the challenge of taking part in a World Cup final all is more mental than physical. "You are prepared for it, you played the whole tournament, you are in a good run and in a positive moment because both teams who end up in a World Cup final are there for a reason," he said. "It's about finishing it off for your team so it's about handling your nerves and staying balanced and staying calm and enjoying it to a certain extent. But all that is easier said than done."
The three-time World Cup participant — with two further as a coach — says it's vital to play the game rather than the moment.
"If it's possible, you have to stick to your game plan and your job that you need to get done for your team... and stay grounded and balanced. There is a lot that goes into it and usually the quality comes through most likely," he noted.
And what does it feel like to actually win a World Cup final? "It is something you don't realise when you do it... then it's party time and you party for days and nights. It's something that comes to you after your career, it makes it more understandable when you stop playing because you do other jobs and things and you will always be remembered for that World Cup final with the people who saw it.
"Even football fans from other countries around the world will remind you where they were and what they did in that specific moment in time. It is something that will always stay with you and that is the amazing thing about winning a World Cup. It changes your life, no matter what."
Sources: FIFA Official
