Mourinho believes Mascherano has to perform if Argentina wants to win WC

Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly of the opinion that defender Javier Mascherano is the man who has to perform if Argentina wants to beat Germany in Sunday's World Cup final.

For Mourinho the World Cup's final is not all about whether Lionel Messi can inspire underdogs Argentina to victory, the key lies with Barcelona's defender Mascherano.

Mourinho said that Messi is a fantastic player, adding that he does not need to win the World Cup to be considered a fantastic or a historical player, but added that for him the striker is not the greatest player of all time, The Daily Express reported.

However, Mourinho added that in Sunday's final, Germany is extremely strong in midfield with Bastian Schweinsteiger, Sami Khedira and Toni Kroos, plus Mezut Ozil and Thomas Muller dropping back.

Mourinho said that Germany is really strong in the central area, where they start controlling the possession of a game and the initiative of a game.

But, Mourinho he added that Argentina is very solid, with the outstanding Mascherano and the tactical discipline of Lucas Biglia, as well as the fantastic effort, running, pressing and covering of spaces from people such as Enzo Perez and Ezequiel Lavezzi closing down the sides.

The Chelsea boss said that the midfield would be a great battle, adding that everybody would be waiting for the big talents to score a goal to win the match.