Germany have World Cup final edge, says Argentina boss

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

Sabella's players advanced to the Maracana showpiece in a gruelling extra-time and penalty shoot-out battle with the Netherlands that the Argentina coach described as like a "war."

The fact that Germany have had an extra day's rest and effectively had their 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 and against a team like Germany, 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 football, saying they often produced players with a "South American touch."

"Germany throughout their entire history have always shown physical might, tactical, mental prowess, and have always had players with a certain South American touch," he said.