Bastian Schweinsteiger is confident Germany will not buckle under pressure when they battle Argentina for the biggest prize in world football tonight.
Confidence is coursing through the veins of the Germans after their 7-1 destruction of Brazil.
And although the Germany squad is a young one, it is full of experience.
Manuel Neuer has contested a Champions League final and two German Cup finals.
Miroslav Klose, 36, made the World Cup final 12 years ago when Germany lost to Brazil, and Schweinsteiger himself has played in 11 finals during his 12-year career.
The Bayern Munich midfielder thinks that experience will come in handy at Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana Stadium today.
“There’s huge anticipation, but we have no pressure on us,” he said on the eve of the match.
“We have lots of players among our 23-man squad who have played in finals at a high level.
“We know how to handle things. We even have Miroslav Klose who has played in a World Cup final before, but others who have played in big finals for their clubs and have been outstanding.
“We just have to concentrate on our jobs and what makes us so strong.”
Schweinsteiger was part of the Germany squad that made it to the last four in South Africa four years ago.
After hammering Brazil in such convincing style during the semi-finals, the 29-year–old midfielder is extremely confident of taking home his first World Cup winner’s medal.
He said: “I just have a good feeling about the game.
“I’m quite confident for this final and really looking forward to it.
“We’re in top shape after the match against Brazil.
“We know we have the capacity to play good football. We just have to tap into our potential.”
Much has been made of Argentina’s reliance on Lionel Messi during this tournament, but Schweinsteiger is wary of the quality in the rest of the opposition squad.
Of particular concern to Schweinsteiger is Javier Mascherano, who kept Argentina in the World Cup with a crucial last-gasp challenge against Arjen Robben in the semi-final.
“Mascherano was the leader of a pack of wolves in the semi-final,” Schweinsteiger added.
“I remember the last minute against Holland when he tackled Arjen Robben and stopped him from scoring. That shows his attitude.
“It will certainly not be easy for us, but I’m quite convinced that, if we are able to play to our potential, we can beat even such a top-class team.”
