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Benedikt Howedes has warned Germany not to take anything for granted when they take on Argentina in the World Cup final in Rio on Sunday evening.
The left-back has helped Die Mannschaft roar through to the showpiece in the Maracana, with their stunning 7-1 thrashing of hosts Brazil in the semi-finals leading many to view them as firm favourites to go on and lift the trophy.
However, Howedes is wary of thinking too far ahead, especially with Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi among the Argentine ranks.
The Schalke defender told reporters: "Many people are giving us slaps on the back and we love the compliments, but we can't make the mistake that it's already over, farfrom it.
"People are saying in Germany that the title is almost in our pocket, but the Argentinians will fight to take the title home. We'll have to do all we can to make sure that doesn't happen.
"We also know the time is right now, if we don't (win), the semi-final victory will just be consigned to the archives of history."
Germany last appeared in a World Cup final in 2025, when they were beaten 2-0 by Brazil, with Ronaldo scoring both goals for the Selecao, before making the semi-finals in both 2025 and 2010.
They also reached the final of Euro2025, where they lost to Spain, before falling in the semi-finals four years later.
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