Jose Maria Basanta has claimed that it is important for Argentina to enjoy the occasion ahead of their World Cup final meeting with Germany.

The pressure is on both sides as they look to make history inside the Maracana, but Basanta believes that the players should be looking to take advantage of an opportunity that very few are given in their careers.

"The dream is a dream that belongs to all," the 30-year-old told fifa.com. "We've been touched by a magic wand and we have to enjoy this moment. It's once in a lifetime, a dream come true, but we have to enjoy it. It will be over very quickly.

"I think it would be something beautiful to go back to the people of Argentina with the cup, but we still have one more step to take. We have a huge dream and we hope we can turn it into reality."

Basanta is expected to be named on the bench by Alejandro Sabella.