Germany 1-0 Argentina
Germany scored an extra-time winner through substitute Mario Gotze to claim fourth World Cup title, beating Argentina in the final at the Estadio Do Maracana in Rio, Brazil.
Gotze broke the deadlock in the 113th minute after a superb run from Schurrle that had him control the cross on his chest before smashing home past Sergio Romero.
Argentina had an excellent move in the 29th minute when Higuain’s brilliant finish off Lavezzi’s cross found the back of the net for the South Americans but the effort was ruled offside.
Argentina failed to have a shot on target in the entire game despite Barcelona star Lionel Messi striving to propel his team in the same style as the great Diego Maradona, who inspired them to their last World Cup in Mexico City in 1986.
Rodrigo Palacio ought to have found the back of the net for Sabella’s side but could not get the ball under control 7 minutes into extra time as his loop over Neuer harmlessly left of the target.
Messi had the whole world waiting for his delivery and redemption for the Argentines in the 122th minute off a free kick 35 yards out to equalise but the ball sailed over as fans accepted the reality of emerging a losing finalist.
Joachim Loew’s side held on to the last minute of extra time to become the first European team to win in South America. The result meant Germany had defeated Argentina for the second time in the final of the World Cup, having done so in 1990.
Lionel Messi and Manuel Neuer were awarded Golden Ball and Golden Glove accolades respectively just before the runners up medals for Argentina.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter and Angela Merkel crowned the German side Champions as Captain Bastian Schweinsteiger lifted the trophy amidst jubilant teammates accompanied by fireworks above the Maracana Stadium.