After 32 days of action, intrigues, fun and upsets, the 2014 World Cup finally came to an end last night when Argentina fell 0-1 to Germany at the Maracana stadium.
Germany were crowned World Champions for the fourth time after a stunning extra-time strike by substitute Mario Gotze secured a 1-0 victory over Argentina.
Mario Gotze came off the bench to score a stunning goal in extra-time to win the World Cup for Germany against Argentina.
The Bayern Munich man brilliantly controlled and finished a cross from fellow substitute André Schuerrle for the only goal of the game just seven minutes before the match was due to go to penalties.
Germany sets a new World Cup record as the first European country to win the tournament in a South American soil.
Twenty-four years after their last World Cup triumph, which was also achieved against Argentina, Germany could celebrate again, coach Joachim Low realising a dream that began eight years ago when he first took charge of the National team.
A total of 171 goals had been scored; equaling the same goals netted in France 1998 World Cup.
Two of the tournament’s most successful nations contested the trophy, as Argentina hoped for their third World Cup triumph and Germany won their fourth.
Argentina won the first 3-2 in 1986 but were defeated 1-0 at the 1990 tournament. It will also be the third consecutive World Cup in which the two sides have met, with Germany emerging victorious on two occasions.
La Albiceleste eliminated the Netherlands on penalties to progress to the World Cup final for the fifth time in their history, while Die Mannschaft handed hosts Brazil a resounding 7-1 bashing to enter their eighth final, equaling the widest ever losing margin Brazil have suffered.
This is the third World Cup final between Argentina and Germany (including West Germany). Argentina won the first 3-2 in 1986 but were defeated 1-0 at the 1990 tournament.
Anthony Nlebem
