Mario Goetze struck a wonderful extra-time winner as Germany beat Argentina 1-0 to claim the 2014 World Cup at the Estadio Maracana.The Bayern Munich
came off the bench to coolly chest and volley home a sublime goal after
great work by Andre Schuerlle on the left to end a 24-year wait for Die
Mannschaft.
It came with just seven minutes of extra-time remaining and saw Germany secure a fourth world title and become the first European team to win the tournament in South America.The match had begun at a lightning pace but faded badly in the second period and looked all set for a shoot-out until Goetze struck.
Argentina's Gonzalo Higuain blazed a glorious opportunity wide early on before having his moment of redemption stolen away when he was correctly flagged offside while finishing off a sublime move involving Lionel Messi and Ezequiel Lavezzi.For Germany super sub Schuerrle's effort was beaten away by Sergio Romero before Benedikt Hoewedes somehow contrived to crash a free header against the post from inside the six-yard box on the stroke of half time.
Lionel Messi could, and should, have made it his World Cup moment after the restart but dragged wide and it proved to be the best of the action until extra-time when Schuerrle tested Romero and Rodrigo Palacio lobbed off target when clear.Goetze finally made the breakthrough with his wonderful finish and Argentina couldn't recover as Joachim Loew's side held firm to move level with Italy on four world titles - just one behind Brazil.Germany have won the World Cup for a fourth time. Only Brazil (5) have more wins.
A confederation (UEFA) has won three World Cups in a row for the first time.Germany are the first European team to win a World Cup in the Americas.
Argentina failed to have a shot on target in a World Cup game for the first time since the 1990 final vs West Germany.Germany’s total of 18 goals is the most in a World Cup since Brazil scored 18 in 2002.The 2014 World Cup ends with 171 goals, the joint-most in a single World Cup (along with 1998).Argentina conceded a goal in extra time at the World Cup for the first time.Eight games went to extra-time in the 2014 World Cup, a joint-record along with 1990.Christoph Kramer is the first player to make his full World Cup debut in the final since Gustavo Dezotti for Argentina in 1990.Miroslav Klose
played in the 2014 final, 12 years after appearing in the 2002 final.
Only Pele (1958 & 1970) has appeared in finals 12 years apart.Mario Götze’s winning goal was 32nd substitute goal of the tournament, a World Cup record.
The last three World Cup finals have gone to extra-time.
Argentina only trailed for seven minutes in the entire tournament.
Götze was the only player to have more than one shot on target in the final.
Argentina had just 36% possession; their lowest return from a single World Cup match (1966-2014).
TALKING POINT: Are Germany set to dominate? The Germans have finally emerged from their recent role as perennial bridesmaids and proved to be the most consistent side throughout the World Cup. It was a tournament where they came of age and with such a wealth of young talent in the likes of Goetze, Mueller et al they could be set for a Golden era of success.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany): The Bayern midfielder gave an imperious display at the heart of his team. Inventive in attack and solid in his defensive work, he covered every blade of grass on a night where he received a bloody face for his troubles. It will all have been worth it when he takes a look at that winners' medal.
The last three World Cup finals have gone to extra-time.
Argentina only trailed for seven minutes in the entire tournament.
Götze was the only player to have more than one shot on target in the final.
Argentina had just 36% possession; their lowest return from a single World Cup match (1966-2014).
TALKING POINT: Are Germany set to dominate? The Germans have finally emerged from their recent role as perennial bridesmaids and proved to be the most consistent side throughout the World Cup. It was a tournament where they came of age and with such a wealth of young talent in the likes of Goetze, Mueller et al they could be set for a Golden era of success.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany): The Bayern midfielder gave an imperious display at the heart of his team. Inventive in attack and solid in his defensive work, he covered every blade of grass on a night where he received a bloody face for his troubles. It will all have been worth it when he takes a look at that winners' medal.
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