"We stepped up time and again in the tournament. And at the end you stand there as world champions."
Germany beat Argentina 1-0 to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. Mario Gotze got the extra-time winner for Germany in the final played at the Estadio do Marcana in Rio de Janeiro on 13 July, 2014.
This was Germany’s first football World Cup win since 1990 and fourth title overall.
Germany’s previous World Cup titles came in 1954, 1974 and 1990.
They also became the first European team to lift the World Cup trophy in South America. Netherlands finished third in the competition after defeating Brazil 3-0.
Germany 1 Argentina 0 – AET [World Cup Final] – 8pm (BST) KO, Estadio do Marcana, Rio de Janeiro – Sunday
Germany’s twenty-four year wait to win the FIFA World Cup was over, thanks to an extra-time winner from substitute Mario Gotze. Thus Germany were crowned 2014 FIFA World Cup champions after beating Argentina 1-0.
The atmosphere in Rio de Janeiro was buzzing as thousands of Argentinians descended into the city to follow their team.
The Copacabana beach had been taken over by a sea of blue and white as Brazil’s neighbours drove over the border in their masses.
Amongst the crowd was Chak89 owner, Frank Khalid from England. Posting a picture from Brazil, he tweeted: “I’m with friends and I got the short straw in a wager and I’m now an Argentina Fan! How do I look in my Argentina Shirt?”
At the closing ceremony, official FIFA artist Shakira got the crowd in the mood with a rendition of her worldwide smash hit, Sepp’s Gonna Sexx Ya Up.
Former Spain captain, Carlos Puyol and Supermodel, Gisele Bundchen presented the Jules Rimet Trophy pitch side.
FIFA president Sepp Blatter, Russian President Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff were amongst some of the dignitary’s present.
Former International footballers also attended the match, including David Beckham (England), Pele (Brazil) and Kaka (Brazil).
Just before kick-off Germany were dealt a major blow as Samir Khedira was injured in the warm up and had to be replaced by Christoph Kramer.
The game started off quietly as neither side wanted to give anything away. Describing the game, DJ Noreen Khan tweeted: “Considering how entertaining this World Cup has been, final is quite disappointing.”
The best chance fell to Argentina in the 23rd minute as a dreadful back header by Toni Kroos fell to Gonzalo Higuain. Higuain was through on goal but completely missed the target.
Chances were far and few between for both teams as neither Lionel Messi nor Thomas Muller could deliver any magic.
The German’s should have gone in front just before half time. Benedikt Howedes was totally free in the box and from six yards his header hit the post.
As the second half got under way, Messi got in behind the German defence as he hit a low shot, which went narrowly past German goalkeeper, Manuel Neuer and the far post.
In the 87th minute, the all-time leading World Cup goal scorer, Miroslav Klose was substituted to a standing ovation as he was replaced by Mario Gotze.
In extra-time, Andre Schurrle had the best chance early on but the game was destined for a penalty shootout until seven minutes from the end.
Schurrle ran down the left and his cross was splendidly controlled onto his chest by Gotze, before he volleyed the ball across Sergio Romero into the top corner of the net. The goal from the young German was a combination of great technique and a wonderful finish.
The German fans went ballistic and were sensing their fourth World Cup win. The European side managed by Joachim Low held their nerves to be crowned world champions once again.
This was Germany’s eighth World Cup final as their twenty-four year long wait to lift the World Cup was over. At the end of the match, German captain, Philipp Lahm said:
“Whether we have the best individual players or whatever does not matter, you have to have the best team.”
He added: “We stepped up time and again in the tournament. And at the end you stand there as world champions – an unbelievable feeling. The team has remained quiet and patient.”
Brazil 0 Netherlands 3 – [Third Place Play-Off] — 9pm (BST) KO, Estadio Nacional, Brasilia – Saturday
Netherlands defeated Brazil 3-0 to finish third in the competition. Robin van Persie, Danny Blind and Georginio Wijnaldum scored for Netherlands as Brazil suffered back to back home defeats for the first time since 1940.
Commenting on Brazil’s performance, Bollywood legend, Amitabh Bachchan tweeted: “Brazil, magical football has been taken over by the rest of the world. Time to evolve! Feels horrid to see you beaten at your own game.”
Fans have been mesmerised by some brilliant football over the past thirty-two days. In total sixty-four matches were played, which included some breath-taking goals and team performances.
There was a record breaking 171 goals scored in Brazil, including two hat-tricks.
Algeria, Cost Rica, Iran and Colombia shocked a few teams along the way with some sublime football. However the biggest story of the tournament was when host nation Brazil were annihilated in their own country by Germany.
Congratulations to James Rodriguez (Colombia) for winning the Golden Boot as the tournaments top scorer with six goals.
Manuel Neuer was awarded the Golden Glove for being the best keeper, whilst Lionel Messi received the Golden Ball for the best player of the World Cup.
If this World Cup was anything to go by with the quality on offer, one cannot wait for Russia 2018.
Loading ...