Germany is in party mode this morning after its national team became World Cup champion for the fourth time following a 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final in Rio De Janeiro.
With the sides unable to be separated in regulation time, a goal to substitute Mario Goetze in the 113th minute proved the difference. Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi had the opportunity to level the game at the death with a long-range penalty kick, but the four-time world player of the year hit his shot high and wide.
The whistle was blown a minute later, the German players launching into wild celebrations while their opponents were left heartbroken after their close shave with football immortality. The result was especially satisfying for Germany coach Joachim Loew, who claimed his first major title after near misses at the 2008 European Championships and 2010 World Cup.
While the score was 0-0 after 90 minutes, the final wasn’t the cautious affair many predicted. Both sides showed a willingness to attack, Argentina looking the more threatening in the first half. The best opportunity fell to striker Gonzalo Higuain, who found himself one on one with Germany keeper Manuel Neuer after an errant back header landed near his feet. But the Napoli marksman scuffed his shot, spraying it wide of the goal.
Higuain thought he had atoned for the miss later in the half when he found the net after a pinpoint cross from Ezequiel Lavezzi. Luck, however, wasn’t on the South American team’s side, the goal correctly disallowed for off-side.
Germany had its moments as well. Toni Kroos and Thomas Mueller both came close, before defender Benedikt Hoewedes hit the post just before halftime. When play restarted, Messi looked certain to break the game open after finding space at the edge of the penalty box but pushed his shot across the face of goal.
Germany nearly broke the deadlock at the start of extra-time, Andre Schurrle’s effort forcing a fine reflex save from Argentinian keeper Sergio Romero. Unlike their opponents, however, Germany wasn’t made to rue the missed opportunity. After skillful lead-up work from Schurrle down the right flank, Goetze became the hero of a nation when he chested down a cross and expertly volleyed the ball into the net.
