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19 March 2024

Fifa World Cup 2014 Final: Magical Goetze eclipses Messi as Germany win World Cup

Published
By Football Correspondent and Agencies

Mario Goetze's superb extra-time volley sealed a fourth World Cup for Germany with a 1-0 win over Argentina in a thrilling final on Sunday as they became the first European team to triumph on South American soil.

A thunderous third final meeting between Germany, 7-1 conquerors of Brazil in the last four, and bitter rivals Argentina was settled by a stunning goal from substitute Goetze befitting of such an outstanding tournament.

With only seven minutes remaining, and the game seemingly headed for penalties, Andre Schuerrle escaped down the left and sent in a spinning cross that 22-year-old Goetze controlled on his chest before slamming the ball past keeper Sergio Romero.

The magical strike meant Germany broke the South American stranglehold on World Cups held in the Americas, and Goetze became the first substitute to score the winner in the final.

The result also left Argentina forward Lionel Messi without the title he so craved to crown his glittering career.

"All of Germany is world champion now," the winners' immense goalkeeper Manuel Neuer said after the Germans added the title to West Germany's triumphs of 1954, 1974 and 1990.

Only Brazil, with five World Cups, have won the trophy more times.

"We're going to celebrate for at least five weeks now. At some point we'll stop celebrating but we'll always keep waking up with a smile," Neuer added.

It will be a richly deserved smile.

As badly as all of Argentina hankered for a triumph in Brazil, Germany were worth their win over a subdued Messi and his team mates who counter-attacked dangerously but lacked the killer touch in front of goal, failing to get a shot on target.

Messi, attempting to emulate the great Diego Maradona by leading Argentina to a World Cup triumph, had a poor final which was summed up with almost the last kick of the game when he had a chance to equalise with a free kick 30 metres out.

However, the man awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player never troubled the world's best goalkeeper, blasting his effort high and wide seconds before the final whistle.

Although the scoreline was the same as West Germany's 1-0 win over Argentina in 1990, it never reflected that dour game in Rome and had far more in common with their exciting final in 1986 which a Maradona-inspired Argentina won 3-2 in Mexico City.

Both teams went looking to create chances in an open, attacking match that proved a real contrast in styles.

Germany passed and moved the ball around far more than Argentina who relied on counter attacks but with scant reward.

"We gave it all, all our bodies could endure," Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano said.

"The pain is immense because we wanted to take the cup back to Argentina.

"The pain will last forever."

GERMANY ROCKED

Germany's preparations were rocked before kickoff when midfielder Sami Khedira, one of the tournament's best players, pulled a calf muscle in the warm-up.

He was replaced by Christoph Kramer, who had only played for 12 minutes as a substitute against Algeria and France.

But Kramer only lasted 32 minutes before a collision with Ezequiel Garay's shoulder left him looking dazed and confused.

Germany coach Joachim Loew replaced him with Schuerrle in an attacking midfield role with Mesut Ozil dropping back into a more defensive position.

Germany still dominated possession and came close to making their superiority pay off when Benedikt Hoewedes headed powerfully against a post just before the interval, although a linesman's flag was up for offside.

Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain should have done far better before that, though, when he was gifted a chance in the 20th minute following a careless header towards his own goal by Germany midfielder Toni Kroos.

WASTED CHANCE

The loose ball went straight to Higuain but, with only Neuer to beat, he dragged his shot embarrassingly wide.

Ten minutes later he swept the ball home after a perfect cross from Ezequiel Lavezzi and went on a long celebratory run thinking he had scored, but he was rightly flagged offside.

Four-times World Player of the Year Messi did have a good chance two minutes after the break when he escaped the shackles of the defence but his angled left-foot shot went narrowly wide.

As the half progressed there was an air of inevitability that the match would move into extra time, although Kroos could have settled it if he had struck an 82nd-minute shot with greater accuracy instead of side-footing the ball wide.

A pivotal moment came in the 88th minute when Miroslav Klose, Germany's 36-year-old striker who set the all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals in the demolition of Brazil, went off to be replaced by the baby-faced Goetze.

Klose, playing in his fourth and last World Cup, was given a standing ovation as he left the field, but an even greater German celebration was drawing closer.

Argentina could have broken the deadlock in the first period of extra time when exhausted defender Mats Hummels allowed substitute Rodrigo Palacio a chance to score but Neuer came out fast and the forward lobbed his effort wide.

The decisive moment was not far away, however, and it gave the World Cup a fitting finale.

Goetze took the ball down on his chest brilliantly from Schuerrle's cross and sweetly fired home the 171st goal of the tournament to equal the record set in France in 1998.

BRILLIANT GOAL

Germany won the World Cup for the fourth time on Sunday when substitute Mario Goetze volleyed in a brilliant goal seven minutes from the end of extra time to secure a 1-0 victory over Argentina at the Maracana.

The game had seemed destined for penalties until fellow substitute Andre Schuerrle escaped down the left and sent in a cross that Goetze controlled on his chest before slamming home.

"We’re going to celebrate for at least five weeks now," said Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. "At some point we’ll stop celebrating but we’ll always keep waking up with a smile.

"We did it and it's unbelievable. In the preparation we had some setbacks. We have to think of the guys not here. They are world champions now too," he added.

Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella, said: "I feel sadness not to have been able to win the tournament but pride in the team that played a great game.

"I congratulate the players. They are a pride to the nation for the efforts they made and the tournament they played."

Germany dominated possession but Argentina were always dangerous on the break and had the best of the few chances.

The clearest of them came after 20 minutes when Tony Kroos's misdirected header sent Gonzalo Higuain clear, only for the striker to drag his shot badly wide with the goal at his mercy.

Lionel Messi struggled to impose himself on the game and, though he shot just wide right at the start of the second half, he looked short of fitness and drifted out of the action.

As both teams tired the game went into extra time and Argentina substitute Rodrigo Palacio had a great chance when through but touched the ball wide.

Another penalty shootout had looked certain until Goetze, who began the tournament as first choice for Germany, had the final word with a memorable goal.

Having won the title in 1954, 1974 and 1990 - as West Germany - this triumph makes them the first European team to lift the trophy in the Americas.

Argentina's losing captain Lionel Messi coyly accepts the GOLDEN BALL award for the best player of the tournament.

GOLDEN GLOVE is awarded to Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.

FULL-TIME (EXTRA-TIME)

Argentina 0 Germany 1 (Gotze 113")

Mario Gotze is the toast of a nation as his brilliant extra-time strike has given Germany their fourth World Cup.

Germany become the first European team to win on South American soil.

120+2" It's all over for Argentina as Messi sprays the free kick into the crowd.

120+2" Schweinsteiger concedes a free kick as he mows down Messi.

120" Ozil makes way for his Arsenal team mate Mertesacker.

119" Muller breaks free and nearly doubles the lead for Germany poking it across the face of goal.

118" Messi heads a cross well over the bar.

117" Neuer rushes to deny Rojo who zooms into the box.

Argentina 0 Germany 1 (Gotze 113")

113" GOAL! Gotze has got the golden goal for Germany with a superb finish after a breathtaking run from deep on the left and whipping in a cross which is chested down and lashed into the back of the net.

110" Another clash of head between Muller and Demichelis.

109" Schweinsteiger is floored after being caught accidentally by the hand of Aguero during an aerial challenge.

107" Mascherano and Biglia clip Schweinsteiger but the free kick hits the wall.

106" Argentina get the second period of extra-time under way.

HALF-TIME (EXTRA-TIME)

Argentina 0 Germany 0

105" Lahm is down for a moment after stopping Palacio in his tracks.

103" Mascherano is felled by an aerial challenge from Kroos.

102" Schweinsteiger is tugged back by Mascherano.

100" Mascherano to the rescue after Lahm orchestrates an attack from the right.

97" Argentina finally get into the German half who escape again after Palacio gets a lucky break chesting the ball down but his chip over the advancing Neuer is off target.

95" Germany have lifted the tempo of the game displaying their energy and appetite to attack.

93" Aguero fires a shot right across goal after being put into space.

91" Germany are on the ball in extra-time and almost hit the net with Schurrle's shot being bocked by Romero.

FULL TIME

Argentina 0 Germany 0

90+2" Zabaleta foils a promising move by Germany.

90+1" Gotze has a crack at goal from long range even as Muller runs into the box.

90" There are three minutes of stoppage time.

88" Klose is given a wonderful ovation as he makes way for Gotze.

87" Messi is denied by Boateng after attempting to weave his way through.

86" Argentina make their final change as Fernando Gago comes in for Perez.

85" Both sides are stepping up the ante even as the final seems headed for extra-time.

84" Demihellis and Garay combine well to deny Germany while Aguero slips at the other end after Messi plays him in.

82" Kroos slides his shot wide of the far post from the centre after a fine pass from Ozil.

80" Argentina scramble to defend with Howedes and Muller going to ground but no penalty given.

79" A Germany corner is cleared to safety.

78" Messi beats his marker with a brilliant turn of feet but Neuer gathers and sets Germany on a quick counter.

77" Palacio comes on for Higuain to bring some fresh legs for Argentina.

74" Messi shrugs off a couple of defenders but slams wide of the far post without troubling Neuer.

72" Argentina have virtually pitched camp in the German half.

70" Germany scent an opportunity after Schurrle goes through but the ball runs away from him.

69" Neuer punches away a Zabaleta cross.

67" Demichelis defends with a header back to Romero as Schurrle lurks.

65" YELLOW! Cards are flying at a frenzied pace with Aguero getting one for a foul on Schweinsteiger.

64" YELLOW! Mascherano is booked for a lunging tackle on Klose as he tries to make amends following a mistake.

63" Hummels and Aguero engage in a shoving match with Argentina winning a corner.

62" Germany break and Schurrle crosses but Ozil gets into a tangle.

59" Klose misses with a downward header from a wonderful cross by Lahm with Romero collecting on the bounce.

58" Neuer escapes without even a yellow card much to the consternation of Argentina coach Sabella and Higuain no less.

56" Zabaleta plays a long ball to Higuain who is beaten to the punch by Neuer on the edge of the box almost Toni Schumacher like action.

55" Rojo heads the corner away winning the battle with Muller by virtually hugging him.

54" Schurrle is tackled on the edge of the box with referee allowing advantage for Muller to fire in a cross.

52" Argentina seem to be rejuvenated after the break and look more potent in attack despite missing two open goals.

50" Argentina are on the prowl with Higuain once again in the thick of action.

47" Messi misses a glorious opportunity lashing across goal with his left foot beating Neuer and the far post after a wonderful through ball.

46" Higuain is offside again after a cracking pass from Mascherano . again but he's offside again.

46" Aguero is on for Lavezzi in the only change at the break.

HALF-TIME

Argentina 0 Germany 0

45+2" Howedes hits the post with a header from a corner.

44" A wonderful cross from Muller just misses Klose who is lurking.

43" Schweinsteiger scuffs a shot straight at Romero from 18 yards out.

42" Muller is complaining after getting kneed by Rojo while Schurrle concedes a free kick with a tackle.

40" Messi goes close again flicking past Neuer but Boateng is back to hack it away from inside the goalmouth.

39" Argentina get some respite winning a couple of throws.

37" Muller turns away from Zabaleta and crosses to Schurrle whose volley is parried away by Romero.

36" Lavezzi gives catching practice for Romero from the corner.

35" Lavezzi makes another superb break sending Messi into yards of space before the German defence recover.

33" YELLOW! Howedes goes into the book for a clumsy challenge on Zabaleta.

32" Germany are forced into a substition with Kramer who seems to be in discomfort being replaced by Schurrle.

30" GOAL DISALLOWED! Higuain scores after a fine pass from Lavezzi but the flag has gone up.

29" YELLOW! Schweinsteiger is booked for a challenge on Lavezzi who stumbles anway.

28" Schweinsteiger floats another dangerous ball into the box for Klose but Romero is up to the task collecting it.

27" Germany are dominating possession with short passes.

25" Garay intercepts a promising mov from Germany who are prising open the Argentine defence.

21" Higuain squanders a wonderful opportunity to put Argentina ahead firing wide with Neuer at his mercy after Kroos heads the ball back towards goal.

18" Kramer needs treatment after a heavy challenge from Garay.

16" Argentina break after a corner from Hummels is cleared.

15" Germany get another free kick in front after Klose is fouled but Kroos' threaded shot is hacked away.

13" Lahm floats a dangerous ball into the area with Klose nearly getting his 17th of the tournament.

11" Howedes blocks a shot by Biglia from the ensuing corner.

10" Great opportunity for Argentina after Lavezzi breaks before it is cleared.

9" Messi bursts through but his cut back from the byline finds Schweinsteiger.

8" Germany are in control with precision passing.

7" Romero is kept busy by Muller who is attacking from the right flank firing in another cross.

5" Muller whips in a incisive cross into the area but it is cleared by a defender.

4" Higuain goes close after a breakaway hitting across goal from the right.

3" Rojo concedes a free kick with a cynical challenge on Mueller but the wall stands firm.

Germany are in their traditional white and Argentina in dark blue.

Messi has won the toss .but it will be Germany who kick-off the final.

Spain's World Cup winning captain Carlos Puyol has deposited the trophy which they claimed four years ago and we are just minutes away from the kick-off after the national anthems are over.

Real Madrid star Sami Khedira is out of starting XI due to a calf problem picked up during the warm-up. Christoph Kramer comes in.

The weight of expectations is on Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi on whether he can emulate Argentina legend Diego Maradona's feat of 1986.

Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero and Real Madrid's Di Maria are not there in Argentina's starting XI while record goal scorer Klose starts and Arsenal's Podolski is on the bench for Germany.

STARTING XI

Argentina: Romero, Zabaleta, Demichelis, Garay, Rojo, Biglia, Mascherano, Perez, Higuain, Messi, Lavezzi.

Subs: Orion, Campagnaro, Gago, Di Maria, Rodriguez, Augusto Fernandez, Federico Fernandez, Palacio, Alvarez, Aguero, Basanta, Andujar.

Germany: Neuer, Lahm, Boateng, Hummels, Howedes, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Muller, Kroos, Ozil, Klose.

Subs: Zieler, Grosskreutz, Ginter, Schurrle, Podolski, Draxler, Durm, Mertesacker, Gotze, Kramer, Weidenfeller.

The closing ceremony saw Colombian singer Shakira performing  rendition of 'La La La' followed by Santana.

PREVIEW

Germany battle to become the first European side to win a World Cup on Latin American soil in Sunday's final against Argentina whose captain Lionel Messi is out to emulate the great Diego Maradona.

Germany are favourites after their ruthlessly efficient 7-1 demolition of hosts Brazil in the semi-final.

Yet in Messi, Argentina have one of the world's greatest current players who can turn a big game in a flash and would dearly love to bring home the World Cup for the first time since 1986 when the team was captained by Maradona.

In a mortifying twist for Brazilians whose rivalry with their South American neighbours runs deep, some 100,000 Argentines have invaded Rio de Janeiro for the final.

Some have paid $10,000 (5,841 pounds) for an airline and hotel package, while others drove the 2,000 kilometres from Buenos Aires.

Argentine flags, tents and cars were dotted all around the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches in Rio. Many climbed up to the Christ statue, draping blue-and-white colours at the bottom.

Brazilian fans have largely thrown their lot in with Germany, hoping they can stop an Argentine win that would give them bragging rights for years. Some locals, with tickets to a game where they had dreamed of seeing Brazil lift a sixth World Cup, were instead donning Germany colours for the occasion.

"We have forgiven Germany what they did to us. In fact, we admire them because they played the Brazil way," said Rio resident Bruno Perreira, outside the 74,738-capacity Maracana wearing a Germany replica top and joking with Argentina fans.

THIRD GERMANY V ARGENTINA FINAL

It is the third World Cup final between Germany and Argentina. Argentina won 3-2 in a 1986 thriller in Mexico City, while Germany won 1-0 four years later in Rome in an awful game.

And the history does not stop there: Germany have kicked Argentina out of the last two World Cups in the quarter-finals, humiliatingly so by a 4-0 scoreline in 2010 when they cruelly exposed then coach Maradona's tactical naivety.

After an exciting tournament where attack has prevailed and goals have been flowing, the final is likely to be a more cagey affair with Germany employing numbers to annul Messi and Argentina wary of leaving the sorts of spaces that Brazil did.

Both goalkeepers, Manuel Neuer of Germany and Sergio Romero of Argentina, are in the form of their lives, while Messi, on four goals, and Thomas Mueller, on five, are both chasing the "Golden Boot" award for the leading scorer.

Colombia's James Rodriguez is ahead at the moment on six goals. All three are also among the 10 players short-listed for Fifa's 'Golden Ball' award to the tournament's best player.

The prizes are to be announced after Sunday's final.

A goal-laden tournament has already produce 170 goals and could beat the all-time record of 171 set in France in 1998.

Brazil's agony at losing the semi-final so disastrously was compounded by another poor defensive display in Saturday's 3-0 defeat by the Netherlands in the third-place playoff match.

Having not lost a competitive home game since 1975, Brazil have now suffered two defeats in five days: a sad end to a tournament they entered with such confidence and high hopes.

An Argentina win on Sunday would complete their misery.

MARACANA SUNSHINE
 
The Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro was basking in glorious sunshine after two days of heavy rain as the iconic Maracana stadium was ready to host the soccer World Cup final between Germany and Argentina on Sunday.

With the Germans looking to become the first European nation to win the title on South American soil and the Argentines desperate to lift a third World Cup trophy and their first since 1986, large crowds gathered around the stadium from the early morning in a cascade of colours.

From traditional Bavarian Lederhosen and East Germany vintage tops of the 1970s to giant blue and white Argentine flags and those of every South American nation, fans were getting ready for the biggest single event in world sports.

"This is our time. This is our continent and our victory tonight here in Brazil," said Juan Alvarez, 24, who drove three days from the Argentine capital Buenos Aires with a group of friend, as he showed his ticket for the game.

"Winning it here in Brazil would make it even better," he said.

Police, military and other security personnel numbering tens of thousands mingled with arriving fans as the host nation looked to safely round off a tournament which has been largely successful despite initial fears regarding security, transport and construction.

Authorities expected a total of 100,000 Argentines to flood into the city of their bitter footballing rivals with Germany fans easily outnumbered.

More Argentine planes were landing in the morning at Rio's international airport carrying neighbouring fans into the city for the showcase final and a repeat of the 1986 and 1990 World Cup finals.

Despite a disappointing fourth-place finish, Brazil fans, living around the stadium in Rio's Maracana neighbourhood that also hosted the 1950 World Cup decider in which the hosts lost to Uruguay, had unfurled their green, yellow and blue flags on the balconies.

Chanting "Brazil, Brazil" to the Argentines below, these Rio  citizens were eager to add a touch of South American rivalry even if their team was left out of the biggest party of the tournament, with the World Cup drawing to a close after an action-packed month.