RIO DE JANEIRO: Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 to become World Cup champion for the fourth time on Sunday night at Rio de Janeiro’s famous Maracana Stadium.
It did so courtesy of a winner deep into extra time from substitute Mario Gotze, who displayed a brilliant piece of skill to decide a contest of outstanding quality.
Mario Goetze scored a superb extra-time winner as Germany beat Argentina 1-0 to become the first European team to win a World Cup held in South America.
The 22-year-old took the ball down before volleying past Sergio Romero in Argentina’s goal to spark delirium in the pro-German sections of the crowd.
The decisive moment of a World Cup brimming with wonderful goals came with penalties looming in front of 74,738 fans.
Despite Argentina carving out several gilt-edged chances during the opening 90 minutes, Alejandro Sabella’s side failed to get one shot on target, with Gonzalo Higuain in the first half and Messi at the start of the second dragging shots wide when well-placed.