RIO DE JANEIRO – Thanks the second-latest winning goal in World Cup history from Mario Gotze in the 113th minute, Germany solved the South American jinx and broke Argentinean hearts.
Germany, who had rolled into the final at the storied Maracana in Rio de Janeiro after a 7-1 humiliation of host Brazil in the semifinals, became the first European side to win in North or South America in seven attempts, 1-0 in extra time, and in the process won the rubber match between the two storied soccer powers.
Argentina, who has not conceded a goal in 455 minutes, surrendered it’s first at the most inopportune time when Gotze would fire the Germans off of a left-wing cross from Andre Schurrle and volley it past Sergio Romero to their first World Cup title since 1990—and fourth overall.
After being shutout 3-0 by the Netherlands in the third-place game, a victory by the much-hated Argentinians on Brazilian soil on the famed Maracana pitch would have cemented what has been a national humiliation for Brazil.
Thankfully, Gotze’s strike averted such a scenario for Selecao supporters, much to the dismay of Argentina, who once again could not solve Germany in the knockout stage.
In what was an even match between two great sides in top form, Argentina has the more quality chances to score—most notably Gonzalo Higuain 20 minutes in the first half. In a game that was built up as Lionel Messi’s proverbial coronation, the F.C. Barcelona forward will see a free kick go wide late in extra time. Messi would be awarded the Golden Ball for best player in the World Cup.
For Germany, tie Italy with the second most number of titles with four, one behind host Brazil, who has five and become the first nation to beat the same country three times in the World Cup knockout stage as they defeated Argentina in 2006 and 2010.
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