Match details » Live commentary Head to head
Germany Sunday, 13. July 2014
20:00 Clock
Argentina
1:0 aet
goals
1 : 0 Goal information ticker Mario Götze 113. / left-footed shot  (André Schürrle)

120'
Fulltime Summary:
Full time is blown, Germany are the World Champions! After having 60:40% possession and 10:10 attempts (7:2 on target), the stats slightly speak for Löw's team, although Argentina also had their chances to score the lead. The Germans controlled the game most of the time, but again and again la Albiceleste were able to worry their opposition with great counterattacks. Inbetween, Christoph Kramer, who replaced the injured Sami Khedira on short notice, had to be substituted due to a suspected concussion and was replaced by the number one substitute, André Schürrle. In the second half the number of fouls increased, more and more the game transformed into a dramatic battle between two teams that gave it their all to leave Brazil as World Champions. Though showing partly great efforts, neither side were granted to celebrate a goal, therefore going into extra time. After 113 minutes of both teams giving their best, but failing to convert, die Mannschaft scored the late winner with a great combined effort by Schürrle and Götze, who both were substituted. The Argentinians couldn't use the remainder of the match to equalize and finally finish as runner-up. Lionel Messi wins the Golden Ball as the best player of the tournament, while Manuel Neuer wins the trophy for the World Cup's best goalkeeper. After twelve years of reaching at least the WC semi finals, the German team finally receives, what it desired to win since 1990: In retrospect of the whole tournament, Joachim Löw, his staff and of course the players overall showed the best team effort and - not just with talent, but the right tactics and state of mind - win the well deserved World Cup for the fourth time in their country's history.
120'
Full-Time
120'
Schweinsteiger still is seeking medical attendance and then has to leave the pitch due to the regularities. Messi's free kick goes over the bar!
120'
Schweinsteiger has a cramp after fouling Messi! Argentina have a free kick from about 25 metres, will Messi be able to score his first career goal ever against Neuer?
120'
Mertesacker comes on the pitch! He'll replace Özil for the final two minutes of added stoppage time.
120'
Substitution (in) Germany -> Per Mertesacker
120'
Substitution (out) Germany -> Mesut Özil
119'
They not only defend the ball, but actually try to attack! Müller somehow gets through the left wing and has an attempt from a pointed angle, but his shot goes wide.
118'
So far Argentina are unable to get near the German goal, maybe a set piece will help. Romero sends a free kick from his own half forward, but it comes to nothing.
116'
The Germans have their leading goal and now of course try to defend it with all they've got. It looks like Per Mertesacker will be substituted soon.
113'
Goooal for Germany, 1:0 by Mario Götze
It's in, it's in! Finally, after 113 minutes Germany score the leading goal! Schürrle dashes onto the left wing as if he didn't had played over 80 minutes already. The Chelsea striker is unstoppable and finds Götze at the left corner of the box! There the Bayern Munich midfielder controls the ball beautifully with his chest and then converts with a fantastic left-footed volley! His shot onto the rear corner of the goal goes just pass Romero's left hand and into the back of the net!
111'
Schweinsteiger seems to have suffered are really painful injury, but now comes back after being stitched.
109'
Agüero clearly should've been sent off for receiving his second booking! The Manchester City forward strikes Schweinsteiger with his ellbow and gives the Bayern midfielder a bleeding cut under his right eye. That's a big mistake made by Nicola Rizzoli.
108'
You can see the players being on their last legs, who will Löw substitute?
107'
Oh, that's a bad challenge on Schweinsteiger! Actually it's a double challenge made by Biglia and Mascherano, who both hit the German holding midfielders shin. But neither of them are cautioned for that.
106'
Second Half of extra time begins
105'
First Half Summary:
The first half of extra time didn't prove to provide us with new insight, but rather was a loose continuation of the previous events. Both teams had one great chance, making Germany having 9:7 (6:2 on target) attempts and 61:39% possession. But neither of the sides were able to score the 1-0, keeping tension on the highest level! Löw has still one sub left, while Sabella already took all three.
105'
First Half of extra time ends
103'
Of course the players have little energy left and therefore have to keep house with their last breath wisely.
101'
Ouch! Mascherano hits Schweinsteiger's backheel with his challenge, forcing the Bayern Munich midfielder to seek medical attendance. But he's able to continue.
99'
More and more the previously visible structure of the game vanishes and evolves into chaos, with both teams trying to get near the goal. Argentina still focus on counterattacking, while Germany maintain great portions of possession.
97'
Oh, this could've ended badly! Hummelses header in front of his own goal is reached by Palacio, but his attempted lob goes past the left post. But if not, Boateng would've been there to clear it anyway.
94'
Germany have the ball almost throughout the first minutes of extra time, looking to find a gap in the opposition's defending line. It's a constant battle between these two teams.
91'
Just after the German chance, Argentina almost have a counterattack! But Boateng is able to stop Messi at the centre circle without commiting a foul. Wow.
91'
What an exciting start into extra time! Höwedes finds Götze at the left byline, who then manages to serve the ball for Schürrle. The Chelsea forward tries a onetimer and Romero only is able to punch the ball away! Özil takes the rebound, but his shot is blocked by Biglia.
91'
Kick-Off extra time
90'
Second Half Summary:
Well, after neither of the teams managed to score, we're going into extra time! The match continued in the same manner it started, although Argentina had a little bit more possession than before. All in all the stats show 58:42% possession and 7:6 attempts (4:2 on target) for Germany. Both sides could've scored the winner, but Argentina's few attempts actually looked more dangerous than the German ones in the second half. This final maybe lacks goals, but it's still a great thriller!
90'
Second Half ends
90'
Why is he doing that? First Götze manages to get a long ball under control and then he could pick out Schürrle, who's looking to intrude the box from the right. But instead the Bayern midfielder sends a weak low shot from about 28 metres distance onto the goal. That's an easy save for Romero.
89'
You can feel the players fear of conceding the late winner, therefore making them extra focussed when defending. Both teams give it their all.
88'
Löw takes Klose off the pitch, replacing the 36-year-old with Götze. This means Müller switches to central attacker, while Götze will act as right winger. The whole stadium applaudes as Klose, now a World Cup legend, leaves the pitch.
88'
Substitution (in) Germany -> Mario Götze
88'
Substitution (out) Germany -> Miroslav Klose
86'
Former substitute player Pérez is replaced by Gago, who's taking over his position in central midfield.
86'
Substitution (in) Argentina -> Fernando Gago
86'
Substitution (out) Argentina -> Enzo Pérez
85'
La Albiceleste keep possession for some time and pressure die Mannschaft into their own half. But all of the eleven German players help defending against the South Americans.
83'
There's a brief interruption of play because of a streaker running onto the pitch. But the security guards manage to get the poor intruder off the field quickly.
82'
That could've been a great chance! Özil is found on the right and plays e beautiful backfield pass at the edge of the box. Quite similar to the 7-1 victory, Kroos takes a onetimer from about 18 metres, but he misses wide.
80'
Höwedes acts as an attacker for a short period of time! Müller plays a lateral pass at the left edge of the box, but the Schalke 04 defender is challenged by two Argentinian defenders and loses the ball.
79'
The Mannschaft have a croner from the right, but Krooses delivery doesn't find his adressee! Still, Löw's team maintain possession.
78'
Sabella makes his second substitution and replaces Higuaín with Palacio, another striker.
78'
Substitution (in) Argentina -> Rodrigo Palacio
78'
Substitution (out) Argentina -> Gonzalo Higuaí­n
75'
Messi, it's always Messi having the spectacular moments! He dribbles past three defenders on the right, but then his shot goes wide.
73'
Hummels acts like a pro while defending and always looks confident. After an unprecise Argentinian pass comes to the Dortmund centre back, he stays calm, turns around and passes the ball to his buddy Höwedes. That's just how easy he makes things look like.
72'
Oh, that's how you send a rocket into space! Schürrle is found on the left hand side and fires from there, but his attempt from about 27 metres goes onto the upper stands.
70'
Crossing with his left foot isn't what Höwedes does best, being a right-footed player. But still he tries to send in a cross from the left wing, which immediately flies over the rear byline.
69'
Who will score the first goal? Or will we see another 0-0 going into extra time? So far it looks that way, making the match thrilling to the fullest.
67'
The Germans steadily try to reach their forwards inside the box, but their final passes still lack precision. Mostly the Argentinians manage to intercept the ball.
65'
Kun Agüero (Argentina) is shown a yellow card
That's the next bad tackle and Agüero is just as well rightfully cautioned. He hit's Schweinsteigers ankle with his challenge, you usually don't see that happen very often.
64'
Javier Mascherano (Argentina) is shown a yellow card
No doubt, that's a professional foul! Mascherano stops a German counterattack with a sliding tackle against Klose, only hitting the 36-year-old's legs.
63'
While there was much movement on the pitch in the first half, more and more the game is becoming more static. The circumstances haven't changed really, but you can see the players get a bit tired and more focussed on not conceding a goal at the same time.
62'
Scoring goals is just not Özils profession! Germany counterattack and Schürrles picks the Arsenal playmaker with a low cross from the left. But it bounces off Özil's knee and goes over the byline.
59'
His effort is just too powerless! Müller finds Klose with a cross from the right, but the alltime World Cup record goal scorer's header is an easy save for Romero.
56'
Ouch! After a long ball is sent onto the right edge of the box, Neuer and Higuaín clash while the keeper is able punch the ball out of play. Higuaín is penalised for an alleged foul, although he's the one getting knocked. The ref could've just decided to let the game continue.
54'
At least they're trying! Rizzoli grants the advantage for Germany after a foul on the left wing and Schürrle is able to keep the ball at his feet! Then he picks out Müller, who finds himself completely alone at the left channel of the box. Maybe he should try to finish himself, instead he crosses the ball for Klose. But Garay is able to clear it away.
53'
Lahm tries the one-two with his club teammate Müller on the right, but their opponents manage to intercept the ball.
50'
He almost got it! Klose is able to intercept a crossfield pass in front of the Argentinian box and sprints toward the ball, but he can't reach it in time before Mascherano clears wide for a throw-in.
49'
Germany have to be really careful because although they manage to put the Argentinian strikers offside from time to time, the south American's quick attacks still are dangerous. Right now Löw's team don't look like they are in control of the game.
47'
Argentina have the chance to take the lead! Messi approaches the goal and finally shoots from about ten metres distance, but his low shot just misses the right post.
46'
Phew, again Higuaín is offside! Mascherano sends him into the right channel of the box, but he's ruled offside.
46'
Play resumes and Argentina make their first substitution: Agüero replaces Lavezzi, who had a great impact on the game in the first half, but already was a doubt for this match to begin with.
46'
Substitution (in) Argentina -> Kun Agüero
46'
Substitution (out) Argentina -> Ezequiel Lavezzi
46'
Second Half begins
45'
Halftime Summary:
The game actually developed as most people expected: Germany tried to maintain possession and to find a way through with many passes: the Mannschaft played 307:133 passes, while 264:93 of them were successful. Argentina also acted as expected by sitting deep and having some dangerous quick counterattacks. So it's not surprising that although the Albiceleste had only 37:63% possession, they still managed to have 3 attempts with 2 going off target. Löw's team on the other hand had 3 shots and got 2 of them on target. Besides, the Germans lost Christoph Kramer early in the game after he already had been a late replacement for Sami Khedira. All in all it wasn't the greatest football game played in history, but still it was absolutely thrilling so far with both teams having their say in the final outcome of the tournament. Both sides put up a good fight and that's what makes this final so exciting!
45'
Half-Time
44'
Höwedes hits the woodwork! Making the second consecutive corner, Kroos swings in the cross from the right and finds the Schalke 04 captain. The defender's smashing header bounces off the bar and onto Müller's right knee, who's offside.
43'
As in his previous World Cup games as a substitute, Schürrle has a great impact on the game! After the Germans pass the ball with few touches from the right to the middle, Özil serves the ball for the Chelsea striker. But Schürrle's attempted flick shot goes onto the centre of goal and is saved by Romero.
42'
More and more, both teems seem to lose their temper. There are a few discussions on the pitch, after Müller is fouled. Meanwhile, Neuer seeks medical attendance because of his previous knee injury.
40'
Unbelievable! Like in all his 2014 Worlc Cup games before, Messi is able to have his shining moments out of the blue. The left-footed players breaks through the right edge of the box, but Hummels is able to close in on him at the last moment. This way the Dortmund defender makes an interception and Boateng clears the ball wide.
37'
Now Germany develop a fast break! Müller gets to the left byline and plays a backfield pass to Schürrle. The Chelsea striker does a onetimer and his shot onto the top left corner is punched sideways by Romero!
36'
Again Argentina counterattack very quickly! Lavezzi carries the ball over the left channel and he's stopped, but the rebound comes to Messi. The Barcelona striker tries to find Mascherano on the right, but Schweinsteiger is able to clear for a corner, which comes to nothing.
34'
Benedikt Höwedes (Germany) is shown a yellow card
That's really a bad sliding tackle from Höwedes! He has no chance of getting the ball and hits Zabaleta's shin with his foot. Therefore he's rightfully cautioned by the referee.
31'
After Kramer took a knock to the head, he can't continue to play with a suspected concussion. That's a really sad ending for the young and prospering midfielder, but Joachim Löw has to take action. He first talks to Lahm and Boateng, considering shifting Lahm to holding midfielder and Boateng to right buck. But then Löw substitutes Schürrle, who will play on left wing, while Özil will play as attacking midfielder and Kroos as holding midfielder.
31'
Substitution (in) Germany -> André Schürrle
31'
Substitution (out) Germany -> Christoph Kramer
30'
Goooal for Argentina... no, he's offside! At the moment Lavezzi's cross leaves his foot, Higuaín is offside. He scored from about six metres distance, but the goal rightfully doesn't count.
29'
Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany) is shown a yellow card
That's the first booking of the game! Schweinsteiger stops Lavezzi with a professional foul, preventing the PSG striker from finishing a counterattack. Understandably, Nicola Rizzoli shows him the yellow card.
28'
Romero is there first! Schweinsteiger sends a long ball onto the left corner of the box, but the Argentinian keeper catches the ball before Klose can reach it.
27'
So far the internationally inexperienced Kramer plays just fine, running from box to box and showing himself as a viable passing option.
25'
The Germans didn't have a chance so far, but at least they show much movement on the pitch! Steadily rotating and passing the ball, the manage to keep their opposition busy with following them everywhere they go. This may look unspectacular, but tactically it's interesting!
23'
He almost got it! After Lahm finds Klose with a cross from the right, the 36-year-old manages to let the ball bounce off to Müller. But the Bayern forward's attempt is blocked immediately.
21'
What is he doing? While in their own half, Kroos makes a header back to the box and thereby makes a perfect assist for Higuaín! The Napoli forward finds himself completely alone in front of Neuer, but his low shot from about twelve metres goes past the left post.
19'
After clearing out the possibility of a concussion, the German medics send Kramer back in, so everything seems to be fine.
18'
Ouch, that's a really bad collision! Inside the Argentinian box, Kramer is struck with full force by Garay's shoulder. Now of course the St. Petersburg defender doesn't do that on purpose, but still one could see this as a foul. Nonetheless the Mönchengladbach midfielder has to leave the pitch and seek medical attendance.
16'
The corner comes to nothing, but the South Americans try to counterattack immediately! Özil makes a run on the left wing back to the defence and manages to clear the ball. That's something you're not used to see from the Arsenal playmaker!
15'
That's an unnecessary corner conceded by Demichelis. The former Bayern Munich centre back isn't pressured at all in his own box, but still heads a German cross over the bar.
13'
That's what's Klose usually is good at! Lahm picks the all-time World cup record goal scorer with a cross from the right edge of the box, but the 36-xear-old misses the ball.
11'
Lavezzi makes the corner from the right, but his cross is immediately headed forward by the German defence.
10'
For the first time in the game, la Albiceleste manage to maintain possession in the German half for a longer period. Eventually they get a corner kick out of it.
8'
He's really hard to stop! Messi dashes through the right wing and is followed by Hummels, but the Dortmund defender barely is able to keep track with the Barcelona genius. This way the Argentinian gets through and plays a backfield pass at the right corner of the six-yard-box. But neither of his teammates are positioned well.
6'
Müller is aided on the right by Özil and almost finds his way into the box. But they fail to play out the second one-two in a row.
4'
Argentina have their first counterattack! Following the blocked free kick, Lavezzi sends Higuaín forward from the right. The Napoli striker shoots from about eight metres distance at the right channel, but his low shot goes wide.
3'
Germany have their first free kick at about 24 metres distance to the goal. The players hold a quikc conference about how to play out this set piece, but finally the ball is shot into the wall. Well, at least the players didn't slip like against Algeria.
1'
This is the first action of the final: Lahm tries to send a diagonal long ball to the left, but it goes out of play for throw-in.
1'
The game is underway, it's the World Cup final!
1'
Kick-Off
So far these two nations faced each other six times in a World Cup, today being the seventh occasion. In 1958, Germany beat la Albiceleste 3-1 in group stage, while the teams drawed 0-0 in 1966. Then they met in two finals, with Argentina winning 3-2 in 1986 and the Mannschaft winning 1-0 in 1990. 16 years later it took them to the penalties in the quarter final, with the Germans having a happy ending. Finally, the teams faced again four years ago in South Africa, where Löw's team won 4-0.
There has been a new development: Sami Khedira, who already was named for Germany's starting XI, signaled Löw that he can't play! Christoph Kramer will start in his place as holding midfielder, what an experience for the 23-year-old! The Mönchengladbach midfielder, who's on loan from Leverkusen, was substituted late against Algeria and France and now plays his first World Cup game as a starter!
Like in many other incidents at this World Cup (take Robin van Persie's flying header meme for instance), Mascherano's late tackle against Arjen Robben in the final minutes of the semi final against the Netherlands became an instant online sensation and was honored by several mocked up photographs. But apparently, the Barcelona defender/midfielder felt a little uncomfortable: "I am not Rambo or San Martin or anything like that. I take it with humour, but it embarrasses me." Furthermore, he added: "It is not false modesty because that is worse than arrogance. What happens is when people praise you too much they begin to have expectations that perhaps you cannot match."
Löw's counterpart Sabella on the other hand looked like he knew exactly what to expect from the Mannschaft. The 59-year old especially unterlined the importance of his team bringing their a-game to this match: "We have to remain very concentrated and close all the spaces open to them. Most importantly, we can't give the ball away cheaply. They use the ball very well and play the ball between the lines. They also use the space behind full-backs very well, especially with (Philipp) Lahm. We have to play a perfect match."
Asked about the opposition's tactics, Löw seemed to have studied them well, but still wonder how the Albiceleste actually will play: "I think Argentina can play both styles. They can defend early and put pressure on the opponent, sometimes they attack quickly, sometimes they sit back and wait for their chances. They have players who can change to counter-attack very quickly or soak up pressure. It could be that Argentina try to attack us early, then fall back, we have to be prepared for that."
While the World Cup fever mounts in Germany since beating five times WC-winner Brazil 7-1 and proceeding to the final, head coach Joachim Löw and his team try to stay calm and keep their feet on the ground. According to the former Stuttgart team manager, today's match could as well be about hard work: "My experience is that no team manages to go through an entire tournament with seven fantastic victories, you often have to fight and overcome obstacles. I don't think there is a team who has gone through the entire tournament playing fantastically well. Just like in the (last 16) match against Algeria, they had absolutely nothing to lose against us and gave their all."
Another key player in Alejandro Sabella's team is Real Madrid's Ángel Di María, who aready missed the semi final against Holland after suffering a thigh injury in the 33rd minute of the quarter final match against Belgium. The left-footed player stayed a doubt at yesterday's press conference, as Sabella announced: "Today is a fundamental day to see, he has improved, that is obvious. After training, we will know better. Just now I couldn't give you an answer." At last, Di María was ruled out for today.
But of course, the Argentinians aren't hopeless either, mainly relying on defensive head of the team javier Mascherano and their skipper and goal scorer Messi, who still undeniably is maybe the greatest player in the world.
Not just because of their crushing victory against the Seleção but also their overall performance at the tournament, the Mannschaft are considered the slight favourite. Additionally, the Brazilian supporters in the Maracana stadium are expected to root for Joachim Löw's team since Argentina are their biggest rival.
The Germans beat Brazil with an astonishing 7-1 win in the first semi final, while score between Argentina and the Netherlands remained nil for 120 minutes. Eventually the Albiceleste won 4-2 after penalty shootout.
Azad Derakhshani will provide the live commentary today.
Welcome to the final match of 2014's World Cup between Germany and Argentina!