Last updated: December 28, 2014


World Cup

Relive all the action from the World Cup final as Germany beat Argentina 1-0 with a late goal

Germany crowned World Cup winners in Rio de Janeiro 2:18

Germany has won the 2014 FIFA World Cup in thrilling final against Argentina in Rio de Janeiro, with Mario Goetze scoring the only goal in the 113th minute.

Mario Goetze celebrates putting Germany ahead.

Mario Goetze celebrates putting Germany ahead. Source: Getty Images

GERMANY struck through substitute Mario Goetze deep into extra time to edge out Argentina and win the World Cup final after a breathless 120 minutes.

The game looked to be headed for penalties before Goetze, who came on for Miroslav Klose near full-time, struck in the 113th minute with a superb volley after great lead up work down the left by the impressive Andre Schurrle.

The goal sucked the life out of a gallant Argentina who had played a major role in an absorbing contest.

Striker Gonzalo Higuain had Argentina’s two best opportunities in the first half, butchering an early effort when put through by a German mistake before having a goal disallowed for offside.

Captain Lionel Messi had two chances in the second half but dragged them both wide when everyone expected him to score.

Germany, who were forced into a team reshuffle before kick off when Sami Khedira pulled out with a calf injury, started slowly and lost the midfielder’s replacement Christoph Kramer on 30 minutes with a head injury.

But they got into the game as the halftime break approached and really should have scored when Benedikt Howedes’s header crashed against the post.

They had plenty of chances in the second half as first Schurrle then Thomas Mueller went close.


Germany v Argentina

Originally published as Goetze strikes as Germany win World Cup final