World Cup 2014 Results, Scores, Video Highlights: Mario Goetze Goal Leads Germany to 1-0 Win Over Argentina in Final
It was heartache for Lionel Messi and Argentina as Mario Götze scored a huge goal in the 113th minute of the match to give Germany their fourth World Cup title with a 1-0 win over Germany in the 2014 FIFA World Cup final on Sunday at the Estadio de Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.
Just as the game looked headed to a penalty shootout, Andre Schurrle made an excellent cross to Götze, who took the cross onto his chest before firing a volley that went past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero.
Götze's big goal in extra time helped Germany captured their first World Cup title since 1990, while also ending Argentina's hopes of winning their first Cup since 1986 in Mexico.
Argentina's Gonzalo Higuain struck the ball into the back of the net in the 30th minute, but Argentina's celebration was cut short as the goal, which could have been the first of the match, was disallowed as the 26-year-old striker was offside.
Germany had a golden chance of scoring during in first-half stoppage time when Argentina surrendered two corners. Benedikt Howedes made an excellent header, but luck wasn't on his side as his shot hit the post.
German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer could have been booked in the 57th minute of the match with reckless attempt to protect his box.
Neuer managed to get to the ball first with his fist, but his knee smashed into Higuain. Argentina wanted a penalty, but referee Nicola Rizzoli saw it otherwise and awarded a free kick to Germany instead.
Germany put a lot of pressure on Argentina's defensive line in the 82nd minute when Philipp Lahm delivered a low pass to Toni Kroos into the edge of the box, but the midfielder failed to capitalize as his shot went wide.
Both teams played without one of their key players. German midfielder Sami Khedira pulled out several minutes before the start of the match due to a calf injury, while Argentina missed Angel di Maria, who failed to recover from a thigh injury.
Highlights of the action-packed 2014 World Cup final will be available on FIFA.com.
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