They came, they saw, they conquered.
After 112 minutes, it was Mario Gotze’s strike that led to the German squad lifting their fourth world cup trophy, the first since the reunification of the country.
Favourites throughout the tournament, this squad showed not only their consistency but their flair. Although the Germans are worthy champions, there was little to separate the two teams in Rio De Janeiro’s Maracana, it was clear that the game would come down to a moment of magic, seemed but whose? Muller or Messi?
In the end it was neither. Chelsea’s Andre Schurrle set up the winner with a lovely cross that Gotze volleyed with his left.
For the Argentinians, there will likely be lamentations over missed chances from Messi and Higuain. Both squandered chances, Messi in the second half, Higuain in the first. There may be reflections on the disallowed goal in the first half, but in the end it won’t matter.
Victory for Joachim Low’s side has been long in the making, the side a true golden generation.
FINAL FACTS:
Golden Boot: James Rodriguez, Colombia
Golden Glove: Manuel Neuer, Germany
Golden Ball : Lionel Messi
Best Young Player: Paul Pogba
Fair Play Award: Colombia.