German fans celebrate their team’s World Cup win Photo:lincolnblues
Germany won the World Cup 1-0 against Argentina in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on Monday morning (AEST), securing their fourth World Cup win.
It was evident from the outset that Argentina was adopting a more defensive structure to cope with the potential of another German onslaught similar to that served up to Brazil in the semi-final. They were fantastic in the first half through some very positive counter-attacking that kept the Germans on their toes.
Germany for their part continued to play with the slick passing and disciplined manner that saw them come into the final as clear favourites to take the cup home following their 7-1 drubbing of hosts Brazil.
It was an energetic display by both teams right from the start. Neither side shirked from trying to get in behind the opposition defence. Messi was proving to be a handful as his change of pace when in possession of the ball was threatening to open up Germany’s defence.
Germany’s irrepressible Thomas Muller was not to be outdone though as he continued with his all round impact in attack that has seen him as a favourite to be named player of the tournament.
But a combination of good defending and not so clinical finishing saw both teams enter the half time break without a goal. The most notable opportunity saw Gonzalo Higuain miss a glorious one-on-one for Argentina as he sliced his shot wide of the post.
The second half saw a more confident Argentina starting to venture forward a little more freely from midfield. Messi had a glorious chance to open the scoring early on but Argentina’s superstar failed to capitalise.
Germany created a couple of opportunities through their effective passing game, doing their best to stretch and open up the Argentinian defence. Messi for his part was looking sharp and dangerous with every possession, threatening to open up the Germans with a moment of brilliance.
Five minutes from the end of regulation time saw a substitution with Fernando Gago coming on that signalled a more defensive focus from Argentina. The Germans looked to more creative play from midfield bringing on Mario Gotze as both sides had one eye on extra time.
One minute into extra time and Germany created an opening from a left-sided attack that had Argentina’s keeper batting away a short range shot from Andre Schurrle. That turned into a dangerous counter attack by Argentina, but the Germans quickly scrambled to close them down.
Not long after, an Argentinian cross from the left beat Germany’s last defence which saw Rodrigo Palacio one-on-one with the keeper, but his chip went wide as he blew another chance for Argentina to take the lead.
The effects of exhaustion was starting to show on players’ faces as the first half of extra time drew to a close. A strong nerve and discipline was the key to survival in the final stanza of play for both teams.
It was a final worthy of a winning goal. After 113 minutes a move down the German left flank saw Gotze control a cross with his chest and score from close range with a spectacular angled finish.
Despite their efforts, Argentina failed to penetrate a resolute German defence. Messi had one final chance from a free kick but it wasn’t to be his day as it went sailing wide of the goal. The full time whistle was met with celebrations by the Germans whose all-round team performance gives them the deserved accolade of World Champions.
Germany 1 Mario Gotze 113′
Argentina 0
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