Both sides had many opportunities to score but missed chances and desperate defending made up the course of the 90 minutes.
In the 20th minute, Gonzalo Higuaín was gifted a ball when a German defender headed it to him in front of the goal, but he was unable to take a proper shot. In the 31st minute Higuaín put the ball into the back of the net but the goal was dismissed as he was ruled offside.
In the 37th minute, André Schürrle took a shot at the Argentine goal but Sergio Romero made a brilliant save to deny him. In the 43rd minute Romero was called on again to make a save after Toni Kroos had a shot at the goal. In the second minute of extra time of the first half there was a scramble in the box after a German corner was headed into the post and then collected by Romero. The half time score was 0-0.
The second half was played similarly to the first half, with both sides testing one another and being unable to convert any chances. Both teams were able to pressurise the other’s defence but neither found the winning goal and the game was forced into extra time.
In the first half of extra time, both teams were visibly exhausted and desperate to score. It was in the 113th minute that Götze controlled a cross and scored a magnificent goal past Romero to win the final for Germany.
Javier Mascherano, Pablo Zabaleta and Martín Demichelis were standout defenders for Argentina, who made it very hard for the Germans to score. Mats Hummels, Jérôme Boateng and Philipp Lahm did the same for Germany.
Another player who stood out both in the game and the tournament was Germany’s goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. He made some telling saves and seemingly played as a fifth defender by coming out of his box to clear balls that got past the German defence. Neuer was awarded the Golden Glove Award for the best keeper of the tournament.
The Golden Ball Award for the player of the tournament went to Lionel Messi. Despite Argentina not winning the World Cup, Messi played brilliantly for his side, scored goals and created goal opportunities for his teammates. After receiving the award Messi was very despondent about his country’s loss.
The Golden Boot Award for the most goals scored went to James Rodríguez from Colombia, who scored six goals for his team in the tournament.
After the game Götze was seen waving a shirt belonging to Marco Reus, a good friend and teammate of Götze who got injured just before the World Cup and was unable to play for Germany.
Image: Sipa
