Germany wins World Cup after 1 – 0 victory over Argentina

Germany has claimed a fourth World Cup crown in a 1-0 win against Argentina after extra time in the final in Rio de Janeiro. Substitute Mario Goetze was the hero, as he scored the only goal with seven minutes to go.

With that triumph Germany has become the first European nation to win the trophy outside of their home continent, which led to jubilant scenes both on the pitch and back home, with millions of fans celebrating their feat.

However, Joachim Low’s side had to do it the hard way, as they got off to a very slow start. Argentina was by far the better side during the first half, but Gonzalo Higuain and Lionel Messi missed two scoring opportunities. Higuain had also had a goal rightly disallowed for offside. Argentina was left to rue its wastefulness in front of goal as the match wore on and Germany began to dominate.

Neither side was able to score in normal time, which sent the game into 30 minutes of extra time. Argentina had its third excellent opportunity of the night, which fell to Rodrigo Palacio, but the Inter Milan forward failed to convert.

Substitute Mario Goetze, who had not made much of an impact on the tournament, was to be the hero. He received Andre Schurlle’s raking pass with aplomb, before showing excellent close control and firing an instinctive finish past the Argentinian goalkeeper.

Germany managed to withstand some late pressure and held on to claim a fourth World Cup – and their first since West Germany and East Germany reunified in 1990.

Germany has gone close to winning the tournament in recent years, having reached the final in 2002, where they were beaten by Brazil, and the semi-finals in 2006 and 2010. Bastian Schweinsteiger, who received a cut below his eye after a challenge from Sergio Aguero failed to hold back the tears, as he embraced head coach, Joachim Low, who has under seen a revolution in German football, when he took over the helm eight years ago.

Germany ended the tournament unbeaten, but will perhaps best be remembered for their 7-1 thrashing of Brazil in the semi-finals, which ended the host nations hopes of claiming a record sixth World Cup crown.

Football fans will now have to wait for another four years before the next edition gets underway, when it will take place in Russia.

(Agencies)

 

Ibrahim Zaaboub

 

You might also like
Latest news
Foreign Ministry: Syria condemns the crimes committed by the Zionist entity President Al-Assad and Larijani hold talks on the ongoing Israeli aggression on Palestine and Lebano... 15 people martyred in an Israeli aggression on residetial buildings in Mazzeh and Qudsaya The Palestinian Ministry of Women's Affairs warns of the serious consequences of the occupation's ba... Palestinian Foreign Ministry: International failure to stop the war of extermination encouraged the ... Spain strongly rejects Israeli statements on annexing the West Bank Young Syrian director Majid Al-Khatib wins Best Director award at Whistler Film Festival for his fil... Israeli settlers attack olive pickers near Nablus Arab League calls on the United States and the European Union to act to save UNRWA Sabbagh receives a copy of the credentials of the South African Ambassador to Syria Symposium on the Arab-Zionist conflict and its regional and international consequences The occupation forces detain 7 Palestinians and demolish a mosque in the occupied West Bank Five martyrs and a number of wounded as a result of the occupation's bombing of Al-Maghazi camp More martyrs and injured as a result of the continued Israeli aggression on Lebanon United Nations reaffirms the sovereignty of the Syrians in occupied Golan and the Palestinians in oc... Zakharova: “White Helmets” terrorist organization is a dangerous element of instability in Syria and... Iran calls on IAEA to adopt independent and professional approach towards Iran away from political p... Larijani visits Syria today 78 people martyred, 122 others wounded over the past 24 hours due to the ongoing Israeli aggression ... Israeli aggression targets bridges and roads in Homs countryside