A final worthy of what has been a great World Cup. Perhaps not the best ever—caution still marked the style in the knockout stages—but probably the best display of attacking football since 1986, and a breath of fresh air for the aging tournament.
Mario Götze’s glorious goal made the difference, and Jogi Löw and Germany are World Champions for the first time since 1990, putting the ghosts of so many near-misses and what-could-have-beens to rest.
The Goals
Mario Götze (GER) 113th min. Andre Schurrle makes up for a mixed game with a peach of a cross to Mario Götze in front of goal. Götze puts on a masterclass of a finish, chesting the cross and lashing it across Romero into the corner. An incredible goal reflecting Germany’s depth, It's worthy of a tense but entertaining final.
A force in extra time, immense in midfield—especially with his partner Sami Khedira injured just ahead of kick off—this was Schweinsteiger’s final. His passing was immense, his vision excellent, and he was stalwart in helping to win the ball in the air and on the ground. A veteran of this German side, Schweini was there in 2006 for the loss against Italy, there again in 2010 as Löw’s team lost out to a Carles Puyol header, and here finally to watch over a World Cup win. Deserved.
The Controversies
Again in this World Cup, a player received a very hard hit to the head. And again, he was allowed against all reasonable medical advice to continue. In this case, Sami Khedira’s replacement Christoph Kramer was laid out by the shoulder of Ezequiel Garay near the Argentine goal line in the 18th minute, his head snapping back instantly.
Gruesomely, Kramer was allowed to continue, except unlike Javier Mascherano and Uruguay’s Alvaro Pereira before him, Kramer was forced off after looking disoriented just over ten minutes later. A sickening display, and a major and unnecessary distraction during the World Cup final. If this doesn’t force FIFA to act, what wonders what horrors the world will witness before it does.
Another, perhaps less serious moment came in the 34th minute, in which the makeshift full back Benedikt Höwedes kicked out viciously against Pablo Zabaleta in the 34th minute, for which the defender should likely have been sent off.
There was more suspect non-refereeing in the second half when Manuel Neuer stormed out of goal and appeared to knee Higuain in the head inside the edge of the box as they both raced for a long ball in the 56th minute. Replays showed that Neuer was lucky not to have received a red card, though there was a debate over whether Neuer was in the right.
What did Germany do to win?
Germany was cautious in possession for the most part, and worked much of their attack through Philipp Lahm on the right flank, who whipped in crosses repelled by the Argentine backline manned by Garay and Martin Demichelis.
Jogi Löw’s side also played a very high line, which allowed the pace of Lavezzi and—rather more dangerously—Messi down their own right side. In the 30th minute Argentina thought they were 0-1 up on a classic counter attack into space when Lavezzi’s cross was turned in by Gonzalo Higuain, but he was offside.
However Argentina’s best hope for an opener came from an uncharacteristic mistake from Toni Kroos in the 22nd minute, who headed the ball to the keeper but instead found the feet of Higuain with just Manuel Neuer in front him—Higuain finished wide!
Alejandro Sabella changed the match in the second half, taking off Lavezzi for Sergio Aguero. Though it may have been forced through injury, it changed the nature of Argentina’s counter, and they didn’t quite pose the same threat, though Palacio, on for Higiain in the 78th minute, had a chance to win it in the first half of extra time.
Germany were cautious, perhaps a little too carefree at the back, but won it on the talent of a superb midfield and depth, exemplified by the two subs linking up to score a gorgeous winner. Löw’s approach won out, and his triumph over Brazil was not in vain.
The Takeaway
A perfect final for this World Cup. It started with verve, became a bit cautious (and some brilliant defending) in the second half, and then surprised us all with a goal of incredible skill in extra time.
Congratulations to Germany, the first European team to win the World Cup in the Americas, a team who have finally won a prize that's been just out of their reach for so long.
And goodbye, 2014 World Cup. Chances are—and I’m hope I’m wrong—we’ll miss you.
Stray Thoughts
Javier Mascherano was incredible again, taking pressure off his central defenders and moving the ball quickly on the counter, though his industry wasn’t matched by the players in front of him.
Lionel Messi. What to say. Not a great match by his standards but his sojourning runs in the first half revealed a player on a fierce mission to win. Losing in this final should not reflect on his greatness in the fullness of time. Maradona needed Valdano and Burruchaga. Those players, save for Mascherano, weren’t there today.
Everything went through Philipp Lahm on that right side, crossing with regularity and generating most of Germany’s chances in the first half.
Jerome Boateng made the difference in a perilously high line, tackling with skill and maintaining a sure presence under pressure.
Man, what do watch now? Is Masters Football on yet?
For the fourth time in their illustrious history, Germany are World Cup champions.
A goal in the 113th minute from Mario Gotze was the difference, as the Germans defeated Lionel Messi and Argentina Sunday in an enthralling encounter at the Estadio do Maracana.
The substitute scored a brilliant goal more than worthy of the World Cup title when it looked like we were heading for penalties. What a moment for the 22-year-old.
Germany become the first European team to ever win the World Cup on South American soil.
The best team at the tournament has been crowned champions, just the way it should be.
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