A historic World Cup

THE Brazil World Cup 2014 is over. After 63 matches and 31 days of competition, on Sunday July 13 the 20th edition of the FIFA World Cup ended with Germany’s 1-0 victory over Argentina.

Germany won the World Cup for the fourth time in Brazil, 2014.

This is Germany’s fourth World Cup title after defeating Argentina with a goal by Mario Götze in the 113th minute, after both teams drew 0-0 in regular time at the Maracaná stadium.

Götze, who came on in the 88th minute - substituted for Miroslav Klose - received André Schürrle’s pass from the left on his chest, planting it past Sergio Romero into Argentina’s goal.

It is a little known fact that this was the third World Cup final between Argentina and Germany; the former having won 3-2 in Mexico 1986 and the latter 1-0 in Italy 1990 – with Germany now having won two of three encounters.

Mario Götze’s goal in the 113th minute brought Argentina to their knees and
secured Germany’s victory.

This is Argentina’s third defeat in a World Cup final and their second consecutive against Germany, who have reached a record eight World Cup finals, and won four titles, including in Switzerland 1954 and at home in 1974.

Alejandro Sabella’s team played an intelligent game restraining the German machine - who slated Brazil 7-1 in the semifinals – allowing them few chances during the match, although a beautiful goal by Götze finally afforded Germany the win.

The emotional final, held on a spectacular sunny afternoon before 74,738 spectators, marked the end of the World Cup 2014, organized perfectly by Brazil despite initial fears provoked by social protests.

Scorer of four goals in the first three matches of the tournament, Lionel Messi started off well, but failed to make an impression in the knockout stages and his dream of matching Diego Armando Maradona was shattered in the final.

Despite Argentina’s defeat, Messi can leave the Brazil World Cup 2014 happy, after being presented with the Golden Ball, the award given to the best player of the competition. Messi received the award based on his goals and performances, which were most apparent in the group stages, surpassing other world class players such as Neymar, Müller, James Rodríguez, and his team mates Javier Mascherano and Ángel Di María.