Germany lifts FIFA World Cup 2014

Germany lifts FIFA World Cup 2014

>> Mario Goetze scored a superb extra-time winner as Germany beat Argentina 1-0 to become the first European team to win a World Cup held in South America on 13 July 2014 (Sunday).

>> Bayern Munich star Goetze struck in the 113th minute to finally break Argentina's resistance as Lionel Messi's dream of emulating Diego Maradona ended in defeat.

>> Germany has now won four World Cups, putting the European powerhouses just one behind Brazil's record tally of five.

>> “It's unbelievable what we have achieved. Whether we have the best individual player doesn't matter at all, you just need to have the best team,” said delighted Germany captain Philipp Lahm.

>> The decisive moment of a World Cup brimming with wonderful goals came with penalties looming in front of 74,738 fans at Rio de Janeiro's famous Maracana Stadium.

>> Andre Schuerrle burst clear down the left flank and crossed for Goetze. The 22-year-old took the ball on his chest and then volleyed past Sergio Romero to spark delirium amongst the largely pro-German crowd. 

>> Germany earned a much-deserved World Cup, finally topping a wonderful era for this generation, who had lived the past eight years in the shadow of Spain's imperious reign. It was a fitting passing of the baton. Germany also became the first European country to win a world title in the Americas, and only the second country after Brazil (1958, 2002) to win a World Cup outside their respective continent.

Awards

The following awards were given at the conclusion of the tournament:

Golden Ball : Lionel Messi (Argentina)

Golden Boot: James Rodríguez (Colombia)

Golden Glove: Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Best Young Player: Paul Pogba (France)

FIFA Fair Play Trophy: Colombia

The Winner team Germany will be getting US$35 million as prize money.