Germany crowned as 2014 FIFA World Cup winners

ANKARA 

Germany defeated Argentina 1-0 in 2014 FIFA World Cup final clash played at Estadio do Maracana, Rio De Janeiro on Sunday and won the World Cup title for the fourth time in their history.

The game started with a high tempo. Argentinian forward Gonzalo Higuain wasted a great one-on-one chance in the twenty first minute of the game with his shot going off target.

In the thirtieth minute, Argentina's leading goal scored by Higuain was disallowed because he was in an offside position. A minute later German midfielder Christoph Kramer was obliged to leave the pitch due to a head injury and he was replaced by forward Andre Schurrle.

Argentina were close to scoring the leading goal again in the fortieth minute but German defender Jerome Boateng deflected the danger off the line.

Through the last minutes of the first half, Germany looked for an the overlap in the Argentinian half. In stoppage time German defender Benedikt Howedes' header from the corner rattled the post and the first half ended as a goalless draw.

In the first minutes of the second half, Argentinian powerhouse Lionel Messi's shot shaved the post. Generally both sides tried to hit each other on breakaways however both teams could not score during regular time and match play continued on in extra time. 

In the ninety-first minute of extra time, Germany wasted a chance with Schurrle smashing the ball in the box however Argentinian goalkeeper Sergio Romero saved it.

Six minutes later Argentinian forward Rodrigo Palacio chipped the ball over German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer but his shot went wide.

Laterly subbed-in German attacking midfielder Mario Gotze broke the deadlock after hitting the jackpot in Argentina's box in the 113rd minute, 1-0. This goal sealed the victory for Germany.

In the remaining time, Germany defended their goal to secure the win and did not let their opponents Argentina score an equaliser. 

Nicknamed "Die Mannschaft" (The Team), Germany won the World Cup trophy for the first time since 1990.

Germany's Gotze, having scored the winning goal for his team in extra time, was elected man of the match.

After the final whistle, the World Cup winners Germany were on cloud nine while the Argentinian squad and fans in the stands burst into tears. 

Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer - playing for Bayern Munich- received the Adidas Golden Glove award and Argentinian forward Lionel Messi was given the Adidas Golden Ball award.

In addition, the Adidas Golden Boot award went to Colombian star midfielder James Rodriguez for 2014 FIFA World Cup's top scorer by scoring six goals in total. French wonderkid Paul Pogba was named as the World Cup's best young player and the FIFA Fair Play award was given to Colombia.

On the podium, runners-up Argentina firstly were presented with their silver medals.  The 2014 FIFA World Cup champions Germany received their gold medals and the the President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff presented the World Cup trophy to the triumphant German team.

When the German captain Philipp Lahm was handed the prestigious trophy, a timely fireworks display marked the start of the celebrations at Maracana.

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