Despite just one goal in the game, Germany proved their advantage with a late 1-0 win over Argentina to guide them to World Cup glory. A late change before the game gave Kramer a chance to start ahead of Khedira, allowing the inexperienced player a chance to shine. However, he was clearly shaken by a clash with Garay early on.
One of the earliest chances came from Higuain around the 20th minute, who was put one on one with Neuer but was unable to put the ball on target.
10 minutes later, Argentina thought they were ahead, but the celebrations were ruled out after Higuain was proven offside. It took him a while to realize it never counted.
Schurrle came on for Kramer shortly after, having failed to recover from the earlier incident. He clearly looked dazed as he walked off the field.
Argentina came out firing in the second half, and a huge chance from Messi was put just wide of the far post. This seemed to be the theme of today’s game for Argentina. They had plenty of opportunities to get on the board, but failed.
No side was able to find a winner in 90 minutes, taking the game to extra time.
Palacio found himself in a good position in front of Neuer early in the first half of extra time, but was unable to flick the ball over the dominant keeper.
Just when the game was heading to penalties, Germany continued their dominance by winning the World Cup in the 112th minute, after Gotze collected the ball in the area and fired past Romero on the volley. You could see the tears for Argentina rush out.
Argentina tried for the equalizer with the final five minutes, but every attempt came up short, much like the ones before them. Even the last possible chance, a free kick by Lionel Messi, was way off the mark.
Congratulations to Germany, but we’ll miss moments like these now it’s all over.
World Cup, we’ll see you in four years.