Germany wins 2014 World Cup after 1-0 victory over Argentina

USPA News - Germany won its fourth World Cup trophy on Sunday after German substitute Mario Götze scored a brilliant goal just seven minutes before the end of extra time, avoiding a penalty shoot-out by securing a 1-0 victory over Argentina. The two-hour match had seemed destined for a penalty shoot-out until German forward Andre Schurrle bulldozed past three Argentine defenders on the left flank before clipping over them to Götze.

The 22-year-old`s technique was described as exquisite, cushioning the ball on his chest before volleying in a brilliant goal in the far corner of the net at minute 113. It was one of the latest first goals ever in a World Cup final match, though not as late as Spanish footballer Andrés Iniesta`s winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final, which happened in the 116th minute. Argentina tried hard but was unable to score in the little time they had left before the referee`s whistle confirmed Germany`s victory. A goal by Argentina 30 minutes into the game was disqualified as offside by officials. Sunday`s match was played at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, where a fireworks display above the stadium marked the end of the tournament that kicked off just over a month ago. Celebrations and fireworks also erupted in the German capital of Berlin, where hundreds of thousands of people had braved the rainy weather to attend outdoor viewing parties. Minutes before the game began, riot police near the stadium in Rio de Janeiro were forced to deploy tear gas and stun grenades to disperse several hundreds of people who attempted to reach Maracanã by pushing past a police blockade. The group was reportedly protesting against police repression and the country`s lacking health care system.