WORLD CUP... BRAZIL 2014 has come and gone.
Germany were crowned world champions for the fourth time after a stunning extra-time strike from super sub Mario Gotze which secured a 1-0 victory over Argentina.
After 113 goalless minutes in the World Cup final, Gotze -- a second-half substitute for Miroslav Klose -- controlled Andre Schurrle's left-wing cross beautifully on his chest before volleying past Sergio Romero.
Twenty-four years after their last World Cup triumph, which was also achieved against Argentina, Germany could celebrate again -- coach Joachim Low realising a dream that began eight years ago when he first took charge of theNationalmannschaft.
Germany had been dealt a blow before kick-off as Sami Khedira suffered a calf strain; Joachim Low threw Christoph Kramer in for his first international start in place of the Real Madrid midfielder.
The magnificent Maracana was a sea of blue and white, with Argentina fans comfortably outnumbering their European counterparts. After 20 minutes, they watched on agog as Gonzalo Higuain missed a wonderful opportunity to open the scoring.
