Germany v Argentina, 13 July 2014

Kick-off 4.00pm local (8.00pm BST) The 2014 World Final saw new records with Germany becoming the first nation to play in eight Finals while, after earlier encounters in 1986 and 1990, Argentina and Germany met in the Final for a record third time. Having humiliated hosts Brazil hosts by a 7-1 margin in the semi-final, Germany started as firm favourites but Argentina - playing in their neighbour's backyard - had every incentive to lift the trophy for the third time. Germany were dealt a late blow when Sami Khedira was injured in the warm-up. He was replaced by Christoph Kramer who earned only his fifth cap. Although clear-cut chances were at a premium, a bright, progressive opening from both teams bode well for a exciting contest. Argentina were presented with a gilt-edged chance on 20 minutes when Gonzalo Higuain was left with only Manuel Neuer to beat from Toni Kross' misplaced header but he scuffed his shot wide. Higuain did have the ball in the net on the half-hour but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside. Due to an earlier head injury, Kramer was then replaced by Andre Schurrle causing further disruption to Germany's midfield. Schurrle's first involvement was to bring a fine save out of Sergio Romero although, again, offside would have denied the opening goal. Kross was the next to test Romero but his effort from the edge of the box lacked power but Germany came closest to breaking the deadlock on the stroke of half-time when Benedikt Howedes' header from a corner clattered against the post. Although enjoying the greater share of possession in the first-half, Germany were not bossing the game as they would expect with Argentina always looking dangerous on the break. The mercurial Lionel Messi nearly got the second-half off to a sensational start when his angled left-foot shot went inches wide of Neuer's left-hand post. As the game continued at the same breathless pace, predictably, play became more scrappy as the entertaining contest remained goalless. Kroos guided the ball wide when well-placed at the end of a well-worked German move as the game entered an increasingly nervy last ten minutes of normal time. The game reached extra-time with both teams looking exhausted but both still trying to win. In the first of the additional 30 minutes, Romero saved from the unchallenged Schurrle from close range. Argentina were now effectively down to ten men as, having used their three subs, the injured Lucas Biglia was virtually a passenger. Substitute Rodrigo Palacio had a great opportunity but chipped wide of the German goal when he found space in the box. With the game seemingly inevitably heading towards penalties, Germany struck. A fine run and cross run down the left by Schurrle was superbly contolled and finished by fellow substitute Gotze - the 18th goal scored by a Bayern Munich player at Brazil 2014. With just seven minutes to play, Argentina went behind in this World Cup for the first time. Golden Ball winner Messi had a chance to salvage the game from a 25 yard free-kick with almost the last kick but Argentina's hopes sailed over the bar with his wayward shot. Germany had become the first European nation to win the World Cup in the Americas, their first major trophy since Euro 1996, their first World Cup since 1990 and first as a unified nation. They did it with a game and a goal that was worthy of a fabulous tournament.