14/07/2014 Match of the Day

After 32 days, 63 games and 170 goals we are down to the final match

of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. It's Germany against Argentina from

the maracana. What it means is a first competitive

start for 23-year-old Christoph Kramer. There are six Bayern Munich

players in the side, coached at club level.

Miroslav Klose will have his final World Cup appearance. Three of his

record 16 goals have come against Argentina in the last two

tournaments. Argentina had hopped that Di Maria

would have covered in a thigh injury. He pulled up in training

yesterday. He isn't being risked. They are unchanged.

Marcso Rojo was a slight doubt. He is OK to continue. In a team yet to

concede a goal in the knockout stages. A team that is all about the

two M's, Mascherano to stop them and Messi to star.

Both are now looking to greater honours than their -- predecessors

managed. One of the modern wonders of the world. What a setting for a

game that promises so much. The stars are out

and ready to shine. Everything is set for the 20th

World Cup Final. WHISTLE. One of the ultimate teams

against another a lot more This is the fourth time I?ve seen

Argentina live, I think they will need some

magic from the aforementioned They won?t be as fresh

as the Germans. If you look

at the Germany game against Brazil, they only had to play for about 25

minutes, so a massive difference. It went from 1-0 to 5-0

in under seven minutes. They will find this Argentina

defence harder to pick through. Yeah, especially with Mascherano

in front of them. They started with Perez on the left,

Lewandowski on the right. They tried to play

a tricky one through to Klose. Argentina very deep

in the early stages. Mascherano has only managed

to move that up to Muller. There can be the touch

of the reckless about Marcos Rojo. In two years

in Portugal he has seen five red They score from set pieces,

don?t they, Germany? More from the wider positions into

the box, but they?ll fancy this. Argentina?s first sorte

into opposition territory And

from a very poor German free kick. You could hear the change

in noise around the stadium as soon Argentina have by far and away

the lion's share of support, even though those from Brazil are

behind the European team. They've come across the border

in any way they could. They're sleeping anywhere

and everywhere. They'll be hoping for an Argentinian

take away, won't they? Might be worth pointing out

in the last World Cup here, the only previous World Cup final

here, Brazil came into it after sticking seven past Sweden

and six against Spain. Then they lost

as favourites to Uruguay. He looked to pick him out, Muller,

actually. It's a good deflection back to

the goalkeeper. The referee just saying that he

couldn't really get out of the way. Senor Rizzoli, this is

his fourth game at the tournament. The noise around the place now,

you could be watching Boca Juniors, It is Martin Demichelis who comes

across to stop him A little bit worried that Argentina

down the left-hand side, that's three occasions,

they?re all coming down here. Kroos dictating a lot of

the passing in the German midfield. You can see the confidence oozing

out of every player in white. But taken off at half-time

against Brazil purely a precaution. Look

at the room Phillipp Lahm has got. Messi will leave Hummels

in his wake here. Messi was a little bit tired,

someone was saying. There has been a feeling that he's

been saving something special.. The whistle has gone for a free

kick. ball off Messi, it was the first

challenge by Hummels, I think. Brilliant, though. He almost stops

and then goes again. Hummels is seen him come forward that often in

this competition. Nicely dumbied by Mascherano.

Biglia had time to line it up there. He took plenty of time.

Decent block too by the Schalke man. special final ball.

There?s the man most consider to be You would have thought it would be

cagey and lack a bit of pace. Certainly not.

Klose is further forward. Ozil is taking his time. Zabaleta hungrily

into the tackle. He doesn't really tackle any other way.

Schweinsteiger was endeavouring to find Kramer. Does well to win it

back, but it's only temporarily. Kramer is playing a little bit

further forward than Khedira would be, certainly from that point of

view, it's given the Argentineans a bit of problems when he's come off

the front man. Now Demichelis started to scamper over. Messi comes

back to help him out defensively. Germany get a throw.

Lahm looked for Klose. Demichelis stout stuff. Yeah, Demichelis just

read it a split second before Miroslav Klose, just did enough to

put him off. How his fortunes have changed. I

think he deliberately left it. They might have conceded a key free

kick here. I'm not sure it's a foul, is it? A

little late. It is another free kick in a very promising position for

Germany. Just needed a closer look. Mascherano is closest to Klose.

Zabaleta read it. Germany's throw.

Lahm outside. It squirted awkwardly off the head of Demichelis, just

caught with the sun in his eyes That's the problem. He gesticulated

straight away. There you can see. Maybe what happened before with

Garay. That is a problem particularly in that goal mouth. You

can see it, just there. Obviously you can see it, but he can't.

The movement is fascinating to watch from the German players. Unlucky

there. It was meant for Muller. He came out and round the back.

President presidenttries to run -- Perez tries to run away. That's

twice they've broken from set pieces, Argentina, which is for the

neutrals good. It's what Joachim Low spoke about in

the pre-match press conferences. He was wary of the speed of the break.

Worried about one man in particular. Just seen one darting run from him,

Lionel Messi. Ezequiel Garay, solid centre back, finds Marcos Rojo. A

little off balance there. Looked down accusingly at the pitch.

Must have been a worm. Actually didn't train on it yesterday to

preserve the surface. There has been quite a lot of rain around Rio in

the last few days. Perfect evening for the World Cup final, though.

Shoaleder to shoulder with close close close who has take -- Miroslav

Klose who has taken a throw. Argentina's players are pointing to

the touch line and telling them to put it out of play. It's their man.

They don't have to. They've made the decision on the pitch. Now Toni

Kroos does that. If they have the ball, they can make the decision.

It's the referee's call if he wants to stop playment Oh. Yeah. Perhaps

he ought to have done. Always when you're looking the other way you

catch one. Oh, dear. Garay came in with everything he had

and he took the full weight. Zabaleta got one the other night,

very similar. Click the jaw back into place.

There's Sami Khedira, a pfennig for his thoughts. Ruled out in the

warm-up. He's had rotten luck with injury in the past season. I don't

think we'd expect him to come on quite so soon. Kramer will carry on

for now. He only made his debut against Poland in May. What a rise

it's been for the 23-year-old. Sometimes it's just meant to be.

They'll be watching on anxiously in the town where he's from. Should

have plenty of steel in him. He won't be coming off, not if he

has any say about it at allment He's fine. He's jogging around the pitch

now. Rojo looked to find Higuain. Another

Germany throw play youed out right under -- played out under the nose

of Alejandro Sabella. Standing down, come what may, after

this game. Muller takes one. Get up, he's Rojo

went fine. In. He was waiting for it. Well done ref.

Yeah, he was waiting for it. Nothing wrong with him. There was a bit of

that in Germany's opening game, the win against Portugal when Pepe was

stupid to get himself sent off but Muller didn't half make the most of

it. Doesn't take a lot to get Pepe

certainties off -- sent off, does it?

Neuer to make sure that he's sure footed to clear.

Oh, that was a risk. Oh, dear me, what a chance for Higuain! What a

waste. He was presented with a World Cup final gift. He obviously

couldn't believe it, because he's totally snatched at this. He waits

there to hit it and well, it almost came off - just above the ankle.

What an opportunity! Toni Kroos headed the ball back without

looking, a player who's hardly wasted a pass all tournament long.

And not to make the goalkeeper make a save from that particular

situation is criminal. What a let off for Germany. They now have a

free kick in the Argentine half. Kroos has steadied himself and got

his heart rate back to normalment His -- Normal. His heart will be

pumping. He just tries to hit it too hard.

Free kick again, but this time a blue one.

He does everything right, when you look at this there, looked around

and everything. Oh, he's just dragged it.

Dear oh, dear. The man wearing number nine. Look at Javier

Mascherano's reaction. And number nine. Look at Javier

at the bench. Oops. Sergio Aguero it was, number 20,

with his shirt over his head. What he would give for a chance like that

if and when he gets onto the field. Loads of room, acres of it for

Phillipp Lahm here. It wasn't the best ball actually. No, it sent him

backwards rather than forwards. Past the midway point in the first

half. Zabaleta, left foot, great. That's

Howedes. They wanted a good and go. It's Demichelis who will see him off

or try to. Argentina throw. Howedes was Germany's goal scorer.

We look down at the packed beach. I hope the tide doesn't come in. It's

on its way. He was the goal scorer when these two sides last met, a

friendly in Frankfurt, nearly two years ago now, a 3-0 Argentina win.

We had a Lionel Messi missed penalty.

Germany getting an order back about themselves.

Back to Neuer, who never minds receiving the ball anywhere in his

half of the field. One of the ultimate sweeper keepers. Against

Algeria he was the best defender on the field.

Demichelis seemed to slip a little bit. Once again room for Lahm.

Kramer wants it in the middle. Muller was the man in between.

Good pressing from Rojo and Perez forcing Germany back.

Just a little behind Christoph Kramer.

Bossing possession, Germany. Not going anywhere that quickly yet. No,

Schweinsteiger is having too much of the ball as far as Argentina is

concerned. Good closing from Lavezzi.

Didn't get that one right. I think Kramer stopped thinking he might

have been running offside. There are some Germans here. There

have been plenty of Germans wherever their team has played. They do have

great support in Brazil. Particularly in the south of the

country. Even more today. Kramer. Sabella's face tells the

story. A great one for reactions,

Sabella will stop never left A chip up towards Klose and Romero

had seen that developing. I think Klose realised if you went

for that he would get smashed. Just a split second, he's onside,

has a look at the goalkeeper The veteran striker is looking to go

out on the biggest high of all having already broken the record

for the number of goals scored at Romero gets it away

but the flag is up. Would not have counted for Muller

even if he got his toe to it. Renato Faverani was in just

the right place to see it all. He wanted to take it quickly

but the referee was not ready because he's making a note

of the foul and we have the first That was daft as well

because Boateng was just waiting to No surprise

at all to see who's the wall. Biglia with a touch to

Messi to allow him to run. Might have caused a problem

but Romero is out to tidy up. Lavezzi. Has Rojo and Higuain is

in there. But Argentina have not taken

the lead. This is a ball and a half and an

absolutely correct decision again. What a finish after his miss

as well. This time we give

the thumbs up to the other assistant I think Schurrle could be coming

on here. There's a subplot within

a big story. Kramer in at the last minute

for Sami Khedira, And now he's only lasted half

an hour himself. Christoph Kramer's dream

hasn't quite gone to plan. On will come Andre Schurrle, who

when he has left the bench has made You get the impression actually

that he is a real impact player. When he starts and thinks, not sure,

when he comes on, most definitely. The referee's assistant just

explaining what was wrong. Andre Schurrle, the Chelsea player,

came on as a substitute against Algeria in the last 16 to

give Germany the lead, Then came on against Brazil,

last Tuesday. I think they'll probably just,

I don't know if they're going to drop Ozil in a little bit with Kroos

and Schweinsteiger. Joachim Low, even in his days

as the assistant to Jurgen Klinsmann He will have a plan

for every eventuality. This might improve Germany's

attacking prowess. Howedes is not particularly

great about going forward. We know Schurrle is all about

attacking people in those areas. You got your foul, mate,

get over it. Let's see how many

rolls we can count. Maybe something brewing

for Argentina here. Two German names

in the referee's note book. Germany having already had to make

one change in the game If he's going to catch any player

in the Argentinian side that will note it down for later,

he's just caught him. Just need to settle down a bit,

Germany, here. You might say they've got

off lightly with Higuain missing Schweinsteiger is even more

important to the Germany plans. Both so eager to go in

and make the tackle themselves. Yeah, it's getting a little bit

spicy, which is always good. We are just over ten minutes

from 45 being played. Not edge of your seat stuff yet,

but there's a lot developing here. Messi couldn't get it

through to Higuain. It was Schweinsteiger again,

I think. That's twice now,

important interceptions. Schweinsteiger there just reads

the situation. Lavezzi has got a turn of pace

from somewhere. Starting his fourth game

in a row with Sergio Aguero having Oh, yeah we need one of them, mate,

to carry on. Zabaleta just had a little nip

at him. Argentina have had the ball

in the German net. He should have had the ball

in the German net earlier. Messi ran straight

into Schweinsteiger, who doesn't make a meal of it, just

gets on with the free kick. Perfect ball to Lahm,

just bounced off his boot. He wanted to keep it a lot lower,

obviously. That's gone out for an Argentina

throw-in. They seem to have got

their rhythm back at the moment. Argentina beaten in only one

of the last 25 games. Germany can do better,

one defeat in their last 27. Perez has swapped sides

at the moment. Yeah, since Lavezzi took

the corner before, he's not gone Another one,

they're creeping forward. Strange to think

after today it's all over. Luckily you don't have to wait too

long Match of the Day returns in 34 days,

Saturday August 16 He got through unbelievably easily,

Messi. Hummels is feeling the pace of the

races he's having to have against He has largely been kept quiet,

but you know it's there. ??WHITE Late challenge there.

Germany appeal for a free kick. Muller is down again. ??YELLOW

Referee didn't see it. Muller back to his feet.

Biglia caught on the ball and Needlessly. This will play into

Argentina hands. I would have thought so.

That's just a Schurrle foul, I mean. He can do that all day. There was

something rather manufactured by Thomas Mullerment It was in-- Thomas

Muller. It was indeed. For the second time. Schweinsteiger is

trying to pull the strings. Muller completing the Bayern Munich

triangle. On the ball again. Zabaleta away.

Rojo is lucky because he tried to be too clever. In the end, he just let

Muller have a simple cross and thank goodness for Zabaleta and Argentina.

Thomas Muller has to be careful because if he wants a battle he's

playing the right team because if he wants a battle he's

the wrong team. It goes Argentina's way. Contested

by Schurrle. He's come on full of fire. Yeah, just getting a little

bit rattled, the Germans, which you said before, with Argentina, they

don't have a problem with this. It was the right call. Argentina

throw. Rojo being conducted by Alejandro

Sabella down there. Ozil teed up the foot. Great

awareness out of his feet. That's a back pass. Not his thing today.

That's two though, isn't it? Germany just showing signs ah, preaching

halftime -- signs, approaching half time of knocking it about again.

Ozil has run into trouble again. They're going over too easily as

well, that's the other thing. Hummels had to make sure he stayed

in front of Lavezzi. Could Miroslav Klose have flung

himself at that? I think he thought about it. Great ball. No.

Even though we're goalless, for a World Cup final, it's actually been

good, the first half. Schweinsteiger has run most of the

first half. Lots of room again for Toni Kroos.

Muller, who always finds it, wherever on the field he can.

Germany corner. We move into two minutes of

first-half added time. They've got such a good relationship down the

right, Muller and Lahm. Perez puffing there, it's difficult.

Kroos with the corner. Hummels and Howedes have made their

way into the Argentina penalty area for it. Argentina left two up front.

Romero started to move towards the ball and retreated. He will stay in

there for another corner kick. Hummels, a danger. Two goals in the

World Cup already. One against Portugal, one against France.

Muller is the target of the referee's attention again. There's

pushing and pulling between him and Pablo Zabaleta.

Expectant German fans watch the Toni Kroos corner, and it's against the

post! The flag's gone up. It's not gone in. And Romero has the ball in

his grateful gloves. Such a great header as well.

Well, I'm saying it's a good header, but he should have scored. He had a

free run at it. Should have scored. Muller's offside. Great leverage as

well on the header. Good officiating once again. Stroke of luck for

Argentina, then. Halftime at the Maracana. We haven't

had a goal, but we have seen a glaring miss from Gonzalo Higuain,

who did then put the ball in the net for it to be ruled out for offside

and then at the end of Howedes header. I think we will get goals,

but we don't know when they'll come or who will score them. Halftime.

It's Germany 0, Argentina 0. We're going to tell you about a

change to start with, because Ezequiel Lavezzi is going off. He's

replaced by Sergio Aguero. That is an Argentina change. Lavezzi, who

came into the side after Aguero was ruled out through injury and who has

started the last three games. Aguero still looking for his first World

Cup goal. He's gone half a dozen international appearances without a

goal. But not a bad player to have coming on at halftime. No, though we

saw him the other night in Sao Paulo and he did really look very, very

ring rusty. Groin problems? I'm not sure you can say that. He's had

quite a number of muscular problems since the turn of the year with

Manchester City. There's his first touch of the World

Cup final. Tapping it back to Javier Mascherano. Now Messi on the run

already. Howedes recovered

from joining him in there. Interesting little story developing

in that Argentina kept the Germany players waiting for some time in the

players' tunnel. Offside. Free kick Germany.

That's the place they're going to get in, down that side again. That's

probably four or five different occasions now. Just looking what

Argentina have done as well. I think Higuain is probably going to play on

the right. Messi almost in the middle and Aguero on the left. In

terms of Aguero and Higuain, they're going to tuck in from that side and

Perez is now playing right-sided midfielder.

Easy for Boateng. Such a long stride. Really positive start from

Argentina. stride. Really positive start from

Biglia is more on the left of Mascherano. He's through to Messi

and the flag has stayed down this time. Messi's missed. Right across

the face. The crowd just waiting to roar. Of

all the people. There was just a massive - he's on - massive intake

of breath. This now, you're just waiting for the net to bulge. How

close was it? Very. Neuer was beaten. He was stranded. Another

Argentina opportunity has gone by. It has got those blue and white

striped shirted supporters up to their feet and waving the flags

again. They like what they're seeing since the break.

A little bit wasted. A really bright start by Argentina. He's not just

looking down feeling the left hamstring is he? I'm hoping it's an

itch. So is he. He knows where the camera is, Alejandro Sabella.

Still a lot of Argentina fans wondering how it's still 0-0.

Not quite sure who that was meant for.

They did keep Germany waiting a long time, maybe that just unsettled

Germany's players, they were in the tunnel. Except Phillipp Lahm who was

out on the field. The referee called him back. Lahm ignored him. He had

the Maracana to himself for a good two or three minutes.

Zabaleta was caught by Klose. Sunset in Rio. There aren't many finer

sights in the world. That is a picture. It's staggering, isn't it?

To think we've been up there as well.

Javier Mascherano for bailing him out there. Perhaps he's lucky was

Klose, who can't get away as quickly Don't mind seeing the odd mistake,

it usually means goals. Higuain went in with Howedes,

but the defender did enough. Messi couldn't get involved there,

he was wandering back rather lazily At the moment every time Argentina

come forward, they are posing Almost as

though it was planned that way. Ozil got it out to Howedes who

showed too much of its two Pablo Zabaleta who took a bit

of everything. He looked like a centre-back

playing left-back then, Howedes. The second touch was almost

a header. There is room on the right

for Philipp Lahm should Germany Lahm, threatening to bundle through,

but instead he will have to get They will have a rest and set

off again. The game is quickening up,

which is great. Even Mascherano threatened to break

forward then but he was ignored. The advantage is played

and it's turned behind by Garay But the referee gave Germany

the advantage. Foul, yeah, but look what

a good position Germany are in. They will have to settle

for the corner, Howedes is making the run to

the near post. And there was a bit of pushing

and pulling with Muller grabbing I think the free kick has

gone against his reputation. Mats Hummels was getting a hug

from Garay. Slowing the pace of the

game, Germany. Quite clever when you are under

the cosh a little bit. Argentina quickening

the tempo once more. Zabaleta looking for the run

of Higuain. He's given a free kick

the other way, the referee. Was Neuer inside the box when he

made the connection with his fist? That's exactly what Sergio

Aguero is arguing about. Higuain has a look, he knows

he's coming, he can hear him. It's his knee coming up

into the side of the face. Is that dangerous play

from the goalkeeper? What's he going to do with his knees

when he's that high up in the air? You make contact with the ball

and then worry German goalkeeper Polak Singer boy

in blue, we are back to Schumacher! Not quite in that category,

thank goodness. Higuain is half accepting

the apology. Hard to know how it can be

a free kick to Germany. He got his head in the way

of a sixth foot four inch German. You can understand his anger

and his business. Quite a few breaks for blows to

the head throughout this World Cup. He's having a go

at the fourth official as well, That's why they are there,

someone to blame. Not getting a lot of movement

from Klose, are they? Finding it really difficult to

get into the game at the moment. He's got one on target,

there's always once a match. That's what he's good at, within

the confines of the 18-yard box. A good leap,

but not a great connection. It seemed to slide down his face

rather than the meat of the temple. Echoes the way he got off in 2002

when he announced himself with five They claim it should be a goal kick,

but not the case. Joachim Low is on the prowl with

a few words to say, it would seem. Lahm couldn't quite slide it

into the feet of Muller. Did Muller stop thinking

he was offside, maybe? No,

he was trying to get into position. For a moment it looked like

Bayern Munich were coming. Romero up and away,

firmly met by Hummels. He is forced a slice

from the keeper. Mascherano didn't really get it away

and then it was behind from Ozil. Looks like a deflection

off Mascherano. A little bit unfortunate,

not a lot Ozil could do. The World Cup final

remains intriguing. Still don't think you would want to

firmly put yourself in one camp, saying one team will win it over

the other. Hummels against Aguero

and that's getting tetchy. He fought three different

people to win that corner. Looks far more ready

for this than he was the other day. He was undercooked the other day,

no doubt about it. Didn't let Hummels anywhere

near that. Demichelis and Geraint Hughes

and Garra right up from the back. My first thought was it was

another corner for Argentina. I think I was right,

it came off Klose. Schweinsteiger is saying to Howedes,

where are you? Really messy between Neuer

and Howedes. Neuer are saying to Howedes,

you have to accept the ball. Zabaleta will take the Argentina

throw in. Threatening to have a good

spell with Aguero instrumental. And then plunging into a tone

for the error Argentina in the final, you might

say, largely down to his last-ditch Stretched so much he almost did

himself a mischief in that game, Aguero was in late

and he will be yellow carded. He has up-ended Schweinsteiger

and there is a lot Echoes of when they meant in the

World Cup in Germany in 2006, when At the end,

Schweinsteiger was punched in the back by Maxi Rodr?guez

after the penalty shoot out. I think it's because you've got that

undercurrent in this game as well, Lots and lots

of Argentinian noise again. I thought they had been quiet

for a while. Not to any great benefit

for Germany. Germany have six or seven players

warming up behind the goal. Neuer was the only player ready

for that. We had a player sent off in both of

the last two World Cup finals, why I think Romero is the biggest player

Argentina have in terms of height. Free kick for Germany

and Biglia is contesting that. Mini duels developing all over

the field. Perez claims handball

and gets it against Toni Kroos. Not sure what Kroos can do

in that circumstance. Is he supposed to chop it off

at the shoulder? Great run from row Joe

down the left-hand side. Three separate situations

in the match he's come in Nice turn by Enzo Perez and then

he drove straight at Hummels. Demichelis out to Zabaleta,

who can put in a cross, And then he is

unceremoniously taken down. He wasn't turning round

and running back to his own goal. Lovely passing and moving

by the Germany players. Howedes with a cross that

is anything but lovely. It's also why we've seen no goals to

determine who will be closer to lifting that trophy at the end

of the day. The vote closes at full-time.

of the tournament by visiting It has run away,

Romero has it. His body wasn't

in any shape to take it. Not going to see him for much longer

there, he ran straight into Kroos. He had a couple of moments

in the first half, most definitely. But you could have said that

about him in some of the other games Particularly

in the last 16 game against Switzerland when he made the winner

for Di Mar?a in the nick of time. Perez and Schweinsteiger having

a falling out. Looked as though he was

about to burn away from Howedes. I think he had a little luck

before the ball was due to arrive They all look old enough to have

enjoyed Maradona at his best. This is not Messi at his best

on night. The touch from Perez somehow bounces

through to Messi. Messi bounces past a couple of tackles to shoot but he

couldn?t quite wrap his left foot around. But here he comes. Amazing,

isn?t it, defenders seemed mesmerised when he?s up against

them. His movement is so quick, short steps, fantastic control. He

was thinking of Iran all over again. That goal in injury time moments

after Iran had had their own chances

to win it. Argentina are yet to be behind in any game in this World

Cup. Klose did well to keep his balance

but couldn?t quite keep the ball in move to make next but I think

Sabella will make the next move. It will probably be Palacio. He seems

to come on quite regularly. Has come on in four of the games. He could

have won it against the Dutch. We don?t know if Di Maria is fit to

play any part at all. think if he was he would be

involved. Schurrle loses out to

Mascherano and in fact was impeding, stopping Mascherano getting away.

The referee in the right place. The question is, who does he come on

for? This will be a statement. If it?s not the like of Higuain, you?re

not taking Messi Ofcom is on. He?s either taking off Higuain or he?s

going for it with everything, Sabella. The board says nine,

Higuain will be coming off. Throw for Argentina. They will make

the change before play is resumed. Higuain was put through by,

of all people, Toni Kroos with a backward header. He won?t be getting

a goal in this World Cup final. Neuer is there to pounce. A good bit

of distribution as well, Muller was screaming for the ball. Looked for a

split second like Messi would burst have managed to get a corner from

it. I think what Argentina have done... Look at that, fantastic.

Just stumbles and then off-camera... He turns to the rest

and thought he had been caught. He's now playing through the, Messi.

Argentina looking all the more dangerous for it. It will be Germany

who could threaten from this, though. Garay is trying to go where

ever Mats Hummels wants to go. It is towards Muller. He could not get off

the floor to challenge for it. Argentina in no hurry to get out

here. A lovely ball from Muller. Had

defenders swarming around Howedes, the chance was gone. Again, it went

to the wrong man. But he was the only man in there for Germany. Won

back by Mats Hummels. Lahm lists it towards Muller but it looks like a

push. Everybody's down. It was like the beach.

I think they just clattered into each other. Howedes could not get it

out of his feet and under control. It has been the story of his game.

He broke free from Demichelis... No, he didn?t, he just fell over. The

referee said that all of the German players lining up behind the goal,

it's a distraction. For whom? I think for him.

Less than ten minutes of the 90 to go. We are yet to see a goal in the

first World Cup final played at the Maracana since 1950.

Palacio never really had a handle on where that was going over his head.

The game continues to be reasonably open and chances are threatened by

both teams. Can Ozil create something? Behind Schurrle. Kroos!

He passed it wide of the post. Well wide. Never felt like he would make

the net bulge. Ozil cuts inside, head up and a great ball. No. Didn?t

even bobble or anything. No excuse. There was no conviction in me shot

from a player who scored twice as Brazil were bulldozed in Belo

Horizonte Leeds on Wednesday. I wonder if were getting to the

stage of the game, with Germany pressing and Argentina forced to sit

back, where the toil of Argentina's semi-final against the Dutch takes

control. Goalkick. Ozil thinks it's Mascherano. Ozil Ben claims he

should have had a free kick. But it will be a goalkick.

Joachim Low is unruffled. There is a delay for an intruder. That is a far

better site. Absolutely. Some village has just lost its idiot. It

looks so close, doesn?t it. We can see it with the naked eye from where

we are sitting, just on top of the hill. Germany 0-0 Argentina. Nodded

on towards Klose. A combination of Demichelis and Garay can bind to

keep him away. And a lack of pace as well.

Palacio is on the move down the left. Slip from Boateng it allows

the ball to be played into Messi but a slip from Aguero. I don?t think he

would have got to it anyway. No, he was just setting himself and Messi

flicked it as though... He does about 50 of those everyday. Here you

go. We knew the final would be tight but we did not know how it would pan

out other than that. Six minutes. Are we set for a big finish?

Argentina are getting ready to make their third and final change and it

looks like a defensive one with Gago getting ready. Will it still be

level terms? Schurrle could not find Muller. Germany's throw. Sabella

wants to make the change. The referee has not glanced over.

Demichelis had the measure of Klose. It will be Gago for Perez when they

get the chance. Argentina's throw, and it is their

last throw, substitution wise. Perez has started two games in

the World Cup, not bad, in the semi-final and final, but now

he makes way for Fernando Gago. Gago actually lost his place to Biglia. A

home-based player takes the field for Argentina, plays for Boca

Juniors. team old, very steady and solid.

Joachim Low is going to throw on someone a little more exciting in

style, Mario Gotze. When he gets the chance. Palacio on the ball for

Argentina in the meantime. I think it will be Klose making way

for Germany, which presumably will mean Muller in the middle. Yeah.

Gago demanding the ball. Messi ran into Boateng. Biglia. What a great

tackle that is. Two tackles actually. That one firm

Schweinsteiger, yet again in his own penalty area, and Boateng

beforehand. Now the change. Mario Mario Gotze, 22 years old,

who many thought would have a The Bayern Munich boy wonder

is probably a better player Presumably the end of his World Cup

career. 36, he's done it all,

he?s scored more goals at the World One more than Ronaldo

and two more than Gerd Muller. On comes Gotze,

whose career is bouncing Biglia is half smiling,

half grimacing. Joachim Low has taken

the opportunity to speak to Pat on the back and carry on

as you are. Biglia will be OK to continue,

he has to do, Argentina have used It might be needed in extra time

because that is now looming large. He got past Hummels all by himself,

but a good challenge by Howedes. Gotze is through the middle

and Muller is still Muller is trying to make a nuisance

of himself will stop Demichelis had Gotze not close enough to take

advantage of the stumble. Three minutes to find a winner

or we will have another 30. Boateng has had

a great game through. Great piece of skill from Messi,

the tackle and the pass, brilliant. Given away by Biglia, that was very,

very casual. Gotze with Schurrle

running strongly. Romero going long again,

Aguero trying to force the error from Hummels, but there haven't been

many throughout the World Cup. No way through to Messi,

well cut out by Muller. Gotze trying to ghost

into a shooting position. They are outnumbered

and he's been outdone. Yeah, Hummels just kept his eye

on the ball. Nowhere really for Gago to go,

he had to go into reverse. Palacio looked

like he might have been offside. Demichelis can't get it through to

Aguero and we are going to have an extra 30 minutes

and maybe a little bit more! There have been chances,

but nothing taken even with We still don't know who will be

world champions in 2014, 30 minutes or

the next World Champions will be Argentina played in one final that

went to extra time, on their patch, Germany lost in 1966

when it went to extra time. Garay managed to get it

down to Mascherano Stopped by Boateng and then

by Hummels. Aguero taking on Hummels again,

Knoydart in charge. Great break by Germany,

absolutely brilliant. I hope that's set the tone

for extra time. The goalkeeper having to make

a save. Germany are going to try

and have a go again immediately. Schweinsteiger wanted Muller

on the end of that. His argument will be there

should have been somebody. Messi tried to get

in there with him. We looked at Romero, but Germany are

a team in a hurry in extra time. Rather lucky that he fired it

through Schurrle. Didn't look massively comfortable

in the end. Lively first four minutes

of extra time. Largely thanks to Germany's

attacking intent. We have seen they could be picked

off on the counter-attack, though. Schurrle being followed

by Mascherano. He seems to be frightened

of Zabaleta. Certainly won't go and take him

on at all. But we're all still waiting

for that one moment of magic that could decide

the biggest prize in football. Many times during the game

it's looked likely to come. It's looked close,

but never quite happened. Got to credit the two sets

of defenders for that. Demichelis and Zabaleta,

the two of them. Argentina need their leader to come

up with something special now. Over Hummel's head. Neuer

was the problem. Muller lurking on the point

of the penalty area. Give Neuer a bit of credit,

how quickly he came out to Palacio. We've seen some good goalless

draws at this tournament. This probably not the best

of them actually. Schurrle was trying to play it

against Demichelis He got everything wrong

from there on in. The other thing as well, if it's

on target, Boateng deals with it Boateng has been in control

of pretty much everything. I think Mats Hummels breathed

a sigh of relief, certainly. Something that Klose

will always give you. Once more, outstanding work

from Mascherano. That was almost

a Hunter situation. I thought you meant he was

going to take everything. They can't get out

of their own half. Ozil as well, I thought he

was going to come on to it. Germany have done all the pressing

in this first part of extra time. Good tackle

from Mascherano once more. Then a dual between Mascherano

and Schweinsteiger. Germany did all the pressing

and Argentina should be in front. certainly. Better chances have

certainly gone to the team in blue. I think they both appreciate

each other, don?t they? That time when players have to

stretch it out a little bit more. Three minutes of the first half

of extra time to go. Boateng, moving in laboured

fashion out to that one. Mascherano suffered a concussion

in the last game. There's a big difference

in height with these two. Nothing quite

so troubling this time. Argentina supporters have

decided the time is now. They're going to lift their team

as best they can. Out came Mascherano to snuff out

the threat. Similar situation,

same old players every time. If it's not Mascherano,

it?s Schweinsteiger or Boateng. If it's not Mascherano,

it's Schweinsteiger or Boateng. Just a few snapshots of the tension

around the Maracana stadium. A lot of people have come

a long way to see He was lucky

because he miscontrolled it. Looked as though he had the

chance to poke it back to Aguero. It's just there where

he lost control of it. I think once they've taken it that

will be it for the first period That will do it

for the first 15 minutes. It is getting more and more tense

all the time and still we wait. Three out

of the last four games have gone to Germany were only taken all

the way by Algeria in the last 16. One big quarter

of an hour left or penalties. Which you would assume

Germany will win! That's just the way it goes, but

Argentina are pretty handy from the spot, too, as they showed against

the Dutch in the last round. Romero, a saver of two Netherlands

penalties. I don't think the man at the

other end would lack confidence. He said hopefully!

as though Boateng might be beaten Although there is an argument

the other way, of course. Some sort of drama guaranteed,

anyway. He got a knock a few minutes

earlier from Mascherano. It was Mascherano who actually

caught him and he is on a card. That warrior spirit is being

dragged out of tired legs. About to say lots of room for Lahm

to gallop into, but it's not When you gallop forward

as a full-back, A dozen minutes of the World Cup

finals left, I would think so. Aguero has jumped

into Schweinsteiger, free kick. That really is fortunate that the

referee has not seen that clearly. Mascherano's tackle just before

on Schweinsteiger as well. Look at that, that's the evidence,

goodness me. Argentina fell apart towards

the end of the second half. Pedro Monzon and then Dezotti

and Andreas Brehme scored That's not just a second yellow

card, it's a straight red card He is the nonplaying substitute

and he is being led away They have a head injury

of their own to worry about. Just looking at the scuffle in

front of us in the technical area. You would want Schweinsteiger

on because he would take a pen, So would Aguero

and he really shouldn't be on. Should have been Argentina down

to ten for the rest of the match. Biglia is there to stop a run

down the week. Schweinsteiger is back

on his feet and saying, get me on. What a reception from Germans

and Brazilians in the Maracana. Schweinsteiger's last

four international goals To qualify that,

with eight and a half minutes to go, The German substitutes

getting to their feet. My mind is going back to 2006 after

the penalty shoot out in Germany. We hope it doesn't end

in those scenes. It wouldn't befit the final

of the tournament generally played One of the new batch

of brilliant German talent. He has put them in front

in the closing minutes of the Fantastic first touch

and it's a brilliant finish. Didn't even look where

the goalkeeper was, That's a goal worthy

of winning the biggest final round. Mario Gotze, brought up at Borussia

Dortmund, moved to Bayern Munich. Up goes Muller with the header.

the biggest prize you can get? Argentina have to throw the lot

at Germany now. Think of

the chances Argentina have missed. The likes of Higuain and Messi

missing them. Manuel Neuer with

a huge throw to Schurrle. Jumping Germans right

around the ground. Just can't get the ball

at the moment, Argentina, Messi can't work it to Palacio,

cleared by Boateng. Lionel Messi can't keep the ball

in play. Schurrle got in the early ball,

which was key. What a sensational finish

from that angle. What a chip through

and what a finish into the goal. There isn't another goalkeeper

in the world who can do that. And he looks it, he absolutely

wants to be part of the action. Ozil has run the ball

across the line. Three and a half minutes

for Argentina to find Rojo is playing as a left-winger

for Argentina now. Neuer has had to go back to

his goal. The goalkeeper knew exactly

where this was going. Nothing the other goalkeeper

could have done about that goal. Another German substitution,

I think. I'm guessing he won't

play up front either! They will do now

if the referee sees the substitution 90 seconds remain of the World Cup

final. Argentina need all their warrior

spirit now and a stroke of luck. Ozil coming off I think

for Mertesacker. You may argue they now have

centre backs on now with Howedes. Neuer, how quick he is,

he?s off the line, ready, alert. Joachim Low is managing to look

as cool as anybody possibly could Wondering away, about to become

the World Championship winning coach, if his team can hold out

for two more minutes. Two minutes remaining of

Alejandro Sabella's spell in charge Argentina free kick and this

really is last chance saloon. They have only been fleeting

from Lionel Messi. Officially the world Player

of the Year this year. It's not been the final he would

have wanted it to be, Lionel Messi, unless he can put this in against

the best goalkeeper in the world or Presumably Schweinsteiger

has to go off. Those Argentina players will race

in if there's a rebound. The other thing, that free kick is

a long way out to beat Neuer. Mario Goetze has asked

the question of referee Rizzoli. The first World Cup win

for the reunified Germany. The referee has had another look

at both watches. They're screaming for fulltime

on the touchline. Another muted cheer

from the Germany's substitutes. But he doesn't have

to give any more! One Goetze goal has the whole of

Germany, its leaders and power brokers, beaming from ear to ear.

Not a night for the world's best individual to shine. But a night

when the world's best international team put it all together as a team

again. You might argue that the goal that wins the game is possibly the

most difficult chance of the night, bearing in mind the one that's went

before it. Argentinian tears are one side of the story. The German

celebrations will carry on. They've been a long time in the making.

They've seen this team grow. They've grown together. Six of the

team five years ago won the European under-21 championship, Neuer,

team five years ago won the European Boateng, Hummels, Howedes, Khedira,

Ozil. They've all come through together,

Ozil. They've all come through that man, Joachim Low, who's done

what his long-time ally Jurgen Klinsmann couldn't quite do. He's

taken Germany to the top of the world. Lothar Matthaus, once upon a

time, had his hands on the crown. This is Phillipp Lahm's time. Once

more Germany's time. Now, all eyes on the middle of that

pack for the big moment. They have the model that really now is the

envy of the world. From the schools, to the parks, to the Bundesliga and

beyond, now on the biggest stage of all in the Maracana, a European

team, for the first time, winning the World Cup on South American

soil. They are history makers, this German team. They might go on to a

few more records yet. In football, Germany rules the world again.

It has been a magnificent World Cup, won by a worthy goal in the

marvellous city of Rio. Thank you Brazil. Danke.

So, after a 24-year wait, once again, Germany have their hands on

the trophy. They are the world champions. Good night.