Mario Götze becomes the first substitute to score the winner in a World Cup Final as Germany win the World Cup for the first time in 24 years, for the first time since reunification and to become the first European team to win the tournament in the Americas, sparking wild celebrations in Berlin:
Germany Win World Cup For Fourth Time
World Cup Final
Germany 1-0 Argentina (after extra time)
Götze 113′
By Phil McNulty
BBC Sport at Estadio Maracana
Gotze scores brilliant extra-time winner for Germany
First European side to win World Cup in South America
Higuain and Messi waste chances for Argentina
Messi below best at Maracana
On top of the world: Germany's players hold their trophy up high as they celebrate becoming the first European team to win the World Cup in South America
Germany were crowned world champions for the fourth time as Mario Gotze's extra-time winner beat Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final.
Gotze demonstrated perfect technique and commendable calm to chest down Andre Schurrle's pass and sweep in a left-foot finish with the prospect of a penalty shootout only seven minutes away.
Argentina, with skipper Lionel Messi looking subdued despite flashes of his talent, could not respond and Germany claimed their first World Cup since they beat the same opponents in Rome 24 years ago.
The success means Joachim Low's side have become the first European team to win the trophy in South America.
Gonzalo Higuain wasted Argentina's best chance in the first half while Germany defender Benedikt Howedes hit the post with a header seconds before half-time.
Germany had to regroup after losing key midfielder Sami Khedira to injury in the warm-up - and his replacement Christoph Kramer to a blow to the head before half-time - but they shrugged off these setbacks to write another triumphant chapter in their sporting history.
Argentina's fans were the vast majority of a crowd that created a vibrant atmosphere inside the Maracana - although Germany were well represented and had the support of many yellow-clad Brazil supporters who still turned up despite seeing their hopes of watching the hosts in the World Cup final dashed by that stunning semi-final beating at the hands of Germany.
German supporters stayed in their places more than an hour after the final whistle as the victorious side indulged in lengthy celebrations of a win that vindicated the rebuilding plan put in place when they suffered the humiliation of going out of Euro 2004 at the group stage, which resulted in then coach Rudi Voller's resignation.
Germany had reached the semi-finals of the previous two World Cups but have now managed the crowning achievement for coach Low, who not only brought the trophy back to Germany, but also ended Europe's grim record in this tournament on South American soil.
Argentina failed to have a shot on target in the entire game and four-time world player of the year Messi looked an increasingly jaded figure as the game went on.
The Barcelona star never stopped striving to carry his team over the line in the manner achieved by his great predecessor Diego Maradona, who inspired them to their last World Cup when
they beat Germany in Mexico City in 1986.
For Germany this completes the transition for a group of emerging players such as Golden Glove winner Manuel Neuer, midfield man Mesut Ozil, defender Mats Hummels, captain Philipp Lahm, Thomas Muller, Toni Kroos and even the injured Khedira.
After
destroying hosts Brazil 7-1 in Tuesday's semi-final in Belo Horizonte, this was a game that required different qualities such as resilience and concentration - but Germany were never found wanting and their ecstatic celebrations at the end were in contrast to the tears of the Argentines.
And ominously, 22-year-old match-winner Gotze symbolises the next generation of Germany players that coach Low declared would dominate for years to come when he addressed the media 24 hours before this final.
For now, though, they have another World Cup to celebrate and while it may not have been the extravaganza many hoped would crown this thrilling tournament, Germany are worthy winners.
Argentina, with Messi's speed and sleight of foot posing problems for the previously untroubled Hummels in the early phases, had the game's first big opportunity courtesy of Kroos' error.
Match facts
Germany have won the World Cup for a fourth time. Only Brazil (5) have more wins.
Argentina conceded a goal in extra time at the World Cup for the first time.
Argentina failed to have a shot on target in a World Cup game for the first time since the 1990 final v West Germany.
Germany are the first European team to win a World Cup in the Americas.
Germany's total of 18 goals is the most in a World Cup since Brazil scored 18 in 2002.
Argentina only trailed for seven minutes in the entire tournament.
The Bayern Munich midfielder delivered a misplaced header that sent Higuain clear on goal but the striker did not live up to his elevated reputation with a horrible miscued finish that did not trouble Neuer.
Higuain had the ball in the net soon after from Ezequiel Lavezzi's cross but he was clearly offside - although his prolonged celebration suggested he thought differently.
As Argentina continued to trouble the German defence, it needed a crucial clearance from Jerome Boateng on the goalline as Messi pulled the ball back for his inrushing colleagues.
It was not all Argentina though, and keeper Sergio Romero made a fine save from substitute Schurrle - on for Kramer - a stop made even better as Ozil ducked right in front of the unsighted keeper as the shot came in.
The closest either side came to a goal was right on half-time, when Howedes crashed Kroos' corner against the post with Romero beaten.
Messi had been threatening and he almost put Argentina ahead seconds after the break, only to pull a poor finish across goal with his normally lethal left foot.
As the final entered the closing 10 minutes, Kroos had Germany's clearest opening for some time but he sent a sidefoot finish off target after Ozil had laid the ball invitingly into his path.
So it was extra time, and while Argentina's Rodrigo Palacio was off target when he lofted a finish over Neuer, Gotze showed class and composure to decide an increasingly attritional game with the final flourish of quality this Fifa World Cup in Brazil fully deserved as its conclusion.
Germany's Mario Gotze became the first substitute to score the winner in a World Cup final
More than 250,000 German fans are estimated to have watched the game at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate
More than 25,000 police, soldiers and firefighters ensured there was tight security around the Maracana
Cheers for heroes: The Germans link arms as they celebrate with their trophy. A fourth star will now be added above the crests on their shirts.
Ticker tape parade: Philipp Lahm lifts the World Cup trophy as the team celebrate the dramatic win
Wags united: The wives and girlfriends of the German squad enjoy their moment in the spotlight after cheering on their partners in Brazil
Differing emotions: Manuel Neuer holds the Golden Glove trophy as Messi fails to raise a smile despite winning the Golden Ball trophy
Back home: There were also wild celebrations in Berlin, where many fans had gathered in fan parks to watch the action on a big screen
Thrilled: German fans excitedly wave their flags and scarves, cheering loudly as they mark the win at a screening in Berlin
Cause for celebration: Fans back home in Berlin were just as excited to see their team's win as the supporters who made it to Brazil were
Celebration time: German fans celebrate with fireworks at an outdoor screening area near the Brandenburg Gate. More than 200,000 Germany fans thronged in central Berlin for the World Cup final, turning an avenue behind the Brandenburg Gate into a sea of black, red and gold flags
Team spirit: Götze and his girlfriend Ann-Kathrin Broemmel chat with teammate Jerome Boateng's children after their 1-0 victory over Argentina. Jerome's brother, Kevin-Prince Boateng, played for Ghana at this World Cup
Klose family: Germany's Miroslav Klose with his wife Sylwia Klose and their twin sons, Noah Klose and Luan (top), as Götze gives his team's hard-won trophy a kiss
Family outing: Former England, Manchester United, Real Madrid and LA Galaxy star David Beckham and his three sons Brooklyn, Cruz and Romeo were all in attendance - with the boys all wearing Argentina kits
Warm welcome: Brazilian football legend Pele (left) greets English football legend David Beckham as the two take their seats for the game
Passion: German soldiers serving in a NATO-led peacekeeping mission celebrate their team's World Cup victory at a military base in Prizren, Kosovo
Courage: German soldiers at Camp Marmul in Mazar-e-shari, Afghanistan, leap into the air with joy as the final whistle blows in the 2014 World Cup final
Time to party: Germany's match-winning striker Mario Gotze was seen enjoying a drink with the pop star Rihanna after the match. Seconds after he scored his winning goal, Rihanna tweeted the words 'Super Mario!'
Great prize: Rihanna was seen partying with the victorious German side in Rio after they won the 2014 World Cup Final. Here she is seen holding the World Cup trophy itself while being kissed on each cheek by stars Lukas Podolski (left) and Bastian Schweinsteiger (right)
Memories: Sami Khedira, who is likely to move from Real Madrid to Arsenal now the World Cup is over, celebrates Germany's victory over Argentina with his girlfriend Lena Gercke (top). Bastian Schweinsteiger, meanwhile, took the opportunity to get his World Cup winning colleagues to sign the shirt he wore during the match (bottom)
Victor: German striker Mario Gotze won Germany the World Cup with his stunning extra-time goal. Here he is pictured holding the trophy and celebrating with his girlfriend Ann-Kathrin Broemmel during a post-match party
Winners: Miroslav Klose of Germany (centre) poses with Chancellor Angela Merkel and his sons Luan and Noah in the dressing room after he helped his side win the 2014 FIFA World Cup final. Klose finished the tournament as the highest scoring footballer in World Cup history
Here's a man who may be happy with last night's 1-0 scoreline:
Sir Geoff Hurst, 72, won the World Cup with England in 1966 and his hat-trick in England's 4-2 win over West Germany in the Final still remains, for at least another four years, the only hat-trick ever scored in a World Cup Final.