World Cup Final: Germany beats Argentina for fourth title

Germany had finally punctured Argentina's stern resistance during a scoreless World Cup final Sunday, going ahead on substitute Mario Gotze's brilliant goal 23 minutes into extra time.

The roar of their supporters was swelling to ear-popping levels, but in the dying moments at Maracana Stadium, the Germans wished to hear only one sound: referee Nicola Rizzoli's whistle.

When it came, certifying the 1-0 victory, they danced all over the field to celebrate their first championship in 24 years.

The Germans added to a trophy haul that included the 1954, 1974 and 1990 crowns, and capped a 10-year project to restore greatness. They tied Italy for the second-most titles, one behind Brazil. They also became the first European team in eight attempts to win a World Cup in the Americas.

Argentina, a two-time winner in its first final since dropping the '90 duel to Germany in Rome, has not won since 1986 in Mexico City — a drought that has further elevated Diego Maradona's legacy and blunted Lionel Messi's effort to escape the shadow of his famed compatriot.

Despite the defeat, Messi (four goals) was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's most valuable player.

Both sides put forth supreme defensive performances, organized and unyielding. Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger and Argentina's Javier Mascherano, masters of defensive midfield, did not flinch.

High-quality scoring opportunities were precious, and those that did materialize were not managed properly. The goalkeepers were tested on rare occasion.

But as the match dragged toward a penalty kick tiebreaker, the Germans broke through.

They attacked along the left flank, supplying Andre Schurrle for a direct run that drew two defenders. Schurrle, who had entered in the first half, served an exquisite cross to Goetze, who chested the ball down to himself at the edge of the six-yard box and tagged a left-footed sliding volley past goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

The game's trajectory was eerily similar to the 2010 final in Johannesburg: Spain defeated the Netherlands, 1-0, on Andre Iniesta's goal in the 116th minute.

Argentina's final hope during the 30-minute period fizzled in the dying moments when Messi's 30-yard free kick floated harmlessly beyond the target.

Neither coach sprung any lineup surprises. What worked in the semifinals — Germany shredding Brazil and Argentina outlasting the Netherlands on penalty kicks — offered the best hope for continued success.

The only question surrounding Argentina was whether Angel Di Maria, the Albiceleste's second most-potent attacker, would return from a thigh injury that sidelined him in the first half of the quarterfinal against Belgium and the entire semifinal with the Netherlands. He was available in reserve, though.

Germany suffered a critical loss before the match began as Sami Khedira, vital in the midfield engine room and influential in the semifinal demolition with Brazil, suffered an injury during warmups. Loew called on Christoph Kramer, who had played all of 12 minutes in two matches.

The game began in an expected manner: Germany set the terms by hoarding possession and probing for openings against a compact and organized foe. Argentina was comfortable and content, willing to repel persistent threats and wait for counterattacking opportunities.

While the Germans did not have much success, confronting resistance at every turn, the Argentines were dangerous coming out of their end. Messi and Gonzalo Higuain raided the right flank with long runs, creating discomfort for Germany's stretched defense.

Kramer looked as though he might join Khedira on the bench after Ezequiel Garay's shoulder crashed into the side of his head, dazing him for several moments.

Using conservative tactics, the Argentines were not going to create many opportunities. So when chances fell to them, they were going to need to make the most of them.

In the 21st minute, they were gifted one. Higuain gathered Toni Kroos's errant back header and was alone with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer but missed terribly wide.

The match took a series of turns right up to the halftime whistle.

Higuain's apparent goal, off Ezequiel Lavezzi's cross, was annulled by a correct offside call. Higuain had begun a celebratory sprint, and Argentine supporters launched into delirium but the assistant referee's flag had gone up right away.

Amid the commotion, Kramer left the game for good. Still feeling the effects of the head blow, he had a glassy look to his eyes as two staff members helped him to the sideline.

It immediately raised questions why he was allowed to remain in the match after the initial collision. Schuerrle (three goals in five prior appearances) entered.

Germany continued to live dangerously. Messi turned the right corner on Mats Hummels, drew out Neuer and touched the ball in the six-yard box, where retreating defender Jerome Boateng cleared an instant before Argentina could finish.

The Germans should have cracked the match open in stoppage time. Kroos served a perfect corner kick. Unmarked, Benedikt Hoewedes flew to meet it. He headed the ball with such power that Romero had no time to react. The shot slammed off the right post.

The Argentines headed to the locker room, both relieved (by the near miss) and emboldened (by their opportunities). The Germans needed to come up with fresh ideas.

Argentina Coach Alejandro Sabella turned to his bench at the start of the second half, replacing Lavezzi with Sergio Aguero.

Less than two minutes passed before Messi broke free on the left side of the box. From 15 yards, he missed the far corner by a whisker. Neuer had done well to reduce the angle, but Messi should have done better with it.

The match was marred by another frightening head injury. With Higuain chasing a bouncing ball toward the side edge of the penalty area, Neuer charged. The goalkeeper arrived first, leaping to punch away the threat, but momentum carried him into Higuain, knee driving into jaw.

The tone of the match continued on a negative and nasty track: bruising tackles, yellow cards, intentional delay tactics and exchange of words.

Between the mayhem, opportunities arose. Neither side, however, could apply the final killer touch.

Sabella turned back to the bench twice more, Rodrigo Palacio and Fernando Gago for Higuain and Enzo Perez. Germany countered with Goetze for Miroslav Klose, closing the World Cup career of the competition's all-time scoring leader (16 goals).

Between the changes, Kroos missed terribly from 20 yards after being set up nicely by Mesut Ozil — a fitting effort in a game of imprecise finishing.

In extra time, Romero blocked Schurrle's rising blast from eight yards and Palacio flicked the ball over a charging Neuer but wide of the target.

In the second part of the extra period, head injuries continued to mount. Aguero's hand drew blood from Schweinsteiger's cheek, and Mueller and Aguero bumped heads in the box.