13 Jul, 2014 21:36

Germany wins World Cup after 1-0 victory over Argentina (PHOTOS)

Germany has claimed a fourth World Cup crown in a 1-0 win against Argentina after extra time in the final in Rio de Janeiro. Substitute Mario Goetze was the hero, as he scored the only goal with seven minutes to go.

With that triumph Germany has become the first European nation to win the trophy in South America, which led to jubilant scenes both on the pitch and back home, with millions of fans celebrating their feat.

Fans of Germany celebrate as they watch the 2014 World Cup final between Germany and Argentina in Brazil at a public screening of the match in Berlin July 13, 2014. (Reuters / Fabian Bimmer)

However, Joachim Low's side had to do it the hard way, as they got off to a very slow start. Argentina was by far the better side during the first half, but Gonzalo Higuain and Lionel Messi missed two scoring opportunities. Higuain had also had a goal rightly disallowed for offside. Argentina was left to rue its wastefulness in front of goal as the match wore on and Germany began to dominate.

Argentina's Lionel Messi reacts after losing their 2014 World Cup final against Germany at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro July 13, 2014. (Reuters/Sergio Moraes)

Neither side was able to score in normal time, which sent the game into 30 minutes of extra time. Argentina had its third excellent opportunity of the night, which fell to Rodrigo Palacio, but the Inter Milan forward failed to convert.

Substitute Mario Goetze, who had not made much of an impact on the tournament, was to be the hero. He received Andre Schurlle's raking pass with aplomb, before showing excellent close control and firing an instinctive finish past the Argentinian goalkeeper.

Germany's Mario Goetze celebrates his goal against Argentina infront of teammate Thomas Mueller during extra time in their 2014 World Cup final at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro July 13, 2014. (Reuters / Dylan Martinez)

Germany managed to withstand some late pressure and held on to claim a fourth World Cup – and their first since West Germany and East Germany reunified in 1990.

Germany has gone close to winning the tournament in recent years, having reached the final in 2002, where they were beaten by Brazil, and the semi-finals in 2006 and 2010. Bastian Schweinsteiger, who received a cut below his eye after a challenge from Sergio Aguero failed to hold back the tears, as he embraced head coach, Joachim Low, who has under seen a revolution in German football, when he took over the helm eight years ago.

Germany's Bastian Schweinsteiger (L) embraces coach Joachim Loew as they celebrate their win against Argentina after their 2014 World Cup final at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro July 13, 2014. (Reuters / Michael Dalder)

Captain Phillipp Lahm was left with the honor of hoisting the World Cup, which he wasted very little time in doing, with German Chancellor, Angela Merkel in close attendance.

Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (L) holds the Golden Glove trophy after winning their 2014 World Cup final against Argentina at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro July 13, 2014. (Reuters / Kai Pfaffenbach)

Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer receives a hug from Chancellor Angela Merkel beside President Joachim Gauck (R) after the 2014 World Cup final between Germany and Argentina at the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro July 13, 2014. (Reuters / Dylan Martinez)

Germany ended the tournament unbeaten, but will perhaps best be remembered for their 7-1 thrashing of Brazil in the semi-finals, which ended the host nations hopes of claiming a record sixth World Cup crown.