News: Just In: Congratulations to the German Machines #WorldCup2014 Winners

Germany won the World Cup on Sunday for the fourth time, defeating Argentina, 1-0, in the final.

The crowd was overwhelmingly in support of Argentina, as more than 100,000 Argentines flooded over the border and coated Rio in a sea of blue. It hardly mattered to Germany, though. Mario Götze scored in extra time — in the 113th minute — to complete Germany’s nearly perfect run through the month-long tournament.

Each team was sturdy through the first 90 minutes, allowing few scoring chances. It was not the most riveting match. Götze delivered the only goal, off a cross from André Schürrle, chesting the ball before volleying it past the Argentina goalie Sergio Romero.

The match served as somewhat of a referendum on Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the best player of his generation and among the best ever. Four times, Messi has been named the world player of the year. But his lack of success with Argentina’s national team before this tournament caused many to regard him inferior to Diego Maradona. That debate was not settled Sunday.

Mesut Özil