A heroic performance from Die Mannschaft

We'll leave Germany to their celebrations then. They will lift the World Cup trophy as we bring the curtain down on an enthralling tournament in Brazil. From me, Keeghann Sinanan, it's been an absolute pleasure to have kept you company this summer.
.
So Messi will have to wait until he's 31 to have another crack at World Cup glory. He's denied the trophy that may have well put him alone atop the pantheon of the greatest footballers of all time. Looking some way short of full fitness, the Barca man couldn't rise to the occasion.
.
Spare a thought for Argentina though. They battled to the bitter end and in fact had the better chances to win the game in regulation. However, they could not take their opportunities when presented and it's come back to haunt them.
.
Two of their substitutes do the damage to win them the trophy. Schurrle set up Gotze for a 113th minute winner and it may well have been that depth that got them over the line in the end.
.
They took the long road, but Germany got home in the end. It's their fourth World Cup trophy, putting them one behind Brazil for the all-time lead. A heroic performance from Die Mannschaft.