Germany Holds The Cup, Rules The World In World Cup 2014 World Cup Finals

Germany dashed Argentina’s hopes of winning the World Cup for a third time after they beat the South Americans 1-0 in the final of Brazil 2014 at the iconic Maracana Stadium on Sunday.

Both countries had earlier met in the World Cup final — Mexico 1986, Italia ’90 — with the Diego Maradona-led Argentina beating the Germans 3-2 in Mexico while Germany won in 1-0 in Italy — with Maradona on the losing side.

An extra time goal scored by Mario Goetze was all the Germans needed to win their fourth World Cup title at the expense of Argentina.

The victory ensured Barcelona’s superstar Lionel Messi will wait for another four years to join football greats who have won the World Cup.

Sunday’s encounter made it the third time in a row the World Cup final went into extra time.

Spain won in extra time at South Africa 2010, and Italy won via penalty shootout after extra time at Germany 2006.

It was the eighth game to go into extra time at Brazil 2014 and it was the first time ever Argentina would concede a goal in the extra time at the World Cup.

Argentina had beaten the Germans in the 1986 final in Mexico but since then Germany had dominated the encounters between the two sides.

A Tony Kroos blunder in the 20th minute almost gifted the Argentines their first goal when Gonzalo Higuain intercepted a back pass header, but fired wide.

Higuain’s goal in the 31st minute was disallowed when the linesman ruled his move to be offside.

Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero pulled a save in the 37th minute and two minutes later Messi made a fine run into the German goal area but the Europeans’ defence muscled him out of play.

The finest chance of the half fell to Germany but Benedikt Howedes header only made it as far as the upright.

The second half resumed with more drama as both side scuttled many chances that could have put anyone of them ahead.

Messi missed an early second-half chance, breaking free on the left side and shooting toward the far post. The ball rolled wide of the Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer and his net. Messi again shot wide in the 75th.

Germany had a chance in the 71st, with the ball bouncing between players in front of goal, but Andre Schuerrle could not get control.

Joachim Leow must have sensed the game would head into extra time when he introduced Mario Goetze to replace Miroslav Klose in the 88th minute.

Goetze did not disappoint as he made important contributions immediately he came in. His energetic display paid off in the 113th minute when he brilliantly controlled Schurrle’s cross with his chest and then hit it past Sergio Romero to get the only goal of the game.

Messi had the opportunity to send the encounter into penalties in the dying minutes but his free-kick went wide.

Why Germany won’t underestimate Argentina: Four Big World Cup Final Upsets

With this Sunday’s World Cup final fast approaching, the narrative from many observers is one that claims Germany should walk away with the game. The 7-1 German obliteration of Brazil, coupled by Argentina’s inconsistency and the Albiceleste’s additional energy expelled in extra time against Holland means many claim the European side will waltz to victory. Joachim Low won’t think that however. The Germany coach will be more than aware the World Cup has a habit of throwing up upsets in the final. talkSPORT looks at four of the big ones…

Uruguay 2-1 Brazil (1950 World Cup)
The upset so big it has its own name, the Maracanazo is etched in the memory of any Uruguayan or Brazilian football fan for very different reasons. Though not technically a final (the tournament was decided on a round robin basis that year) the game did prove decisive in the destination of the trophy, and it literally couldn’t have been a bigger occasion, with the estimated 200,000 capacity crowd at the Maracana said to be the biggest ever assembled for a football game.

As reigning South American champions Brazil were favourites, while Uruguay’s victory at the first World Cup was 20 years in the past. Several Brazilian newspapers arrogantly proclaimed the host-nation champions on the morning of the game, but Uruguay had different ideas. After going a goal down, they went all-out attack, and 21 minutes into the second half, Juan Alberto Schiaffino fired home an equaliser. The ropey Brazilian defence couldn’t cope with the onslaught, and 34 minutes into the second half, Uruguay struck the fatal blow, with Alcides Edgardo Ghiggia scoring the winner. Brazil took the defeat so badly they never wore a white kit again, while the members of the team were constantly reminded of the loss throughout the rest of their lives.

Alexis Will Excite And Frustrate Arsenal Supporters In Equal Measures

Arsenal fans may look at Alexis’ figures from last season – 21 goals and 17 assists in all competitions, by far the best of his professional career – and wonder why Barcelona were so ready to sell this summer. The answer isn’t a simple one, involving looking beyond numbers and more at the bigger picture, and shows a rare piece of foresight from the La Liga side, who haven’t exactly excelled in that capacity in recent years.

One of the most common reactions to the deal back in Barcelona has been that of amazement at the fact that the Blaugrana have managed to ‘sell well’, that’s to say, actually managed to bring in the real value of a player rather than under-selling. There is the odd dissident voice questioning the decision, but rightly or wrongly, you won’t find many Catalans crying about the loss of the man who wore the club’s number nine for the last three seasons.

The reasoning for that boils down to a great contradiction: for all that Alexis has been capable of producing moments of genuine magic in a Barcelona shirt, he was equally capable of doing the unthinkable when it mattered most. That’s illustrated well by two different showings at two difficult away grounds in his first season at the club. On December 10, 2011, the Chilean produced an astoundingly brilliant performance leading the line at the Santiago Bernabeu, working tirelessly in front of Lionel Messi, scoring Barcelona’s first goal and proving decisive in a 3-1 away win. Barca supporters felt they may have something special on their hands with el Niño Maravilla.

Transfer Rumours And Paper Review – Sunday, July 13

Here's the top transfer-related stories in Sunday's newspapers...

Juventus are lining up a £20m bid for Tottenham midfielder Paulinho, 25, which could pave the way for Manchester United to sign Arturo Vidal, 27, from the Italian champions. (Sunday Telegraph)

Real Madrid winger Angel Di Maria, 27, is set to reject the chance to move to Manchester United despite being offered a £150,000-per-week deal. (Sunday Express)

Ecuador striker Enner Valencia, 25, has arrived in London to complete his £11m switch to West Ham from Mexican club Pachuca. (The Sun on Sunday)

Manchester City are closing in on Porto's France international central defender Eliaquim Mangala, 23, who Blues manager Manuel Pellegrini believes will form a new partnership with captain Vincent Kompany. (Mail on Sunday)

New Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal, who is likely to be unveiled at Old Trafford on Thursday, is hoping to quickly sign a number of stars including Germany's Mats Hummels and Marco Reus, both 25. (Sunday Express)

Van Gaal, 62, has declared that Dutch winger Arjen Robben knows that he would be welcome to follow him to Old Trafford. (Sunday Telegraph)

Newcastle have approached Monaco as they attempt to sign striker Emmanuel Riviere, 24. (Sunday Mirror)

Dynamo Moscow want to make Wilfried Zaha, 21, their second summer signing from Manchester United, following their capture of Alex Buttner. (Sun on Sunday)

Luis Suarez could lose as much as £3m of his £10m-per-year Barcelona salary if he bites another opponent. (Sunday People)

Leeds Transfer News! United Land Bianchi And Doukara

Leeds have announced the double signing of midfielder Tommaso Bianchi and striker Souleymane Doukara.

The duo's arrival takes president Massimo Cellino's summer signing spree to four following the captures of goalkeeping pair Marco Silvestri and Stuart Taylor.

Colourful former Cagliari owner Cellino has been making waves ever since his arrival at Elland Road in January and, after selling captain Ross McCormack to Fulham for a fee understood to be £11million, is now building a squad for new head coach Dave Hockaday to select from.

Bianchi has signed a four-year deal with Leeds from Serie A side Sassuolo - achieving promotion with them in 2013.

The 25-year-old is an age-grade Italian international and Hockaday believes he can occupy a number of roles.

"He can play on the left, right or in the number 10 position and he can score goals," he said of Bianchi, who spent last season on loan with Modena.

Cellino has also moved to try and fill McCormack's position with the season-long loan of Senegalese striker Doukara.

He joins from Catania, spending last season on loan with Serie B side Juve Stabia.

"He is a big, powerful and fast player with a hunger to succeed. He is exactly what we need at the club."

Cellino is close to making a fifth signing in the shape of Switzerland international defender Jonathan Rossini, but it is understood he has no interest in Rochdale's Scott Hogan or Rotherham's Kieran Agard, contrary to reports.

While Cellino makes changes to his first-team, he has also been making alterations to the club's academy with coaches Leigh Bromby and Richard Naylor - both part of Leeds' promotion-winning side in 2010 - leaving their posts.

Former Sheffield Wednesday striker Benito Carbone is working in an unpaid role at the academy.

Van Gaal Hopes United Can Follow Dutch Way

Louis van Gaal is hoping he can replicate the team spirit that took the Netherlands to third place at the FIFA World Cup when he arrives at Manchester United. The Dutchman will take over as manager at Old Trafford with the challenge of getting the fallen champions back on track after a difficult last season under David Moyes.

The 62-year-old should command the immediate respect of the United dressing room thanks to the Netherlands' excellent showing in Brazil, due in large part to the team spirit that he forged. His decision to hand goalkeeper Michel Vorm a late appearance as a substitute in Saturday's 3-0 third-place play-off win against Brazil in Brasilia means all 23 members of the Dutch squad played some part at the tournament.

"There will always be a place in my heart for these 23 players," said van Gaal, who will be replaced as Dutch coach by the returning Guus Hiddink. "My players were great. I hope that the group in Manchester will become like this one because we have to read from the same hymn sheet. I hope I can get them to do that there."

Holland went unbeaten through qualifying and go home from Brazil undefeated too, with their semi-final exit against Argentina only coming after a penalty shoot-out, but van Gaal warned United supporters that they will inevitably find themselves on the losing side from time to time.

"I couldn't do it with Ajax, Barcelona or Bayern Munich. Losing is part of sport," he said. "I just hope that at Manchester United I can do my best. Whether that's enough for the fans, we'll have to wait and see, but I genuinely hope that will be the case."

My players were great. I hope that the group in Manchester will become like this one

Van Gaal said he was "proud" of the way the Netherlands performed in Brazil, despite seeing them fall just short at a World Cup once again. "We scored 15 goals in seven matches and conceded four, two of which came from penalties.

“I think we can look back on a successful tournament and I am proud of my players and staff," said van Gaal, whose team opened their campaign with a stunning 5-1 defeat of holders Spain. He leaves the squad in good hands as they turn their attentions towards the next European Championship in France in 2016 with Hiddink at the helm.

Van Gaal went against the Dutch tradition of playing a 4-3-3 formation and used a 3-5-2 system in Brazil, which made them so strong defensively that they conceded just one goal in their last five matches. Now he hopes his success will "open eyes" at home and make people realise that there are other ways to win matches.

"My dream was to become a world champion and we could have done it. This was my last match and we finish it with a medal, but it was also important to display a new style of football. I heard the new coach say he wants to play the Dutch way, but I have always played the Dutch way.

"Maybe this will open everyone's eyes in the Netherlands and make them realise there is not just one system that can give people happiness. I prefer to use the qualities of the squad, and it worked. We were not champions, but we were very close." 

Julio Cesar Accepts Brazil Career Is Over

Goalkeeper Julio Cesar accepted on Saturday that his international career is finished after Brazil's FIFA World Cup campaign ended in disappointment. "This is probably my last World Cup," he said after his country's 3-0 defeat against the Netherlands in the third-place play-off in Brasilia.

"To play at the Copa America in 2015, at the age of 35, would be quite complicated. To go there without having the 2018 World Cup in mind would be selfish on my part."

Having been blamed for Brazil's 2-1 defeat by the same opponents that saw them exit the 2010 World Cup at the quarter-final stage, the former Inter Milan goalkeeper returned to the fold last year, when Luiz Felipe Scolari recalled him after taking charge of the national team.

Now at Toronto FC in Canada, he was hailed as a hero after Brazil beat Chile on penalties in the last 16 two weeks ago. But he could do little to help his side in last Tuesday's 7-1 semi-final hammering at the hands of Germany.

"It is a sad moment for Brazilian football," he said, after winning his 86th cap. "Now I think it is time to relax and try to forget about all of this. The time has come for other goalkeepers and I think Brazil has seven or eight who are quite capable of pulling on the national jersey."