Argentina heartbreak as Germany wins memorable World Cup

It finished the way it began. A thoroughly exciting tournament from start to finish.

After working their way through the group stages, our big guns Argentina (SB) and Brazil (JM) had to manoeuvre themselves past difficult opposition in both the Round of 16 and then Quarter Finals to take a seat in the Semi Finals respectively.

Brazil somewhat controversially moved past World Champions Spain in the Round of 16 before making light work of Italy in the QF's. While Argentina did it tough against Switzerland, and then also Portugal, winning both games only by a single goal.

The semi finals pitted Brazil against Germany, and it was the Germans who after a titanic struggle for 70 mins or so found a way through Brazil and then finishing it off with a second before full time - knocking the home favourites out the World Cup.

While arch rivals Argentina had it all to do against Holland. Once again it would be just a single goal in extra time which would move the Argies through - Holland desperately unlucky not to find a way through to the final.

The third place play off preceded the final - Brazil still emotionally drained from the semi final defeat never looked quite ready for this encounter. Holland ran away winners and taking 3rd place with honours.

The final played at the Maracana in Rio, brought together Argentina and Germany. The surprise packets against the favourites. And it was the surprise packets who took an early lead and controlled things throughout a frantic first half. It took until mid way through the 2nd period for Germany to find a way in and level the contest at 1 a piece. They then held on through a dramatic extra time period before the dreaded penalty shoot-out loomed.

The exact penalty takers and the order in which they took the kicks will of course be forgotten in time. I actually have already.

This penalty shootout will be remembered like this. Messi steps up. Messi's penalty is saved. Germany win the World Cup.

SB cries.

Argentina disappointment as Germany lift the trophy



 

Germany - World Champions Brazil 2014

Golden Boot: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Golden Ball: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Golden Glove: Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Manuel Neuer of Germany receives the Golden Glove trophy and Lionel Messi of Argentina receives the Golden Ball and Boot during the award ceremony after the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match.