It is called "the greatest show on Earth" and it took place in one of the greatest stadiums on Earth. It was the climax to a month of fantastic football. Almost 75,000 fans packed into Rio de Janeiro's Maracana Stadium to witness Germany beat Argentina 1-0. A billion more fans watched on TV around the world. It was the third time the two teams had met in a World Cup Final, with Argentina winning in 1986 and the Germans triumphing four years later. Germany was appearing in a record-breaking eighth World Cup Final. It was Argentina's fifth time.

It was a very exciting and close first half. Germany dominated possession but Argentina looked dangerous on the counterattack. Higuain had the best chance after he was clear on goal after a terrible back pass from Toni Kroos. Higuain scuffed his shot wide. Higuain also had a goal ruled offside. There were few chances in a very tight second half and the game went into extra-time at 0-0, with both sets of players showing signs of weariness. Germany broke the deadlock in the 113th minute when Mario Goetze controlled a pass into the penalty box on his chest and struck the ball into the net.