World Cup final live blog

If you were wondering why Russian President Vladimir Putin had such a good seat at today’s final between Argentina and Germany, it’s because his country will be hosting the 2018 tournament. He looks thrilled.

OK, Putin looks a little more excited now that he has a soccer ball.

World Cup 2018 Countdown: 1,426 days.

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 13, 2014

The Washington Post’s Steven Goff is in Rio watching and, more importantly, writing about the festivities. He says:

Germany had finally punctured Argentina’s stern resistance during a scoreless World Cup final Sunday, going ahead on substitute Mario Goetze’s brilliant goal 23 minutes into extra time.

The roar of their supporters was swelling to ear-popping levels, but in the dying moments at Maracana stadium, the Germans wished to hear only one sound: referee Nicola Rizzoli’s whistle.

When it came, certifying the 1-0 victory, they danced all over the field to celebrate their first championship in 24 years.

The Germans added to a trophy haul that included the 1954, 1974 and 1990 crowns, and capped a 10-year project to restore greatness. They tied Italy for the second-most titles, one behind Brazil.

To read the rest click here.

54. 74. 90. 14. how we roll

— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) July 13, 2014

The numbers the German NBA star lists refer to the years Germany has won the World Cup.

This award is given out to the player who scores the most goals. With six under his belt, the 2014 Golden Boot goes to Colombian wonder boy James Rodriguez.

The Argentine player is the least-enthused person ever to pick up the award for best player in the tournament. He literally looks like he wants to throw it in the garbage.

It’s not a ridiculous idea, but the trophy for the best goalkeeper in the World Cup is ridiculous looking. In any case, this year it went to Germany’s Manuel Neuer.

The ESPN commentators called it “frosty.” It was more than that. Of course, FIFA president Sepp Blatter went on with his business as if he was hearing a gleeful round of applause.

Have to feel for #ARG as they came so close. A tremendous World Cup but unfortunately there can only be one winner. pic.twitter.com/hI9bjAFJDV

— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) July 13, 2014

This is just cruel! Meanwhile, Germany is in the background singing and dancing to the Pharrell tune “Happy.”

Watching this awesome #WorldCup I realize we too @NFL need a 7 min period of unregulated celebration after TDs http://t.co/AzwORdflW7

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) July 13, 2014

It was truly anyone’s game, with quite a few close calls on goals for both sides. But in the end, it was the work of 22-year-old German substitute Mario Goetze who made it 1-0 in extra time.

Mario Götze wasn't even born the last time Germany won the World Cup in 1990 (June 3rd 1992). #GER pic.twitter.com/uk29RNQbQo

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 13, 2014

Here’s how the stats worked out:

Germany		Argentina
1	Goals	0
1	Assists	0
10	Shots	9
7	Shots on Goal	1
1	Saves	6
0	Penalties Scored	0
0	Penalty Kicks	0
22	Crosses	6
5	Corner Kicks	3
3	Offside	2
20	Fouls Committed	16
2	Cautions/Yellow Cards	2
0	Red Cards	0
53%	Ball Possession	47%

Mertesacker comes on for Ozil with just two minutes to go in extra time.

Super Mario Goetze, who was subbed in for Klose, gets the winning shot off a pass from Schurrle. Goetze becomes the first substitution to score in a World Cup final during extra time.

The German is on the ground with blood streaming down the face after Aguero went up for a header and let his hands go a little wild. No card is given. Had Aguero gotten a yellow card, he would’ve been kicked off the pitch. The German bench is livid that the Argentine didn’t get booked.

Meanwhile, Schweinsteiger is back on.

This next 15 minutes better be some of the best soccer we’ve ever seen. Either that, or the teams will progress to the penalty shootout. It’s time to take some more chances, teams!

Here are the stats:

Germany		Argentina
0	Goals	0
0	Assists	0
9	Shots	6
6	Shots on Goal	1
1	Saves	6
0	Penalties Scored	0
0	Penalty Kicks	0
18	Crosses	5
5	Corner Kicks	3
3	Offside	2
14	Fouls Committed	13
2	Cautions/Yellow Cards	2
0	Red Cards	0
53%	Ball Possession	47%

Again, though, like every other shot taken today, it goes wide. The score is still 0-0. And the Internet still has jokes:

TOTALLY MISSED THE OPPORTUNITY TO WHIP IT IN WITH THE RAT TAIL WHYYYYY

— SB Nation (@SBNation) July 13, 2014

That rat tail threw him off balance.

— J. Gutierrez (@andthefoul) July 13, 2014

Wow! Argentina just came within an oddly placed rat tail of winning the game!!

— Stephen Amell (@amellywood) July 13, 2014

Yep, the newest (again) Cavalier has a pretty good seat. He’s also got some fabulous commentary. He added a caption, borrowing from the movie “Old School:”

“Hahaha!! We’re going streaking! Everyone’s doing it. Man that was hilarious. #WorldCupFinal #Brazil

Well, that was explosive! At less than one minute into extra time, Schurrle gets a nice shot off. But Romero, the Argentine goalkeeper, was able to make the save and the rest of his team ensured that it didn’t go back that direction.