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.

It wasn’t televised, but a man in short-shorts decided to strut his stuff on the World Cup pitch. It took a lot of people to carry him off.

Extra time it is. And if those two 15-minute halves aren’t enough, we’ll see a penalty shootout.

Here are the stats:

Germany		Argentina
0	Goals	0
0	Assists	0
8	Shots	5
5	Shots on Goal	1
1	Saves	5
0	Penalties Scored	0
0	Penalty Kicks	0
15	Crosses	4
5	Corner Kicks	3
3	Offside	2
13	Fouls Committed	10
2	Cautions/Yellow Cards	2
0	Red Cards	0
50%	Ball Possession	50%

Miroslav Klose, the all-time record holder for World Cup goals (he has 16!), leaves the tournament pitch — possibly for the final time. The young Mario Goetze comes on in his place.

Germany has one substitution left.

Off goes Perez and in comes Fernando Gago with just about four minutes left of regulation time.

The latest woulda-coulda-shoulda shot comes from Kroos off a nice pass from Ozil. The score is still 0-0, as the intensity turns up in the last few minutes of regulation time.

This chance comes after a few back-and-forth tries from both sides, which included a couple of close calls.

In his place comes Rodrigo Palacio and his famous rat-tail hairstyle comes in.

Argentina has one substitution left.

CROSS MAP: Germany have tried 18 crosses to Argentina's 4 so far. Certainly a difference in style. #GER #ARG pic.twitter.com/uMFPYg9E3W

— Squawka Football (@Squawka) July 13, 2014

Got to hand it to @FIFAWorldCup @FIFAcom as a very inexperienced fan I have truly enjoyed the #worldcup2014 I'm glued to the #worldcupfinal

— John Cena (@JohnCena) July 13, 2014

The WWE superstar seems to have forgotten THE PLAYERS. THANK THE PLAYERS.

Coming from behind, the Argentinian substitute kicked the ball in front of Schweinsteiger’s legs, but his back leg lagged behind and clipped the German’s calf.

The Argentine slid down to trip a German player with possession of the ball. This was a well-deserved booking.

After a not-so-stellar World Cup, Brazilian striker Fred announced he would be retiring from international competition today. Via FIFA’s app:

“For me, the Selecao is finished,” the 30-year-old told a Sao Paulo newspaper.

Fred scored one goal for Brazil in this year’s tournament.

The referee got this one totally wrong. The Argentinian player vied for the ball with Neuer, the German goalkeeper, and came out the worst. Not only was he knocked hard in the head (we’ll see if he can play on or if he will leave like Kramer did earlier in the match), but he was called for a foul on Neuer. At least the wrong call didn’t result in a game-changing goal. The score is still 0-0.

Nope, not playing. The Spanish soccer star came to support Shakira, the mother of his son, who performed at the closing ceremonies before the match.

In what was almost magic, Messi got off a great shot, but the ball bent just wide. The score remains 0-0.

In his place comes forward Sergio Aguero. Both Argentina and Germany have two substitutions left each.

Germany		Argentina
0	Goals	0
0	Assists	0
4	Shots	3
3	Shots on Goal	1
1	Saves	3
0	Penalties Scored	0
0	Penalty Kicks	0
10	Crosses	2
3	Corner Kicks	2
3	Offside	1
6	Fouls Committed	4
2	Cautions/Yellow Cards	0
0	Red Cards	0
56%	Ball Possession	44%

Important to note, also: Germany had to burn one of its three substitutions in the first half to replace an injured Kramer. Argentina still has all three subs left.

Not for lack of trying, the score remains 0-0 in this final match. The thing is, it should be 2-1. Higuain failed to hit the easy shot after a German error, then he went offsides and disallowed a fantastic shot for the Argentinians. On the other side of things, coming off a corner kick in the last minute or so, Germany’s Howedes stepped up for a point-blank header, which missed by inches to rattle the post.

Total touches are #GER 305, #ARG 158… Messi has 10 touches, tied with both goalkeepers and Enzo Perez for fewest in the game. #GERvsARG

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) July 13, 2014

Yet, Argentina’s had more chances to pull ahead.

The German was lucky he didn’t get a red card f0r a dangerous tackle on the Argentinian offense. With his cleats facing out, he slid into a player with his foot and hit him mid-thigh. Luckily, no one was seriously injured.

You never want to see someone need help walking off the sidelines with a deadpan look of confusion in their eyes. I’d venture to guess Kramer sustained a concussion from his earlier hit and probably never should’ve attempted to rejoin the match. He was replaced by Schurlle, who’s score three goals so far this tournament.

Higuain went about two yards in front of the last German defender when he really didn’t need to go there to get the ball in the net. Too bad for Argentina.

The German comes in from behind to attempt to tackle the ball away from Lavezzi and gets a yellow. Upon replay, the foul didn’t look like much, but he’s booked anyway.

Kroos accidentally hits a header to Higuain toward his own goal, but luckily for the German’s the Argentine then made an error, shooting it way wide in a one-on-one situation.

The German who came in for an injured Khedira went down after an Argentina player came through on a fair tackle and accidentally punched Kramer in the head. He waddled off to the sidelines looking groggy, but knowing this is soccer, it seems likely he’ll be back, concussion or not.

On the bright side, at least he didn’t have to get his head stapled like the Netherland’s De Kuyt from Saturday’s third-place game…

Although there are no scores yet nearly 15 minutes in, the ball has yet to stop moving. There have been a few breakaway sprints, including one from Argentina’s Lionel Messi, as well as very few flagrant fouls. At this point, it’s hard to say who might break the ice and get one in the net first.

If you’re wondering where Argentina’s traditional light blue and white kits are, you’re not alone. But it looks like since Germany is wearing their light kits, the Argentines went with a darker version. (FIFA has a rule that prevents both teams from wearing similar shades at the same time.) Predictably, the hue has divided the Internet’s opinion.

I would've liked to see the traditional Argentina uniforms

— Elcar Gil (@WestUpElcar) July 13, 2014

Argentina's uniforms are dope

— Nerlen's Flattop (@thakidochoa) July 13, 2014

What do you think?

[polldaddy poll=8182928]

And the stadium is LOUD.

It looks like Sami Khedira may have injured himself during the warm-up period. He’s been switched out of the German lineup for Christoph Kramer, who’ll now earn his fifth cap.

The tech-savvy actor and investor is just doing what the rest of us would probably also do if we were there.

The Patriots’ quarterback is representing football in the land of futbol, as he accompanies his Brazilian supermodel wife Gisele Bundchen to the final match. (Gisele is helping to present the World Cup trophy today.)

It looks like she might be cheering for Pele. Why not?

Rio is packed with blue-and-white-clad fans and they’re all ready to take on a tough German team. The Washington Post’s Rio-based correspondents Dom Phillips and Nick Miroff writes:

“Everyone in Argentina is together,” said fan Maximiliano Gauna, calling ‘futbol’ in his country “the mother of everything.”

Gauna, 26, and four friends had piled into a minivan for the trip from Buenos Aires to Rio, crashing in a makeshift fan camp where they took turns sleeping in the back of the vehicle.

They’re not alone. Phillips and Miroff continue:

Tens of thousands of Argentines have left their troubles back home and descended on Rio by bus, carpool and even old Vespa scooters to flood the beaches and streets with blue-and-white jerseys and a boozy swagger.

Bring it, they say. Read the rest of the story by clicking here.

It turns out, Messi is not always greater than family, at least not to Argentina’s new President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, who is opting to save her energy for her grandson’s first birthday Monday, rather than hobnob at the World Cup final today.

In a letter to Brazil’s President Dilma Rouseff, Fernandez wrote (via Merco Press):

“On July 14, my grandson Nestor Ivan, who lives in Rio Gallegos [Argentina], will be one year old. You can imagine that as a grandmother, just like you, how much I’m looking forward to share with my family this event.”

Read the rest by clicking here.

In the meantime, here’s the rest of the VIP guest list.

Lista de invitados para la final del Mundial, oficial. No está Diego… Escandaloso… VÍA @JuaniGuillem pic.twitter.com/XsqViHiIaO

— Juan Butvilofsky (@JuanButvilofsky) July 13, 2014

So what if it looks like he mistook Maracana for the set of “CSI: Miami,” Putin has arrived.

By the way, Russia will host the next World Cup in 2018, and the promotional posters for the 11 host cities are all pretty cool. Take a look at them by clicking here.

Don’t speak German? “Mannschaft” means “team” if you sprechen Sie Deutsch. The Washington Post reporters on the ground in the European country have a firsthand look at how the population is prepared for the final:

With Germany tipped as the favorites, a cautious optimism gripped a famously skeptical nation, which prepared to erupt tonight in something rarely seen in post-World War II era –- a collective display of German pride.

“I’m full of expectations, I’m 100 percent convinced that we are going to win the World Cup,” said Marco Adam, 20, wearing a set of devil’s horns the color of the German flag. He dodged the Berlin rain on Sunday near the city’s Brandenburg Gate, where up to 200,000 were gathering to watch the match on big screens. “For Germany, this means a huge international success and respect. And if Germany wins, we’re going to party until 8 in the morning.”

Read the rest by clicking here.

I’m not sure when or where this footage was taken, but it was posted to the Web eight days ago and going viral, well, right now. Enjoy?

#ARG LINE-UP: Romero, Garay, Zabaleta, Biglia, Perez, Higuain, Messi (c), Mascherano, Demichelis, Rojo, Lavezzi #GERARG #WorldCup #Joinin

— FIFAWorldCup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 13, 2014

Di Maria is still off the starting lineup for Argentina due to a thigh injury.

#GER LINE-UP: Neuer, Howedes, Hummels, Khedira, Schweinsteiger, Ozil, Klose, Muller, Lahm (c), Kroos, Boateng #GERARG #WorldCup #Joinin

— FIFAWorldCup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 13, 2014

All the German stars are in place.

It took us a few weeks filled with plenty of emotional turmoil to get to the final, but here we are. Here’s what each team is up against.