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Agence France-Presse

Germany won the World Cup for the fourth time on Sunday with a 1-0 win over Argentina thanks to Mario Goetze’s extra time goal at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro.
Here are five moments which swung the match in the Germans’ favour:
 
Higuain chance - 21 minutes

After a cagey opening, Argentina were handed a glorious chance to open the scoring when Toni Kroos’ misplaced header put Gonzalo Higuain clean through on goal.
However, the Napoli striker pulled his shot horribly wide of goal to let Kroos off the hook.
 
Messi inches from glory - 46 minutes

Lionel Messi’s moment to seal his place amongst the greatest players of all time by scoring in a World Cup final seemed to have arrived just after the break as he slipped the German offside trap and lined up a shot on his favoured left foot, but the ball flashed inches past Manuel Neuer’s far post.
 
Neuer’s lucky escape - 57 minutes

German keeper Neuer was roundly praised for his sweeper-keeper abilities in the round of 16 win over Algeria, but a rush from his line could have cost his side dear as he clattered into Higuain just inside the area.

	How baby-faced assassin Mario Goetze rose to the top
However, instead of pointing to the spot and possible showing Neuer a red card, referee Nicola Rizzoli awarded a free-kick to Germany for a supposed foul by Higuain.
 
Palacio miss - 96 minutes

The chances kept coming for Argentina, but so did the misses as five minutes into extra time it was substitute Rodrigo Palacio who sent the ball wide after controlling Marcos Rojo’s cross.
 
Goetze goal - 113 minutes

The breakthrough was finally broken by Joachim Loew’s men seven minutes from the end of extra time as Goetze controlled Andre Schuerrle’s whipped cross from the left before stretching to volley past the helpless Sergio Romero.

	I can't believe it, says Germany hero Mario Goetze


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Fifa World Cup 2014

World Cup Final: Five key moments that sent the trophy to Germany

Mario Goetze scores the winner. Photo: AP

Manuel Neuer clatters Gonzalo Higuain. Photo: AFP

Gonzalo Higuain scuffs his shot. Photo: AFP

Germany celebrate Goetze's goal. Photo: AP

Rodrigo Palacio messed this chance up. Photo: EPA

Messi shoots just wide. Photo: Reuters

World Cup Final: Stunning Mario Goetze volley wins title for Germany in extra time

Germany celebrate with the World Cup. Photo: AFP

Mario Goetze celebrates with Jerome Boateng. Photo: Reuters

Mario Goetze wheels away after scoring the winner. Photo: AP

Mario Goetze's winner hits the back of the net. Photo: Reuters

Gonzalo Higuain 'scored' in the first half, but was offside. Photo: AP

Lionel Messi came close but Germany got bodies in the way. Photo: Reuters

Lionel Messi was having a frustrating day. Photo: AFP

Lionel Messi scratches his head. Photo: AFP

Bastian Schweinsteiger celebrates with the trophy. Photo: AP

Germany dance around the World Cup. Photo: AP

Match-winner Mario Goetze celebrates with the trophy. Photo: AP

World Cup Final: How baby-faced assassin Mario Goetze rose to the top

Goetze with the World Cup. Photo: AP

Mario Goetze celebrates his World Cup-winning strike. Photo: EPA

Mario Goetze hugs his girlfriend. Photo: Reuters

Goetze volleys past Sergio Romero. Photo: AP

Goetze connects. Photo: AP

Goetze celebrates with his teammates. Photo: AP

World Cup Final: Lionel Messi still an all-time great, insists Argentina coach

Lionel Messi was mostly crowded out by Germany's defence. Photo: AP

Alejandro Sabella gestures during the game. Photo: AFP

Argentina are dejected after the final whistle. Photo: AP

Lionel Messi failed to shine in the final but still won the Golden Ball as player of the tournament. Photo: AFP

Sport

Football

The turning points at the Maracana that saw Germans lift fourth title


World Cup Final: Five key moments that sent the trophy to Germany

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The turning points at the Maracana that saw Germans lift fourth title

The turning points at the Maracana that saw Germans lift fourth title