World Cup final live!
All the latest from Brazil ahead of Sunday's World Cup final.
Last Updated: July 13, 2014 10:55pm
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THAT'S ALL FOLKS...
We'll have much more reaction from the Maracana and elsewhere tomorrow, when we'll pick over the hows, whys and what nexts from the 20th World Cup. But after 64 matches, 171 goals, eight red cards, six mad minutes for the hosts, one giant grasshopper and far fewer Brazil nuts puns than anyone could have envisaged that is just about your lot from our World Cup today blog. We'll reserve one final image for the winners - they've earned it. Well done Germany...
23:47
GERMANY - WORLD CHAMPIONS
Looks like Arsenal will welcome back a couple of happy World Cup winners (three, really - Per Mertesacker must be cracking a smile, on Twitter or otherwise...)
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GERMANY - WORLD CHAMPIONS
And who better to sum up the Germany way than their understated captain Philipp Lahm. Take it away, skipper...
Whether we have the best individual players or whatever does not matter, you have to have the best team. We stepped up time and again in the tournament, did not let ourselves get distracted by any disruption, went on our way. And at the end you stand there as world champions - an unbelievable feeling. The team has remained quiet and patient
23:38
GERMANY - WORLD CHAMPIONS
And once you're a World Cup winner you're always a World Cup winner, something that's not lost on Manuel Neuer. The brilliant German keeper goes home with a Golden Glove and a winners' medal, and this sums it up nicely...
The team has done superbly, not only the players, but also the team behind the team. At some point we will stop celebrating, but we will always stand up again with a smile
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GERMANY - WORLD CHAMPIONS
And here's about as close as you or I will get to understanding what it means to go up and lift the World Cup - from walk up the steps, to trophy lift, to celebrations....
23:24
AROUND THE MARACANA
Want to know what Rio is like on World Cup final night? Let Geraint Hughes tell you...
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SO LONG SABELLA?
Alejandro Sabella's agent appeared to let slip in the days before the final that the Argentina manager would stand down no matter what tonight's outcome. That's still to be confirmed, and for now Sabella's thoughts are with his players...
I congratulate the players who are the pride of our country and for the effort and type of tournament they had
23:13
MAGNIFICENT MASCHERANO
Argentina missed a few chances, and Messi, Higuain and Palacio might come away from the final with regrets on that score, but there isn't much more Javier Mascherano could have done to prevent defeat. A few words from the midfielder...
The pain is immense, We gave it everything we had, we were running on empty by the end. We didn't have that tiny bit of luck that's sometimes needed in a final, they did. I’m sorry for us and the fans, but I’m proud of this team.
23:08
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BIG WIN
One Sky Bet punter is £83,000 richer tonight after completing a £100 five-fold on Wolves to be promoted from Sky Bet League 1, QPR to be promoted from the Sky Bet Championship, Manchester City to win the Premier League, Real Madrid to win the Champions League and, finally, Germany to win the World Cup. Congratulations from Sky Bet!
23:06
GERMANY - WORLD CHAMPIONS
And now it's the turn of the winners, who are as much of a team as ever as they huddle around Philipp Lahm as the captain lifts the trophy. Here are a few facts behind their first World Cup in 24 years...
- Germany have won the World Cup for a fourth time. Only Brazil (5) have more wins.
- A confederation (UEFA) has won three World Cups in a row for the first time.
- Germany are the first European team to win a World Cup in the Americas.
23:03
GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINA
Sabella and his team go up now to collect their runners' up medals. here's a reminder of how close they came...
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GOLDEN BOOT - JAMES RODRIGUEZ
Nothing subjective about this one - Colombia's James Rodriguez scored more goals than anyone else - six - and wins the Golden Boot
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GOLDEN BALL - LIONEL MESSI
Seriously small comfort to Lionel Messi, this, and he looks dead-eyed as he dutifully goes up to collect his award for player of the tournament. Deserved? That debate's for another day
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GOLDEN GLOVE - MANUEL NEUER
A few formalities to get through before the medals are handed out, and first up is the award for best goalkeeper of the tournament. Any guesses? That's right, it's Joe Hart! Obviously it's Manuel Neuer, who hugs a taken-aback Angela Merkel as he collects the trophy
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ALL PILE ON THE MATCH-WINNER!
22:53
GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINA
Let's not forget, either, that Schweinsteiger and Smi Khedira struggled with injury for much of the season, nor that Germany lost Marco Reus - the man widely expected to be their star of the summer - before a ball was kicked. Despite all that Joachim Low never seemed to perspire even in the heat of Brazil - although that dark shirt makes it hard to spot a sweat patch...
22:53
GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINA
Let's not forget, either, that Schweinsteiger and Smi Khedira struggled with injury for much of the season, nor that Germany lost Marco Reus - the man widely expected to be their star of the summer - before a ball was kicked. Despite all that Joachim Low never seemed to perspire even in the heat of Brazil - although that dark shirt makes it hard to spot a sweat patch...
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2018 ODDS
Too early to start talking about the 2018 World Cup? Perhaps, but here's Sky Bet's odds nonetheless, with England rated 16/1. Republic of Ireland and Wales are 500/1, Scotland are 1000/1, while Northern Ireland are 2500/1. Bet here.
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GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINA
Germany had many a hero, out there, but for sheer stubbornness, guts and a touch of the Terry Butcher factor it's hard to look past Bastian Schweinsteiger, who was flattened half a dozen times and might struggle to walk up for his winners' medal...
22:44
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GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINA
Germany's victory will be celebrated by many a Brazilian, of course, and here's our man Pete Hall with a flavour of the Maracana atmosphere at final whistle...
What incredible scenes! Brazilians and Germans all celebrating together. Seems the locals have been learning the German lingo, both joyous after Die Mannschaft sealed their first World Cup as a unified country. Argentinians are stunned, silent and slumped in their seats. Been a tremendous effort from them, but in the end, they suffered the ultimate heartache!
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GERMANY ARE WORLD CHAMPIONS
After a gruelling game, the whole of Germany revels in its first World Cup as a reunified nation - its first since 1990 and fourth of all time! The Christ Redeemer, tonight, bares the German flag!
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GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINA
So no World Cup in their rivals' back yard for Argentina, no matching Maradona's achievement for Lionel Messi, and spare a thought for Sabella's men: they were behind for just seven minutes of the entire tournament...
22:39
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GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINA
The referee looks once, twice, three times before putting Germany out fo their misery and plunging Argentina into theirs. Germany are world champions for a fourth time thanks to Mario Gotze's special extra-time winner
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FULL-TIME: GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINA (AET)
GERMANY WIN THE WORLD CUP!
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GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINA
Messi takes an age to line up three free-kick, Argentina holds its breath, and Messi is a absolute mile over the bar. Surely that's that?
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GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINA
There's time for one last Messi burst, and for once Schweinsteiger's timing is out as he swipes shins before ball. Free-kick and surely - surely - a last chance...
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GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINAGotze scores what could be the winning goal for Germany - a sublime strike in extra-time...
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GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINA
Big Mertesacker's straight into it, getting up to head away Argentina's latest up-and-under. Surely it's a matter of seconds now...NO! There'll be two added minutes
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GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINA
Germany can settle the argument on the break, but Muller overhits his centre with Ozil waiting for a tap-in. Ozil won't see out the last minute, either, he makes way for Mertesacker
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GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINA
Mascherano will finish this game as a one-man defence, by the look of it, as Garay and co pile forward to join the rescue mission. It's all the same to Neuer, who calmly clutches another cross.
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GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINA
Here's Rojo again, belting an up-and-under into Neuer's box. Messi leaps and goes for goal with a 15-yard header but it's too high, and Neuer simply watches it bounce harmlessly on top of his net.
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SKY BET ODDS
Time is running out for Argentina, who are out to 16/1 to lift the trophy, with Germany now 1/100.
See the full set of odds on the final few minutes of the tournament here.
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GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINA
Brilliant work from Neuer, who races 15 yards from his goal to poke a through ball over Rojo's head, run around him and catch it the other side. No bother to big Manuel. Three minutes remain...
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GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINA
Five minutes for an Argentina answer, and Messi demands the ball only to scuff his right-wing cross. We're not done yet, though...
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GOAL! GERMANY 1-0 ARGENTINA (Gotze '113)
Germany lead! The shouting's all forgotten now! And what a finish from the sub Gotze, who gets Schurrle's chipped pass under control with his chest and fires left-footed past Romero from the left of the Argentine six-yard box. The game's deserved a winner in open play. Is that it!?
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Khedira's up again as Palacio near tugs Lahm's shirt off his back right in front of the technical areas
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Sami Khedira is still screaming at Aguero, the ref and anyone who'll listen from down in the German dugout. We might hear more about that incident if Aguero scores the winning penalty - or even the winning goal. Anyway, Schweinsteiger is back on
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Schweinsteiger's off for treatment as the game continues, Kroos again failing to find a team-mate with his set-piece
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Did Schweinsteiger insult Maradona in the tunnel or something? Aguero flattens him for the second time tonight - this time with a stray arm into the German's face. He draws blood, to boot, but the referee keeps his second yellow - never mind the red - in his pocket. Lucky boy, Aguero
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Big gap between Germany's front three and their midfield at the moment, and who could blame either side for being cautious at this stage
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Mascherano and Biglia double-team Schweinsteiger 40 yards from the Argentina goal. Free-kick...Kroos' delievery easily dealt with
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Argentina enter another huddle at half-time in extra time... but Messi remains the lone ranger...
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
The last kick-off of the tournament...15 minutes to find a winner
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Sabella's out on the pitch with one last rabble-rouser, and he's getting more than a helping hand from Mascherano, who started slower than in the semi-final but now looks his side's most important player. Germany exuding a bit more calm during the break...
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PRICE BOOST
Price Boost anyone? Messi is 12/1 to prove he's the world's best by coming up with the goods in these final 15 minutes. Bet in-play here.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Rodrigo Palacio sends a lob over Manuel Neuer that bounces wide, one of two great chances in the first half of extra time - two for either side - with Schurrle going close at the other end...
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
There's half the extra 30 gone. Are we heading for penalties?
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Schweinsteiger forced to go to his keeper twice in a minute as Germany take a breather. Back they come now with Lahm - his ball across the Argentina box is dealt with by Mascherano, now in the right spot every time his team needs him
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Argentina really struggling to escape their own half as Germany move the ball left, right and left again. For all that, you sense danger for the Germans at every turn as Argentina wait to counter
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
All of Germany watches on with the same anxious expression... they're on top at the moment....
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Still Germany search for a way through, swapping roles among their forwards. They're all in the box as Lahm gets to the byline, but the captain's cross is cut out at the near post
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA CHANCE!
This time it's an Argentina one going begging. Rojo's pass finds Palacio peeling away from his man. His chested touch is perhaps a tad heavy, and as Neuer stands tall Palacio lifts the ball over the big keeper only to watch it drift wide under Boateng's watchful eye
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Germany really asserting themselves on the half, but we know Argentina will enjoy springing into the spaces left behind. It's as taut as ever
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Now Kroos is in Argentine territory trying to tease a pass back into the box, where Muller is loitering as ever. Demichelis steps in well and promptly shanks his clearance straight at Schurrle. No harm done
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Don't fancy penalties then, lads? Furious opening to the mini-half, and this time Aguero's away on the German left only to attempt a wildly-optimistic shot from a narrow angle
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA CHANCE!
What a start to extra-time! Germany break down the left and Gotze slips a pass over for Schurrle, who makes decent contact with a first-time half-volley only to fire straight at Romero. Suddenly Argentina are away three-on-two, but Boateng gets in the way
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Germany get extra-time going...after an intense team-talk.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
No one's leaving the Maracana now, least of all our reporter Pete Hall...
Even the crowd look exhausted after an end-to-end 90 minutes. Both sets of fans look very nervous as this even contest heads into extra-time. German fans are doing their best to rouse their team, who look very tired. Argentina's fervent following is also in fine voice, but as usual, all their chants are directed at those local Brazilians. Beautiful scene with the sun setting over the Maracana, but all of all attentions are fully focused on this gripping encounter. . What a breathless 90 minutes, which somehow managed only three shots on target. Both sets of players look to each other in search of inspiration, but to also share in their emotions from a stupendous final so far. Here we go..... 30 more minutes....headed over his own bar by Garay, as Hummels closes in.Decent chance for such a sharp shooter, and seconds later Muller's inswinging cross is just a foot or two too strong for Klose.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
And that's that - for now, anyway. The World Cup final reaches full-time without a goal, and we're going into extra-time for the third final in succession.... What a breathless 90 minutes, which somehow managed only three shots on target. Both sets of players look to each other in search of inspiration, but to also share in their emotions from a stupendous final so far. Here we go..... 30 more minutes...
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Germany finishing added time on the front foot as Ozil, Kroos and Muller wait a little too patiently for a gap to open in the Argentina box. It never arrives and Zabaleta eventually gets a foot in
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
And here's a half-chance for Germany, Gotze going for glory from 30 yards only to scuff his volley into the turf
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Three added minutes for either side to find a winner within the 90. Messi tries his best, robbing Ozil and skewering a pass between Hummels and Boateng for Palacio. Boateng recovers in time to toe-end it away
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINAMessi and Argentina are giving it everything they've got.... but so are Germany. We're about to enter stoppage time!
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA SUB!
What a response from the crowd as Klose departs the World Cup stage - surely for good - to be replaced by Gotze. He's got the goals record, will Klose have a winners' medal to go with it?
21:47
GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Best work yet from Schweinsteiger, who stretches out a right leg to nick the ball off Biglia's toe just as the Argentina man draws back his boot to shoot
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA SUB!
Here's Argentina's final change, and it's an exhausted-looking Perez who passes the midfield baton to Boca Juniors' Gago
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SKY BET ODDS
Will we have a winner in the dying minutes? The sides are 11/2 apiece to steal it at the death, with a draw now 1/4, but you have to say Germany look the more likely and they can be backed at 5/1 to win 1-0 in the correct score market.
Bet in-play here.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
No sign of either side settling, and Messi's first-time dink searches out Aguero only for the substitute to lose his footing. Heading for the final five minutes...
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA CHANCE!
Move of real quality from Germany as Lahm's brilliant pass sends Ozil scuttling down the right, and Ozil somehow spots Kroos making his way towards the box. The cut-back is perfect, but not for the first time Kroos makes poor contact with his shot and the ball scuds well wide
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Germany come again, one corner amounting to not much before Howedes - hanging about post set-piece - fails to get the ball out from under his feet with the hint of a shooting chance on offer
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Messi mesmerising again, riding two or three tackles and trying to slip a ball behind Hummels for himself to run onto. The great man reckons without Neuer, whose out like lightning to claim
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA SUB!
Argentina striker for Argentina striker. Higuain's race is run and Palacio is on for the final 13 minutes plus what looks increasingly like extras...
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Messi is causing all sorts of problems for the Germans when he gets on the ball.Can he find the goal to win his team a historic World Cup? Just less than 15 minutes of normal time to play....
21:36
GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Great work this time from Mascherano, who can spot danger two missed tackles ahead and snuffs out a Schurrle burst 25 yards from his own goal
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Argentina offer their first goal threat for a while as Messi quicksteps in from the right and goes for that far-post curler we've seen so many times. No bend on this one, though, and Neuer can watch it wide
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Javier Mascherano, the wolf, hunts down Miroslav Klose and brings him to the ground. The game is becoming increasingly tetchy at times, with both teams putting everything on the line to win...
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Hmm...not Schurrle's finest two minutes of the tournament as a long-range potshot sails into the stands. You can be sure he'll keep shooting, all the same
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA CHANCE!
Germany get the give-and-gos out on the edge of the Argentina box, and Muller slips Schurrle in on goal only for the sub's touch to let him down at the vital moment. If he gets that under control he's one-on-one
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
More important defensive work from Schweinsteiger, who gets back to intervene as Argentina build down the left for a change. Plenty of dirty work done by him tongiht
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SKY BET ODDS
The odds are in the balance for the first time in the match, with each side rated 3/1 to nick a winner, though a draw is now odds-on at 8/13.
Bet in-play on the World Cup Final here.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Midway point in the second half and it's as evenly-balanced as it's been throughout. Doubt even Paul the Octopus could pick a winner here...
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
No malice this time, but it's a real striker's tackle from Klose which halts Biglia's run and gives Argentina a free-kick 40-odd yards out. Chipped into Neuer's domain, and there's only one outcome
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Aguero joins his pal in the book for a late one on Schweinsteiger - let's hope this doesn't become broken up and bitty. For now let's just call it a touch tetchy
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Mascherano's not the influence on this game that he was on the semi-final, and his frustration shows as he responds to a mistake by chopping down Klose. Easy decision for the ref - in the book
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Higuain is flattened by Manuel Neuer after he breaks clean through on the goalkeeper....
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
But nobody's having this final their own way, and up the other end Aguero outmuscles Hummels to win Argentina a corner. Nothing doing
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Good five minutes for the Germans, who nick it in their opponents half. Suddenly Schurrle's away down the left, his cut-back is looking for Ozil but takes a decisive deflection off Zabaleta and the ball's on Ozil too quick to control
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Germany manager Joachim Low barks instructions at his players as they look to get ahead in this tense, intriguing final...
21:20
GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Lahm continues to looks Die Mannschaft's most likely, and he's in right winger territory again as he cuts infield and searches out Muller with a lovely reverse pass. For once the mooching Muller is on his heels, though, and the ball runs behind
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Germany trying to move the ball back, over, sideways, any which way to fashion an opening. And here it comes as Lahm finds the space to send over a back-post cross which Klose meets - he's leaning backwards, though, and the header's easy for Romero
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Now then...Neuer comes, stops, comes again and eventually decides he's getting to a through ball before Higuain. He does just that, punching the ball out, but Higuain's absolutely clattered in the process and is agog to see the free-kick go Germany's way. Can't blame him -he's lucky to escape that incident with a full set of teeth
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Messi fires wide with a glorious chance from close range. He should have scored!
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Schurrle sidesteps his man on the 18-yard line and has his legs swiped from under him by Zabaleta. the ref opts to play advantage, but Muller wastes it with a half-hit cross. Schurrle's none too happy about any of it
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Lahm looks a menace whenever he bustles forward down the right, but he's leaving holes behind him. Argentina crowd him out in their own half but can't spring Messi into the space this time
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Messi sniffs another chance as he chases a ball over the top - this time Boateng isn't waiting for his sweeper-keeper and slices a clearance out of harm's way without Neuer's intervention
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Now Germany come alive in Argentine territory as Klose is on a slight Perez slip in a flash. The old boy's legs aren't what they were, though, and Garay gets back to mop up
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA CHANCE!
Now the linesman keeps his flag down as Messi breaks through on the left of the German box. He has Neuer to beat but - it's Messi - it has to be a goal! Neuer's beaten, but Messi's side-footer is 18 inches past the far post. What a chance
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
No sign Germany have learned a half-time lesson as Argentina immediately get more joy down the right. Higuain peels wide and into Howedes' blindspot, but an offside flag stops him in his tracks
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA SUB!
Argentina are making a change as we start the second half here, and it's a big'un. Aguero is off the bench and on the pitch as Lavezzi makes way. And we're off again...
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HT: GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
We've barely had a chance to mention the double dose of misfortune suffered by Germany - losing Khedira before kick-off is one thing, seeing replacement Kramer shoulder-barged out of the action another hard-luck story again. Still, it means Schurrle is on, and he's come close to a fourth goal from the bench
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IN-PLAY ODDS
Sky Bet's Jamie Casey has been speaking with Sky Sports News Radio at half-time, here's a run through the latest odds ahead of the re-start.
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HT: GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
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HT: GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
More from our man Pete Hall, struggling to make himself heard amidst the Maracana mayhem...
Whenever Messi gets on the ball the noise levels rise, but he has yet to deliver. Brazilians and Argentinians have been goading each other all half here. Locals have been counting to 28, taunting their rivals over how many years it has been since La Albiceleste last won the World Cup, while in response, those in blue and white have simply been reminding Brazilians of the semi-final score. Could have been a big moment, that.
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HT: GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Ezequiel Lavezzi and Miroslav Klose wear expressions that speak volumes of the first half here in Rio...
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HT: GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
That's the last action of a breathless half. It's been more open than anyone could have hoped, but still no goals. Argentina's counter-attacking threat or Germany's relentless pressure? It's a toss-up at the break...
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POST! GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
So close to a Germany goal! Howedes is way above his marker as Kroos delivers an outswinger. The defender gets perfect contact on his header but thuds it against the fat of the left upright with Romero beaten! He has to score!
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Two minutes to add to the end of a first half that's flying by - enough time for Lahm to win Germany a corner...headed over his own bar by Garay, as Hummels closes in.
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CHANCE! GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Germany come again, Ozil's drag back and short pass giving Kroos a sight at goal. We know he can bang them side-footed, but this one barely reaches Romero in Argentina's goal. Decent chance for such a sharp shooter, and seconds later Muller's inswinging cross is just a foot or two too strong for Klose.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Cracker of a game, and now we've got a bit of aggro to add to the mix as Muller rubs a couple of Argentines up the wrong way with a tumble to the turf. Lavezzi takes particular issue, but the Italian officials nip any genuine bother in the bud.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA CLOSE!
More joy on the right for Messi, who bustles his way beyond Hummels and into the box only to fluff his shot from a tight angle as Neuer looms large. The ball cannons about the six-yard box before a sliding Boateng hacks clear.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Higuain had the ball in the net with a neat finish but he was offside when he was played in by Lavezzi... and there's no convincing the official otherwise Gonzalo!
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Great save from Romero! Back come Germany as Schurrle strides onto Muller's cut-back and side-foots powerfully towards Romero's near post. Romero beats the ball behind, and the ref decides Ozil is offside and active hanging about in front of the keeper.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Argentina are countering with real menace, and it takes a great interception from Schweinsteiger to stop Messi's dink reaching Higuain running free. Corner conceded, but Neuer's out to claim without fuss.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Rojo's at it again with the shoulder barge, only he completely misses the object of his aim Klose and instead clatters into his own pal Perez. No harm done.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Another German name in the book as Howedes catches Zabaleta in and about his knee with a not-very-clever challenge. Zabaleta's up in a flash, but that might have ended badly.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Right then, Schurrle's gone over to play on the left, Muller is on the right and Ozil has moved centrally behind Klose. Can the Arsenal man have a say on this game now from his favourite position...?
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA SUB!
Would you believe this? Poor Kramer is thoroughly dazed after that earlier collision, and the late replacement is replaced himself now. It's Schurrle who's coming on, which means a reshuffle. More of that presently...
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NO GOAL! GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Argentina have the ball in the net. and the Maracana goes nuts as Higuain slides in Lavezzi's inviting cross. Higuain's off, giving it his best Marco Tardelli, but eventually he spots the linesman's correctly-raised flag - he's a good yard offside.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Schweinsteiger looks less comfortable chasing back towards his own goal, and a nibble at Lavezzi's ankles earns him the final's first booking. Free-kick played short to Messi, but he runs straight into bother.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Messi has hinted at stamping his genius on this game with a few weaving, tricky runs...
20:28
GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Argentina dropping off now, semi-final style, as Schweinsteiger is allowed time on the ball in the middle third. Mighty hard for even his calibre of player to pick out a pass, though, and a ball to Kramer runs through to Romero. The keeper's on his mettle moments later to cut out a longer pass meant for Klose
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Argentina's defending has been stout so far, but there's a hint of the last-ditch about Garay's latest intervention as Klose - all flailing limbs - presses him for an error. Good clearance, in the end.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Kroos looks a touch shell-shocked - for all of half a minute anyway before he's back into his regular role of calm, considered passer. Germany are on the front foot again and the relentless Muller is inches away from making room for a shot in the Argentina box.
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SKY BET ODDS
Oh dear, can Higuain make amends? He's 7/1 to score the first goal of the game, but Argentina are still the slight outsiders at 2/1 to win, with Germany currently 6/4.
Bet in-play here.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA CHANCE!
We've waited 20 minutes for a chance, and we might not get one much better than this all night! Kroos suffers a real rush of blood and aims a terrible header back towards his own goal. Higuain's on it in a flash and can pick his spot, but the Argentina striker snatches at his shot and shanks it a mile wide from 18 yards. Could have been a big moment, that.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Worrying moment for young Kramer as he catches one of Garay's sturdy shoulders in the chops and hits the turf in the Argentina box. No question of a penalty, but it's a painful one nonetheless and Kramer needs a bit of treatment before making his way gingerly up the touchline. he'll be back on...
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
You can see why the Germans score goals from set-pieces - again there's a blur of movement in the box as Kroos cuts back a corner towards the penalty spot. Again Argentina deal with it.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Now Klose's down clutching his back, and Germany have another free-kick - this time wider on the left. White shirts scurry hither and thither in the box as Kroos delivers, but the movement doesn't fool Demichelis, who gets his forehead on it again.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Argentina's Ezequiel Lavezzi attacks Mats Hummels in the opening moments...
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
And here's another Manchester City defender with an impressive intervention as Demichelis anticipates Klose's arrival on his right shoulder and gets to Lahm's cross ahead of the old poacher.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Lovely shimmy of the hips from Ozil opens a bit of space, but Zabaleta's on him in a hurry and crunches in to win the ball back for Argentina. No sizing each other up here - this one's started at a right pace.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Messi's legs were apparently "weighing 100kg" during the semi-final against Holland. Well, he must have been on a crash diet judging by the way he roasts Howedes and cuts a ball back towards Higuain. Nothing doing, but Zabaleta gets in down the right moments later - achtung signs for Germany.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Right old racket in the ground as Muller shapes a cross too close to Romero at the near post. Hard to tell just who's booing who - here's our man in the Maracana Pete Hall to explain...
Incredibly, on World Cup final day, the internet was down for two hours! Chaos ensued. In the stadium, the Argentinians are in fine voice, and should they secure glory in their arch-rivals backyard,this place will erupt. Brazilians have all donned the colours of their adopted nation for the day, hoping the German juggernaut simply cannot be stopped.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
The shins of Argentina's sturdy defensive wall send Higuain away on a gallop upfield, and his cross-shot briefly has Neuer worried before skidding a comfy couple of yards wide of the far post. Promising start all round.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
First chance, and it's Germany's. Rojo is a bit too boisterous as he clatters into Muller shoulder-first 25 yards from Romero's goal. About six Germans will fancy this free-kick...and after a choreographed build-up it's Kramer who bangs it into the wall. he might be waiting a while for another go.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Immediately clear Germany are keen to press Argentina high up the pitch, and it pays dividends as Sabella's side hand possession on a plate. Ozil eventually gets it on the edge of the box but can't smuggle a pass through to Klose.
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GERMANY 0-0 ARGENTINA
Right, that's more than enough blather - all that matters now is the football, and its Germany who start the 20th World Cup final...
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NATIONAL ANTHEMS
If the football follows a form line through the anthems there's only one winner, and it ain't Argentina, whose chirpy upstart of a tune is no match for the imperious - nay soaring - grandeur of Germany's Haydn-scored masterpiece. No sign of a fat lady singing either, though, so it's all still to play for. On with the football...
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KHEDIRA OUT
Judging by his recent performances, that's a serious blow for Germany. But what a chance for Kramer, whose fifth international cap will come as a starter in the World Cup final. Good luck, son...
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WHERE'S YOUR MONEY?
Here we go then, Sky Bet will have in-play odds throughout the match, but here's how the odds look before a ball has been kicked. We'll keep you posted on major swings in the odds as things unfold, hold on to your hats!
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KHEDIRA OUT
News of a late change for Germany. Sami Khedira has been injured in the warm-up and is replaced by Christoph Kramer
19:51
COUNTDOWN TO KICK-OFF
So the original Golden Balls fancies Lionel Messi to deliver the World Cup for his country tonight and perhaps pick up a Golden Ball of his own when the individual gongs are handed out. So where's your money? Will Argentina win a third trophy on the back of some Messi sorcery and their key midfielder Mascherano's frightening will to win? Or is it impossible to forget the manner in which Die Mannschaft disposed of flibbertigibbet Brazil like a seasoned surgeon tackling one of those 'Whac-a-mole' fairground games? Except every mole had David Luiz's hair...(where's a Photoshop expert when you need one...). We're about 10 minutes from kick-off and, for old times' sake, here's one last look at the Rio skyline destined to become the tournament's abiding image...
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MESSI v MULLER
Lionel Messi and Thomas Muller are virtually inseparable in the goal-scorer markets with Sky Bet, but here's Jamie Casey on how they compare in other markets.
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SKY BET PREVIEW
A penalty awarded? A red card given? How about two red cards? Here's Sky Bet's Jamie Casey with a run through the odds on some of the potential outcomes in the World Cup Final.
19:38
BECKHAM'S FINAL VERDICT
Talking of David Beckham - England's most-capped outfield player and a whole lot more, for the sake of clarity - we caught up with the man himself earlier to get his views on England, Argentina and the rest. You've just about got time to have a look...
19:36
QUICK! CALL SECURITY
Seems they'll let anyone in these days. What has Pele ever done to deserve a seat at the final? As for that oik from east London alongside him...
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19:32
CLOSING CEREMONY
The closing ceremony - a reasonable 18-minutes worth - passed off without undue alarm earlier - merely several wheelbarrows-full of jokes about Shakira getting further in the tournament than beau Gerard Pique (how many moons ago does Spain's exit seem now, by the way?). Anyway, for those hankering after a flavour of the frivolity, here's a picture...
19:22
ROME AND AWAY
Pope Francis' name isn't down so he won't be coming in to FIFA's party, but you can be sure the Argentine will be sat in front of a television. Here's hoping for a follow-up Tweet if Germany bang in four goals in six minutes again...
19:14
BY INVITE ONLY...
By hook or by crook, Sky Bet have managed to get hold of FIFA's list of guest dignitaries tonight. Quaffing pomagne with the bigwigs will be World Cup winners, global statesmen and..er...Daniel Craig. No truth in the rumour James (Ham-ez?) Bond will arrive at his VIP seat by union jack parachute. And we can't confirm or deny whether Sepp Blatter will watch the game with a white cat on his lap...
Price Boost anyone? Messi is 12/1 to prove he's the world's best by coming up with the goods in these final 15 minutes. Bet in-play here.
Jul. 13, 2014
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