Sports

Goetze's extra-time goal to beat Argentina and win the cup was the 32nd scored by a substitute in Brazil.

This has to be the most followed World Cup in decades with fans actively voicing their opinions on different social media platforms.

Mario Goetze's winning goal for Germany in the World Cup final was the 171st scored in Brazil, equaling the tournament record.

Everyone in Rosario has a tale to tell about Messi, the Argentinian city's most famous son who rivals Pope Francis as a national icon.

All German eyes are now on the historic Maracana and a chance to claim the ultimate prize after losing in either the final or the semi-finals in their last four major tournaments.

Joachim Loew has again saved Germany's best until the World Cup finals with the 54-year-old poised to finally claim his first major title in Brazil.

Joachim Loew has shaped a talented German generation into an entertaining and successful team with a history of near misses.

Beckenbauer said the World Cup final could end up being a "clasico" because of terrific players who will play in good atmosphere and conditions at the Maracana.

The final between Argentina and Germany will provide a nerve-jangling climax to the best tournament in history.

Argentina team spokesman Andres Ventura says Di Maria was practicing at "60-80 percent" at the team base in Belo Horizonte.

Colombia defender Juan Zuniga kneed the Brazil forward in the back in the closing stages of the hosts' 2-1 quarter-final victory.

The Netherlands will face host nation Brazil, who were hammered 7-1 by Germany. The match will take place in the capital Brasilia.

Scolari is widely tipped to step down following Brazil's clash with the Netherlands for third place in Brasilia.

Germany poured in the goals on Tuesday to hand Brazil their heaviest World Cup loss ever with an astounding 7-1 rout in the semi-finals.

Brazil remain bitter about the tackle that ended Neymar's World Cup but hope his absence will inspire the rest of the team.

The absence of Neymar and captain Thiago Silva in their semi-final against Germany could make the hosts stronger, Germany coach Loew said.