2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil
Live Blogging the World Cup: Germany 1-0 Argentina
11:00: It's D-Day! The day we have been waiting for is finally here. Germany take on Argentina at the Maracanã.
11:05: Reports suggest that Di Maria's injury may rule him out of the final. We'll keep you up-to-date on that one.

11:08: Follow us on Twitter!

12:19: Well, this is emotional. For the last time this World Cup...let's hear your predictions?

13:52: Both goalkeepers, Manuel Neuer and Sergio Romero are nominated for the Golden Glove, so here's a quick stat to compare their tournament so far.

13:59: Found this picture in my library! Absolute class.

14:11: Today marks a rare occasion in the UK where the World Cup final can be viewed on two different channels.

14:25: Make sure you stick around after the World Cup is over!

14:36: To get you as pumped up as possible for this one - the Google Doodle for the match!

14:48: Aww, Klose, ain't that cute?

15:55: Di Maria is confirmed to be out of the game, while Germany starts the same eleven from the past two matches.

15:56: Just kidding on Germany's starters - we have a change.

16:00: ...and we're off! May the best man win!

16:03: We have our first German free-kick and a chance to see that weird routine once more.
16:08: Remember, this is for the biggest prize in football...

16:11: We're just past the ten minute mark, and this is about as we expected. No clear cut chances; both sides picking their spot very carefully...

16:12: Rihanna's tweeting again, with support for Germany.

16:15: A poor corner from Toni Kroos - definitely not what we've come to expect from him.

16:18: Kramer back up on his feet, great to see. He's got Messi to mark, he doesn't want to be away for too long.

16:20: Oh no Higuain...what happened there?

16:25: 25 minutes in, still no score.

16:27: Earlier, we saw a short practise for the next venture of Neuer and Howedes.

16:29: Schweinsteiger gets the first yellow of the Final.

16:30: Higuain makes up for his mistake! Oh no, it's offside. Carry on.

16:31: Kramer's night comes to an early end as Schurrle is subbed on.

16:34: Well, things have picked up. Both teams are getting stuck in as Germany receive their second yellow of the match.

16:34: Messi's shot is blocked. Corner for Argentina.
16:37: Brilliant diving save from Romero - offside regardless but they are what we like to see!

16:39: Germany is awarded a throw in, but Argentina gets possesion. Long pass to Messi, he gets an amazing chance, but Boateng clears it, from the goalline.

16:39: Muller to Ozil, then to Kroos. Kroos takes a shot but it's well caught.

16:47: Wow. Howedes should have put that one away, a post rattler! Muller was there for the rebound -- but the ref says offside.

16:48: A half full of chances (some better than others) but we head into half time 0-0.

16:52: Germany had 4 shots with 3 on goal, while Argentina had 3 shots, 1 on goal. (Other stats here!)

16:51: As we enter halftime, we found a gif that most will find amusing, but Brazilians will hate.

16:55: Please let Muller score one...

17:00: The second half will kickoff soon. This is a must-see! Turn on your tv, folks!
17:05: We're back with the second half! Sergio Aguero is subbed in for Ezequiel Lavezzi.

17:06: A tally of celebrities at the game: LeBron James, Shakira, David Beckham, Tom Brady, etc.

17:10: Messi has a great chance, but can't make it count! Very fine margins here!

17:11: That sunset tho...

17:15: Neuer off his line again, bashes into Higuain and gets the free-kick.
17:16: Never gets old, eh Paddy Power?

17:18: Klose gets a header on target, but it's simple for Romero.

17:21: A ball across goal and...Ozil puts it wide.

17:23: Mascherano lunges in and picks up a yellow for his troubles.

17:25: I understand there's a match on, but let's just take a moment to say R.I.P. to Paul the Octopus.

17:28: Good punch by Neuer.

17:29: You know earlier, when I said both teams were getting stuck in...well...

17:29: Schlurre couldn't hold on to the ball, and it's picked up.

17:31: The champ...is...here!

17:33: Messi's shot is off. Goal kick.

17:35: Still scoreless.

17:36: Higuain off - Palacio comes in in his place.

17:37: ...and am just sitting here!

17:39: Germans going down in the box, but nothing given by the ref. Probably for the best.

17:41: Ozil cuts it back, but Kroos puts his shot well wide! After his two goals against Brazil, this has been a very tame performance.

17:44: What are we Ghana do if this game heads into penalties?

17:45: Fernando Gago comes on.

17:47: Miroslav Klose makes way for Mario Gotze. The end of an era.

17:49: Apparently, there was a streaker. Could that be our very own Raphu in the pitch showing off her Genius?

17:53: The game is going to extra time.

17:56: Oh my God, the foam is proving it's useful for more than lines!

17:59: And the first period of extra time kicks off.

17:59: Amazing save, denying Germany an early goal.

18:04: Take a break from this exhilarating match to peep this shot of Christ the Redeemer.

18:04: Here's a fact for you - Spain's World Cup winning squad had 7 players from a Pep Guardiola managed team. Germany has 7 players from a...

18:08: Palacio gets a chance to give Argentina the lead and FAILS.

18:10: Germany continue to press, while Argentina continue to hold. It's going to take something special to separate these two.

18:14: Wow... [NSFW]

18:16: We're back out for the second half of extra time. With the way things are going, we may see penalties for the third time in World Cup Final history.

18:21: Schweinsteiger has been taken out for the thirty-fifth time this match.

18:25: WE HAVE LIFT OFF! GOTZE BREAKS THE DEADLOCK! YES, ALL CAPS ARE NECESSARY!

(Gotze World Cup Stats)

18:30: Argentina throwing everything they have forward now, Neuer looks like he knows what he's doing though! Mertesacker is waiting to come on to add some more steel.

18:32: Muller with those silky smooth skills!

18:35: Messi steps up to take a free kick. All eyes on him. He runs up and...rockets it over the bar. Ouch.Germany are champions of the world!18:49: The trophy ceremony is still to come, but that's another World Cup down!

18:57: Neuer comes up to put hands on his new golden gloves.
18:58: Messi looks more disappointed than you may expect after picking that up.
19:02: The German players are collecting their gold medals.
19:04: The greatest way for the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history Miroslav Klose to leave what is probably his last World Cup.
19:07: Victory.
19:08: More celebrations here!

19:09: Thanks for joining us once again - we hope you enjoyed it! Now the football is over, it's that long wait...for more football! I'll leave you with this.