Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live news coverage from the final day of the World Cup in Brazil. The biggest prize in football will up for grabs this evening when Argentina face Germany in Rio de Janeiro, and we will be bringing you all of the latest news, gossip and build-up ahead of that mammoth encounter. You can also expect plenty of reaction following last night's resounding win for the Netherlands over the hosts in the third-placed playoff. However, let's get things going by taking a look at some of the headlines to come out of the tournament overnight...
Netherlands defender Daley Blind has
praised the team's youngsters following Saturday's third-placed playoff win over Brazil at the World Cup. Blind, 24, scored his first goal for the Dutch last night as they eased past the host nation 3-0 in Brasilia.
Netherlands midfielder Jonathan de Guzman has
backed Louis van Gaal to be a success at Manchester United next season. The veteran coach took charge of the Dutch national team for the final time last night and will join up with the United squad next week before flying out to the USA on July 18 for the club's pre-season tour.
Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella has
admitted that Germany are "fearsome" ahead of the World Cup final. While the 59-year-old has insisted that his players will give their all tonight, he also concedes that the Germans will provide extremely tough opposition in Rio.
With just over eight hours until the World Cup final gets underway, why not get the lowdown on the match with
Sports Mole's thorough preview?
Argentina vs. Germany
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More from Alejandro Sabella now, with the Argentina coach warning Germany that his players are
"brimming with confidence" ahead of this evening's final. The South Americans will be crowned champions for the third time in their history if they come out on top tonight.
There have been plenty of memorable World Cup finals down the years, and who can forget France's famous victory over Brazil in 1998? Les Bleus were dominant against their South-American counterparts, with Zinedine Zidane scoring twice to help the host nation win the tournament for the first time in their history:
Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar has suggested that he has
played his last match for the national team. The 34-year-old, who has 87 caps to his name, was part of the Brazil squad that won the Copa America back in 2004.
Brazil coach Luiz Felipe Scolari has
praised the performance of his players despite their 3-0 defeat to the Netherlands in the World Cup third-placed playoff. While there has been widespread criticism of the hosts during their last two matches, Scolari believes that they have left the tournament with a positive display.
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has called on his teammates to
"play a perfect match" against Germany in the World Cup final. Messi believes that Argentina, who are looking to win a third title, must produce an impeccable display this evening if they want to come away with the glory.
Sergio Aguero has warned his Argentina teammates that they should be wary of Germany's
counter-attacking threat during the World Cup final. While insisting that the South Americans must try to stick to their own style, Aguero believes that the Germans' offensive prowess will be hard to contain.
If you're looking for a spot of lunchtime reading, check out our feature on the
top five World Cup finals. If tonight's encounter is anything like these thrilling matches, we're in for a footballing treat.
Former Spain captain Carles Puyol has claimed that the World Cup final between Argentina and Germany will be a
"great game". The 36-year-old is due to carry the trophy out inside the Maracana Stadium this evening alongside Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen.
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Brazil forward Hulk has promised that the national team will work hard to erase the memories of their disastrous World Cup exit. While admitting that he and his teammates are responsible for what happened at the tournament, the 27-year-old is confident that the Selecao can get back to winning ways soon.
That's all from me for today, but I'm pleased to say that Liam Apicella will be with you for the next three hours to take you through all of the latest news ahead of tonight's final. Goodbye!
Thanks Jack and afternoon all. So, we've got six hours to wait until the final gets underway! Who is your money going on?!
Talking of money, how is this for a bet from
Paddy Power?! You can put money on what the
BBC Sport commentators will say first. "Two footballing giants" looks good to me!
One of the players on show tonight will be Toni Kroos, who has been in good form for Germany throughout the tournament. It's not only been noticed by FIFA, who have included him on the list of nominees for the Golden Ball, but also former Austria international Andreas Herzog. The 45-year-old has described Kroos's performances as
"extraordinary".
The thoughts of Danny Higginbotham ahead of tonight's game:
And, talking to FIFA's official website, is how Everton manager Roberto Martinez sees the final going:
"At the beginning of the tournament, I thought that it might be a Germany-Argentina final and that Argentina would win. For his career it would be great for Messi to win it to emulate what Maradona did in 1986. But any team that wins a penalty shootout usually loses the next game, so you'd have to fancy Germany.
"So if you look at the stats and follow your head, it's Germany. If I stick with my original prediction, it would be Argentina."
So, who are the key players for Argentina today? Well, it's pretty obvious, isn't?! Even so, former Argentina international Ossie Ardiles has had
his say on Messi and Mascherano.
A nice touch from Bayern Munich, who have used their official Twitter page to wish their German players well:
The question we've all been asking all day is - who does Raul think will win the World Cup tonight?! Well, fear no more because the former Spain international
reveals all here.
It's a big night for Angel Di Maria, who is battling a thigh injury to be fit for the final. Rumour has it that the Real Madrid attacker may make the Argentina bench. It's also a busy time for him away from the World Cup, with Paris Saint-Germain said to be in
pole position ahead of Manchester United for his signature.
So then - who is going to have the biggest say tonight? Messi or Muller?
And that is as far as I will take you today. Coming up next is Pascal Lemesre, who will be with you through to the start of the final at 8pm. Enjoy.
Thanks a lot Liam! Just three hours until kickoff and if you head to our Facebook page you can comment with your score prediction along with many others!
Plenty of big names in attendance with FIFA at tonight's match. LeBron James, Vladimir Putin and Daniel Craig to name three.
Although it's not been confirmed yet, reports surfacing at the moment suggest that Angel di Maria WILL start tonight for Argentina, despite injury concerns. Germany will apparently start with the same XI that destroyed Brazil in the semis.
Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen will
walk out the World Cup trophy alongside former Spanish defender Carles Puyol tonight. She's just Instagrammed this picture of her outfit for the evening. She's wearing Louis Vuitton, but you knew that right?
The last time Germany and Argentina met in the final of the World Cup was in 1990, when Germany claimed a 1-0 victory thanks to Andreas Brehme's late penalty. Relive that with FIFA's video on YouTube below:
We have two hours of build-up for the final tonight and it's just started with Barney Corkhill.
Open this link in a new tab for all the preparation you need ahead of the big game.
Spain may have been the last team to lift the Jules Rimet trophy, but Carles Puyol will be the last one to touch it for a while!
Luiz Felipe Scolari stuck by him throughout the tournament, but Fred has now called it a day on his international career with Brazil.
Read more here.
The @brazuca account of the World Cup football has been one of the best to follow this tournament!
Great stat from @OptaJean on Twitter - "1 - Argentina have only lost once in their last 10 World Cup games against European teams (W5, D4), v Germany in 2010. Sign?"
The team news has just been released and you can see both lineups
right here. Both are unchanged from the semi-finals, but the big news is that Angel di Maria isn't fit to start for Argentina.
With less than an hour until kickoff, I sincerely hope that you've got our detailed live coverage open in a separate window!
BBC Sport have just revealed their team of the tournament so far and I have to say that I really like it.
Neuer; Lahm, Gonzalez, Hummels, Blind; Mascherano, Kroos, Rodriguez; Messi, Muller, Robben
Arsenal players Theo Walcott and Aaron Ramsey have
tweeted their support for Germany as teammates Per Mertesacker, Mesu Ozil and Lukas Podolski are part of the Mannschaft squad.
As well as our detailed
live text coverage, we also have a special live
picture feed that will bring you the best images from tonight's final. These German fans have already got their hands on the trophy!
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BREAKING NEWS! Sami Khedira, who was so brilliant in the semi-final, has pulled out with a calf injury and has been replaced by Christopher Kramer. Huge blow for the Germans!
Goodness me, it is Kramer's FIRST COMPETITIVE START for Germany. IN THE WORLD CUP FINAL!!!!
Righty ho, Matt Law is taking over just in time for kickoff and he will guide you through the game. Enjoy it Matt!
KICKOFF! Thanks Pascal, evening all, Matt Law here to take you through until 11pm. It has been a bright start from Germany, with Argentina sitting very deep in the early stages. As mentioned, Khedira pulled up in the warm-up for the Germans and therefore Kramer has come into the XI for his first competitive start for his country. Incredible.
LATEST: Still goalless between Germany and Argentina, but it has been a lively opening 20 minutes. Both sides have had half-chances, while Messi has been heavily involved for the South American side. Just a reminder that Germany are bidding to become the first European team to win the World Cup on South American soil.
CHANCE! Higuain has a stunning chance for Argentina after 21 minutes following a poor header from Toni Kroos, but somehow he fires his effort wide of the post. Incredible miss!
Barcelona centre-back Marc Bartra believes that Argentina
will triumph in the World Cup final this evening. Bartra's club teammates Javier Mascherano and Lionel Messi are both involved tonight against Germany and the Spaniard has backed the South American side to claim the trophy.
SUB! Kramer is in tears here as the German is forced to leave the field after just 31 minutes, with Andre Schurrle entering the field. Kramer was still groggy following an earlier collision. Moments before, Higuain had the ball in the back of the net for Argentina, but he was offside.
HALF-TIME: Germany 0-0 Argentina
Have a read of our half-time report
here. Moments before the interval, Howedes rattled the post with a header for Germany. It has been a wonderful first half in the Maracana.
BACK UNDERWAY! The second half resumes at the Maracana. Let's hope that the second 45 minutes matches the first. Sergio Aguero has been introduced at the break for Argentina.
UPDATE: Still goalless in the Maracana, but it has been a strong start to the half from Argentina, with Messi flashing a low effort wide of the post early in the second period.
Right, 65 minutes on the clock and the score is still goalless. Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has
backed Argentina to win the World Cup on penalties this evening. He also backed his country to beat Netherlands on spot-kicks in the last round. Will Simeone be correct once more?
Does Messi need to seriously influence this match in order to be compared to Argentina legend Diego Maradona? Sticking with Atletico boss Simeone, the former Argentina midfielder has said that
it is unfair to compare the two players. Still goalless at the Maracana this evening.
UPDATE: Still goalless at the Maracana with 88 minutes on the clock. Extra-time anyone?
END OF 90 MINS: The 2014 World Cup final has gone to extra-time. That looked unlikely following a first half full of chances, but the opportunities have dried up in the second period. We are in for another long night folks!
BACK UNDERWAY! Here we go then. Extra-time it is!
UPDATE: Still goalless, but both have had chances in extra-time. Schurrle tested Romero from close range for Germany, before Palacio went close for Argentina. Nine minutes have been played in extra-time. Penalties?
HT ET: Goalless at the interval of extra-time. Time for someone to make themselves a hero. Just a reminder that Germany are bidding to become the first European team to win the World Cup on South American soil. Safe to say that the Brazilians inside the stadium want a German win here!
BACK UNDERWAY!
Once again, Javier Mascherano has been terrific for Argentina this evening. His fellow countryman, Atletico boss Diego Simeone, has
paid tribute to his performances this summer. Rightly so, he has been brilliant all tournament.
GOAL! Germany take the lead five minutes before the end of extra-time as Gotze finishes from close range! WOW!
Germany are little under five minutes away from becoming the first European team to win the World Cup on South American soil.
FULL-TIME: GERMANY WIN THE 2014 WORLD CUP!
Incredible scenes in the Maracana as Germany celebrate their victory. Our full-time report can be found
here.
As mentioned, Germany have become the first team to win the World Cup on South American soil. What an achievement, what a summer! It has been a terrific World Cup and Germany are deserving winners.
That is just about it from me this evening, but be sure to remain with us as I pass the baton onto Callum, who will bring you all the reaction from tonight's incredible clash in the Maracana. Be sure to look out for our match analysis and player ratings, which Barney Corkhill will have live in due course. World Cup, it has been an absolute pleasure. Over to you Callum!
Thanks Matt. It was an intriguing final, and it will be interesting to hear from both camps over the next few hours. Argentina's players have just received their medals, and Bastian Schweinsteiger is now leading the team up the stairs. Philipp Lahm will lift the famous trophy in just a few moments.
© Getty ImagesThere it is, the moment no German will forget. Plenty of reaction on the way as the dust settles on a fantastic tournament in Brazil.
Despite failing to lead Argentina to glory, Messi collected the
Golden Ball award after the game for his performances in the tournament. Was that the right choice? In a much more obvious decision, Manuel Neuer picked up the Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper.
Our man Barney is not yet finished. He's taken a closer look at Germany's victory over Argentina, and you can read his
post-match analysis now.
© Getty ImagesAnother great shot from Rio as the German players begin what is sure to be a long night of celebrations on the pitch. I'm certain there will be a few sore heads in the morning.
German skipper Philipp Lahm has been speaking to reporters inside the Maracana, and he believes that it is the
attitude of the whole squad which allowed Joachim Low to guide the nation to their fourth title.
Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano, one of the outstanding performers in Brazil, has conceded that me may never be able to
recover from tonight's defeat inside the Maracana.
It's no surprise to hear Andre Schurrle call the World Cup triumph the
best moment of his life. It doesn't get better for these players, but will there be more success to come?
Who did you think was the outstanding player inside the Maracana tonight? Well, you can find out what Barney Corkhill thought of each individual by reading his
ratings right now.
It's going to be a difficult night of sleep for Alejandro Sabella, who is expected to leave his role over the next few days, but he was eager to praise his players for what he describes as an
"extraordinary" World Cup campaign.
Neuer has become the latest player to pay tribute to the German
team spirit by praising the members of the World Cup winning squad who were not always involved during the tournament.
Mats Hummels believes that there was a slice of good luck in Germany's win after claiming that the World Cup winners were
preparing for a penalty shootout inside the Maracana.
Miroslav Klose, the only member in the Germany squad who played in the 2002 final, has admitted that it's
difficult to describe the feeling of ending a run of late-tournament disappointments with the victory over Argentina.
Joachim Low has labelled Mario Gotze a
"miracle boy" after his superb volley secured Germany's fourth World Cup title, and claims he expected the substitutes to make an impact in the Maracana.
Gotze has tried his best to explain what it feels like to achieve every boy's dream after scoring the winner in the World Cup final for Germany, but he admits he
wasn't sure what to do when the ball hit the back of the net with seven minutes remaining in extra time.
© Getty ImagesThat's it from all of us at Sports Mole. Thanks for joining us over the past few weeks for a fantastic World Cup. We've seen it all in Brazil, but we'll leave you with this memorable image from the Maracana. We hope you've enjoyed our coverage. Goodnight!
