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The substitute, Goetze, settled the contest that was in the balance from the first minute till the last with a finish of amazing composure given the circumstances, pressure & surroundings. His strike proved the difference, with Argentina unable to respond in what little time remaining, which added another star to the Europeans' crest following their triumphs in 1954, 1974 and 1990.

Though Germany very much contained Messi in the 1st half, the superstar caused alarm before the break when he galloped along the right touchline & to the near post before being crowded out by a combination of defence & goalkeeper. However, at the other end, composed play by Miroslav Klose set up Kroos for a shot that was simple for Romero.

There was still time in an ecstatic period for defender Benedikt Howedes to thunder a header from Kroos’ accurate corner against Argentina’s right post, with Muller ruled offside as he attempted a rebound from close range.

The pace from the outset of the extra time was relentless; Schurrle smacked straight at the keeper, Aguero looked for a colleague from the left at the conclusion of a counter-attack & saw none, while substitute Rodrigo Palacio looped the ball over Neuer but lost control after taking down a fine Marcos Rojo inswinger in space.

Then, with only 7 minutes of the 120 remaining, the decisive moment arrived. Schurrle fought past 3 Argentina defenders on the left flank, drawing Sabella’s charges out of shape & clipping over them to Gotze. The 22-year-old’s technique was exquisite, cushioning the ball on his chest and volleying at an awkward height, finding the far corner of the net to write his name into German and World Cup football history books.

via: http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/matches/round=255959/match=300186501/match-report.html

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