Sometimes being a sub isn’t so bad. Just ask Mario Gotze, Germany’s goal-scoring hero in today’s World Cup final against a lackluster Argentina. Gotze patiently waited on the bench for his moment of glory, which didn’t come until halfway through the second period of extra time in a scoreless game. It was then that he deftly received a pass from Andre Schurrle and volleyed the ball into Argentina’s net. The stunning strike was all Germany needed to become World Cup champions for the fourth time.
Germany showed their prowess throughout the tournament which included a 7-1 romp against host nation Brazil last week. And now, the four-year quest for a new champion begins. The 2018 World Cup will take place in Russia.
Soccer fans around the globe will be watching today to see which country will become World Cup champions. After Germany dealt a crushing blow to Brazil this past week, and Argentina slipped past the Netherlands on penalty kicks, this afternoon’s World Cup final at the Maracana in Rio de Janeiro promises to be one for the history books. Fans may see Lionel Messi, considered to be one of the best players in the world, win his first World Cup with Argentina. They may also see Thomas Muller lead Germany to its fourth World Cup championship.
If you love soccer, you know where you need to be today — in front of your TV!
Want to see Messi and Muller’s goals from this year’s World Cup? Click here.
All eyes will be on Brazil today as they take on Croatia in the first match of the 2014 World Cup in Sao Paulo. Just in case you’re not yet in the World Cup spirit, click here to see some amazing moments from Brazil’s appearances in World Cup matches throughout the years.
All the matches for this year’s World Cup will be on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC so be sure to catch as many as you can.
And if you want the latest news about the U.S. Men’s National Team, be sure to check here throughout the tournament.
The U.S. Men’s National Team got a boost of confidence last night in San Francisco as they won the first of three friendly games before heading down to Brazil. A pair of goals from Mix Diskerud and Aron Johannsson proved that Azerbaijan’s lackluster defense was no match for the U.S.
Here are all the highlights!
Only two more friendlies remain. Be sure to watch all the pre-World Cup action on ESPN & ESPN2 so you can get to know the players that will represent the U.S. in this year’s World Cup.
