It took a slice of true footballing genius to win it for Germany. But, anxious moments for Neuer aside, was there ever any serious doubt? …
It finally became clear to me that Germany would win the 2014 World Cup on 60 minutes when the best goalkeeper of the tournament, Manuel Neuer, had his Harald Schumacher moment.
Until then, it had been a game dominated on possession by Germany but with Argentina mostly looking likelier to score. Pete Sixmsith considered that even our Jozy would have buried the chance that fell to Gonzalo Higuain, thanks to Toni Kroos thinking he was David Luiz for a second and heading vaguely towards Neuer but putting the forward clear on goal. He screwed it wide.
That wasn’t Neuer’s Schumacher moment.
Higuain later celebrated for what seemed like five minutes after beating Neuer to slot home a low cross, inconveniently one of two Argentine players caught offside.
That wasn’t Neuer’s Schumacher moment either.
It came when the German raced against Higuain to be the first to a ball on the edge of the area. Neuer flew through the air, clattered into Higuain as if he were an advancing Frenchman called Patrick Battiston and punched the ball clear. Was it a penalty? Or did he punch it from outside the area, ie a free kick and red card? Double let-off; the otherwise outstanding Italian ref Nicola Rizzoli gave a free kick but, wait for it, to Germany.
Here’s Gary Lineker’s famous quote: “Football is a simple game: 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans win.” Or, as I saw it the other day in French: “Le football est un sport simple : 22 hommes poursuivent un ballon pendant 90 minutes et à la fin, les Allemands gagnent.”
I had no idea how the victory would come. The excitement continued to occur mostly in Neuer’s area, after smart Argentine breakaways. Germany, save for that header by Howedes against the post at the end of the first half, had still failed to seem that menacing. The most efficient, disciplined team of Brazil 2014 even started misplacing passes. someone on Facebook, thought it a “great final” and – when I questioned this – retorted: “Pretty absorbing for a final.”
But I knew it would. Extra time, penalties, Lineker’s law somehow prevailing if even those means to triumph failed to hand the Jules Rimet trophy to Die Mannschaft. Why, the last phase of the Salut! Sunderland World Cup poll had them on 72 per cent of the vote.
And when it came, it was not from a fluke, nor from a rotten decision, nor even from the lottery of penalties, but from apiece of magic. Mario Götze’s control, on his chest, of a wonderful cross from Andre Schurrle was exquisite; the finish he then produced was, as Arsene Wenger put it on French TV (TF1), magnifique. The second period of extra time had barely begun, but it was all over.
Argentina had no answer. Messi’s ballooned last-ditch free kick demonstrated that.
Brazil 2014 had it worthy winners, the team that had impressed most and most often.
Well Salut. I don’t hear anyone complaining about the aerial challenged by Argentina’s players. Kramer got belted and had to leave the fray after half an hour. and Schweinsteiger suffered at least two bangs to the head, the second of which was as a result of Aguero trying to get him in the eye.
Neuer went for an got the ball. He caught Higain after than. Nobody would have batted an eyelid if this had been Hummels and not Neuer.
The “Schmacher moment” that people are talking about wasn’t a foul. Goalkeepers are over protected these days and often come out for balls like that one almost apologetically. Neuer went for it like a centre half would. Higain wlll think twice about those balls with Neuer in future.
I agree with you Ken. Fantastic goalkeeping from the deserved winner of the golden glove.
Yeah, Jeremy. And anyway, that Battiston was just a cissy
Otherwise we are as one.
I think that Germany were a ” team ” in the sense that has not been seen since possibly England in 1966.
They did not have the best individual players [ other than the goalkeeper ] but each knew his role perfectly. They worked for each other, they were tireless and relentless.
I was particularly impressed with the total lack of selfishness they display [ unusual in modern players ] They don’t care who scores. The coaches have done an incredible job with their psychological approach as well as with fitness and technique.
I hope our coaches and administrators take note?
As they say ‘ it’s a matter of opinion’ but I thought Neuer’s ‘Schumacher moment’ was an example of excellent goalkeeping.The best team in the tournament won ,although I agree with Eric that the post-match proceedings were a shambles.
Excellent World Cup, thoroughly entertaining. Right team won in the end, my Dutchie boys managed a creditable 3rd place. BUT, what an absolute farce afterwards. Defeated players left hanging around to receive their medals. WAGs, kids, Tom Dick and Heinz cavorting around the pitch and the worst trophy presentation ever. Just who was that sour faced bird in the green suit? Get a grip FIFA.
Delighted that the World Cup is coming back to Europe. Germany are worthy champions and deserve their success. Magnificent goal to clinch it!
Well done to the German lads.Enjoy your party. You earned it.