Mario Götze's extra-time winner settled a tense final as Germany won their fourth World Cup with a 1-0 win against Argentina.
The Argentineans were preparing for a penalty shoot-out in the Maracanã but in the 113th minute Götze chested down André Schürrle's cross and volleyed home to cap a historic victory for Joachim Löw's men.
Lionel Messi, Gonzalo Higuaín and Rodrigo Palacio all spurned good chances to give Argentina the win in the spiritual home of their fierce rivals Brazil however Germany were the more vibrant finalists.
Messi, tipped to star in the Rio final, dragged a good chance wide in the second half after Higuaín was guilty of an even worse miss before the break.
The Napoli striker was sent through on goal after a big mistake by Toni Kroos, but he also dragged his effort wide of Manuel Neuer's goal.
Benedikt Höwedes rattled Argentina's woodwork at the end of the first half, and his compatriots were also guilty of sloppy play in the Argentina area late on.
And so it was left to 22-year-old Götze to settle the contest, as he became the first World Cup final substitute goalscorer since Rudi Völler in 1986.