 |
| Die Mannschaft celebrates as Captain Lahm hoists the World Cup. |
An exciting end to an overall exciting World Cup. Of course it helps if you were rooting for Germany, as Debbie and I and a number of others at the German Society of Pennsylvania were.
There was momentary gloom in the 31st minute when Gonzalo Higuain appeared to put Argentina ahead, only to be called offsides. Replays showed he was offsides. Then near joy when Benedikt Höwedes headed a corner towards the goal, only to see it hit the post. Wouldn't have counted anyway, as Thomas Müller was offsides.
And so it went. Very few real chances, but sharp passing, some key saves by both keepers, momentum swings, superb officiating and incredible stamina from both sides.
Then suddenly it happened. Andre Schürrle, who plays for Chelsea in the EPL, came down the left side and sent a perfect cross to 22-year old Mario Götze, who trapped it softly with his chest, whirled and vollied a left-footer into the lower right corner in the 113th minute.
Argentina had a last gasp in extra time as a foul outside the box gave a free kick, but Lionel Messi sent the free kick into outer space and Germany were world champions.
Here's the play-by-play from the New York Times.
Germany will have bragging rights for at least the next two years when the European Cup takes place. Let the celebrations begin . . . or continue, since they started the moment referee Niccola Rizzoli blew the final whistle.
Nur nach Hause, nur nach Hause, nur nach Hause, geh'n wir nicht.
No comments:
Post a Comment