Wrap: After a tight and intense battle at the Maracana, Mario Goetze popped up in the second-half of extra time to settle it with the deftest of touches past Sergio Romero in the Argentina goal. Argentina had chances, the best of which fell to Gonzalo Higuain in the first half and Lionel Messi at the start of the second, but Germany were the better team on the night and throughout the tournament. Thanks for staying up and following the action with us. Hope you enjoyed it and congratulations Germany.

Here's the image that will be beamed around the world:

Germany 1 (Goetze 113) Argentina 0

2.04am: Philipp Lahm lifts the trophy and the ticker tape falls.

2.03am: A cuddle from Chancellor Merkel, just what the German squad worked hard for.

2.01am: Now the Germans are heading up the steps, led by Bastian Schweinsteiger.

2am: Argentina are collecting their runners-up medals at the Maracana. Always a difficult trudge up the steps for the losing team.

1.58am: Here's a dejected Lionel Messi...

1.56am: Manuel Neuer win the Golden Glove for the best goalkeeper of the tournament. Lionel Messi looks dejected as he collects the best player award.

1.52am: Big contrast between the teams, as you would expect. Messi and co are out on their feet. Macherano is in tears.

1.49am: Here are the Germans celebrating the goal:

1.45am: When you look back at that goal, it was such a cool finish from Gotze so late in the game. When the German chance came, they took it. You can't argue with that.

1.40am: Their opponents Argentina had plenty of chances but recorded zero shots on target. Tough to see a way to win with finishing like that.

1.38am: Germany have been the best team in the tournament, they had the result of the tournament and they will take the cup home. Their fourth World Cup win is richly deserved.

120 mins +3: ... but the shot flies harmlessly off-target and moments later IT'S OVER! Germany have won the World Cup.

120 mins +3: Messi lines up one final chance from a free-kick ...

120 mins +1: Ozil comes off and big Mertesacker is on as Germany shore up their  defence.

115 mins: What do they always say about one bit of genius settling a tight match? Schurrle's cross was impeccable but Gotze's finish was even better. Heartbreak for Argentina, who now have less than four minutes left to find an unlikely answer.

113 mins: GOAL! Mario Gotze makes the breakthrough with some fantastic chest control and a deft finish after a great ball from the left. IT'S 1-0!

110 mins: Schweinsteiger bleeding from a nasty cut under his eye after a clash of heads with Demichelis. Both went for the ball.

109 mins: It's still scoreless but we can't complain that there haven't been chances. It's one of those games you would describe as "0-0 - but a good 0-0".

105 +2 mins: Let's use this moment in half-time of extra time to examine Palacio's hair.

104 mins: To this woman: You were wrong.

 

98 mins: Rodrigo Palacio becomes the THIRD Argentina player who could, nay, should have won the match for the South Americans when, in the clear and staring down the keeper, he loops a shot off-target.

97 mins: Stat attack: 5 of Germany's 9 chances have hit the target. All of Argentina's 7 have been off-target.

93 mins: Another chance goes begging for Argentina. This time Aguero slides his shot across the face of goal. Will a goal never come?!

91 mins: 'I just want a cuddle' - Benedikt Howedes didn't appreciate the pitch invader.

90 mins: We're off again.

12.54am: Here's Martin Downer's view at full time...

 "Well, that went downhill quickly. Penalties anyone? Argentina again impressed early in the second half, but things then got niggly and the fear of making a mistake took over. Very little to choose between the teams now, but I'm sticking with my 1-0 Germany shout - and I fancy little Mario Goetze to have a very big say." 

90 +3 mins: The whistle has gone. We are going to extra time.

90 +3 mins: Chance for Kroos to get the ball in for Germany, but he's blocked. Looked threatening for a second there.

90 +1 mins: Messi looks to find Aguero, but the pass needed to be perfect, and it wasn't quite.

90 mins: Perez off for Gago for Argentina. 3 minutes of added time.

89 mins: Klose off, Podolski on for Germany. That's probably the end of Klose's World Cup career. He'll be 40 at the next one. 16 goals and out seems likely.

88 mins: Glimpse of a chance for Messi, but it is snuffed out by the German defence.

87 mins: Higuain off, Palacio on for Argentina. That happened a few minutes back, but I missed it.

86 mins: It's still 0-0, but far from boring. It's been engaging all the way through, if a little light on goalmouth action after half time.

84 mins: Lovely work from Messi, tries to slip it through to Aguero, who slips at the crucial moment.

81 mins: Big chance for Kroos after excellent work from Ozil, but a poor effort at placing it goes wide.

80 mins: 10 minutes of normal time left. Anything now would surely be a winner.

79 mins: Corner to Germany comes to nothing. Chances are at a premium here.

78 mins: Here's Team Beckham showing their colours...

77 mins: A slightly cruel look at the Higuain goal that never was in the first half here...

75 mins: And there's another chance for Messi, just to shut me up. Left foot curler goes wide though.

74 mins: The stage is set, btu we haven't seen much of Messi since the chance.

70 mins: Not much in the way of action, but the game is full of tension. Feels like next goal wins to me.

64 mins: Yellow for Mascherano. Probably the most unsurprising yellow card of the century.

63 mins: Corner to Argentina. Messi takes, comes to nothing.

61 mins: Here's the Messi chance from 47 mins. JUST SEND IT HOME LIONEL!!

59 mins: Incredibly even game here. Germany were favourites beforehand, and had the better of the first half, but at the moment there's nothing in it.

57 mins: Quiet couple of minutes in the game, time for a Roger Milla reference...

55 mins: It's now 7 hour since Argentina conceded a goal = not bad defending.

53 mins: Wit from Twitter...

50 mins: Argentina looking dangerous and most likely to break the deadlock. Cue a Germany goal...

47 mins: HUGE chance for Messi. Drags it wide with his left foot after being played in by Biglia. Best chance of the game so far.

46 mins: Bit of possession for Argentina at the start of the second half. Higuain gets around the back, but he's ruled offside.

45 mins: And we're playing again.

12.03am: Players are back out, we're ready to go. Aguero is on for Lavezzi for Argentina.

11.51pm: Here are Martin Downer's thoughts on the game so far...

"Really good first half at the Maracana. Argentina will be delighted at keeping Germany at bay, while Gonzalo Higuain should have scored twice at the other end. Joachim Loew's plans have been severely disrupted by the injuries to Khedira and Kramer, but if they keep getting the ball to Lahm and Mueller on the right, they will get chances. Should be an exciting second 45."

45 mins +2: Howedes rattles a powerful header off the right post after the umpteenth Kross cross from the right. Offside after the rebound, but the header would have counted. It's half-time.

45 mins: Yet another Germany cross from the right misses Klose by a whisker. Loew has clearly targeted the left side of the Argentine defence.

42 mins: Shall we dance? Some of the best moments from the match so far here ...

40 mins: Poor old Kramer doesn't know where he is in this picture. He might not even remember playing in a World Cup final, bless him.

38 mins: Argentina keeper Romero makes a decent save at his near post from Schuerrle after a mistake from Zabaleta.

37 mins: Messi fires a great chance over the bar when slipping the ball to Lavezzi on his left may have been the more prudent choice. But Argentina are right in this game!

34 mins: Hawedes is in the book for an awkward challenge on Argentina's Zabaleta.

31 mins: Kramer's big day lasts little more than half an hour after a head injury sustained earlier in the match leaves him looking a bit dizzy. Germany's Schuerrle replaces him.

30 mins: Higuaín scores after a through-ball from Lavezzi. But he's offside!

29 mins: Schweinsteiger gets a yellow card for a foul on Lavezzi.

24 mins: Kaka, Pele and Beckham chilling at the game. The former follows in the footsteps of the other two in becaming a professional soccer player in the good ol' US of A.

22 mins: Higuain should have scored after a Toni Kroos mistake! The striker won't sleep well tonight - or for the rest of 2014 - if that costs his team.

20 mins: A picture of Higuain's early shot. Will this be as close as Argentina get?

17 mins: Apparently David Beckham thinks Argentina will win 3-1. Not looking that way in the early exchanges, David.

14 mins: Lahm almost finds Klose with a cross that is inches away from the legendary striker's head. It's all the European side at the moment.

12 mins: Messi corner doesn't beat the first man before Lavezzi fails to bother Neuer. HOW ARE WE 12 MINUTES IN ALREADY?

8 mins: First glimpse of goal for Messi who gets into the box but his low cut-back doesn't find a teammate.

7 mins: Looks an open game so far as the Germans knock the ball around patiently. Here's hoping for a few goals ...

4 mins: Straight into the wall after much discussion over who will take the free-kick. Argentina go up the other end and Higuain shoots across the face of goal.

3 mins: Free-kick for Germany after Muller is knocked down. Could be dangerous.

2 mins: It's a first competitive start for Germany's last-minute replacement Kramer. 

11pm: Germany manager Joachim Loew calmly pops in a losenge ahead of his side's kick-off. AND THEY'RE OFF!

10.55pm: National anthems currently being belted out.

10.54pm: Revised Germany starting line-up... Neuer; Lahm, Hummels, Boateng, Höwedes; Schweinsteiger, Kramer; Müller, Kroos, Özil; Klose.

10.51pm: Sami Khedira injured in warm-up and OUT of World Cup final. Christoph Kramer replaces him 

10.41pm: Someone by the name of Franz has been on from Germany with his match prediction...

10.35pm: But to cheer up all you Argentina fans, here's a reminder that you have this guy on the field:

10.32pm: A thought-provoking statistic from Twitter to back up the 'Germany are favourites' line:

 10.30pm: Fatima Suhail from Sharjah has been on to answer the above question:

"I would have abandoned all my plans, ditched my family and friends and begged everybody and anybody to be able to watch this World Cup final live.

"I could have done anything in my capacity to be able to get a ticket to this much-awaited match between Germany and Argentina. I am a great fan of Lionel Messi and to see him play would have been my biggest wish come true!"   

 10.23pm:    Here's Germany fan showing her confidence...

10.18pm: Kevin Keegan just said on bein Sports that there is more pressure playing for Scunthorpe United than in a World Cup final. Good one Kev...

10.16pm: And here's a better picture of Shakira on her way to stage earlier:

10.12pm: Here's a view from inside the Argentina dressing room as kick-off approaches...

9.58pm: Argentina team is in. Di Maria is out.

Romero, Zabaleta, Demichelis, Garay, Rojo, Pérez, Mascherano, Biglia, Lavezzi, Higuaín, Messi.

9.56pm: Germany team is in.

Neuer; Lahm, Hummels, Boateng, Höwedes; Schweinsteiger, Khedira; Müller, Kroos, Özil; Klose.

9.52pm: From the 7,653-capacity Sixfields Stadium to the 78,838-capacity Maracana. Quite a culture shock.

9.42pm: Shakira helps us temporarily forget our pre-post-World Cup blues.

9.34pm: Closing ceremony is bonkers.

9.11pm: Some news outlets are reporting that in-doubt Argentina winger Angel Di Maria might have been patched up for a surprising return to his side's starting line-up. There was talk of him trying an unproven form of stem cell treatment that might help his injury heal faster. That sounds ... safe ...

9.02pm: Even every gentleman's favourite celebrity chef is getting in on the World Cup tweeting ...

Okay, it's a shameless plug. But we went for it.

8.45pm: World Cup meme of the day is certainly .

In that theme, may we suggest #NeymarCriesAboutStuff, #ArgentinaCoachFallsOverThings and of course #SuarezEatsPeople.

8.29pm: Who said this? "The way things are now in Kolkata, I won't be surprised if the government employees get a holiday on Monday in the event of an Argentina victory." Find out here as World Cup fever grips the Indian city.

8.13pm: Meanwhile, if you're wondering how famous you have to be to be invited by Fifa to the World Cup final, here's the guest list:

8.09pm: Both Lionel Messi and Thomas Mueller go into tonight's clash with Golden Boot aspirations. Messi is on four so far, Mueller on five, with both behind James Rodriguez of Colombia, who has hit six, including that excellent effort against Uruguay.  

8.03pm: There's quite an atmosphere in central Rio as fans prepare for the final:

Click here to see more pictures.

7.49pm: Continuing our look at classic matches, here's Argentina vs Germany from the 2006 World Cup quarter-final:

7.27pm: Here's the current scene in the Maracana Stadium in Rio, currently being dressed up for the closing ceremony:

 
(Picture credit: AFP)

7.20pm: Luiz Felipe Scolari, the Brazil boss, says he won't quit despite the pressure on him to stand down from almost everyone in the country. Read his comments after last night's defeat to the Netherlands here.

7.16pm: We're all awaiting the fallout from Brazil's capitulation over the last five days, starting with the 7-1 loss to Germany and then the 3-0 defeat against the Netherlands last night. Perhaps it has begun with a Fred outburst: "I am finished with the Selecao," he is quoted as saying in the Brazilian press this morning. After some of his performances, he might find the Selecao are finished with him too...

6.55pm: For those of you who don't know, David Hasselhoff, aka Mitch from Baywatch and Michael Knight from KnightRider, is a massive celebrity in Germany. That goes some way to explaining this video from YouTube:

6.46pm: Martin has responded to the comment below. He clearly feels threatened by Shaheen's eye for a winner: "I was merely lulling the camel into a false sense of security during the group stages – I have a perfect predictions record in the knockouts! (Germany tonight in case you were wondering)"

6.38pm: Remember to let us know if you don't agree with Martin's picks at the email above. He is running about even with Shaheen the camel on his predictions...

6.37pm: Here is Martin Downer's World Cup XI in full (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Defenders: Daley Blind (Netherlands); Mats Hummels (Germany); Ron Vlaar (Netherlands); Pablo Zabaleta (Argentina).

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Argentina); Toni Kroos (Germany); James Rodriguez (Colombia)

Forwards: Arjen Robben (Netherlands); Lionel Messi (Argentina); Thomas Mueller (Germany)

Coach: Louis van Gaal (Netherlands)

Notable mentions: Ezeqiuel Garay (Argentina), Philipp Lahm (Germany), Sami Khedira (Germany), Neymar (Brazil), Karim Benzema (France)

Scroll down to read more about Martin's picks.

Coach: Louis van Gaal (Netherlands)

6.29pm: It's the Netherlands mastermind in the dugout for Team Downer: "Many critical eyes were always going to be on Van Gaal after it was announced before the tournament that he would be joining Manchester United – and he certainly hasn’t disappointed," says Martin. "The 62-year-old settled on a new 5-3-2 formation just the month before the World Cup, made some crucial tweaks against Mexico in the round of 16 and even sent on keeper Tim Krul as a penalty-saving specialist in the quarter-finals. Life certainly won’t be boring around Old Trafford next season."

And the final man in Martin Downer's World Cup team of the tournament is ...

Forward: Thomas Mueller (Germany)

6.26pm: We are seeing a legend in the making, according to the Gulf News deputy sports editor. Martin says "Mueller has really found the World Cup to his liking as, after winning the Golden Boot in South Africa four years ago, he only needs to net once in the final to win an unprecedented second top scorer award – and all before he turns 25."

Forward: Lionel Messi (Argentina)

6.21pm: The second man in Martin's front three is an easy, some might say obvious, choice. "He may not have been at his very best," says Martin, "but Messi has done more than enough to merit his place in this team. The Barcelona star scored four goals in the group stage and got a vital assist in the round of 16, but has been quiet since – maybe his time to really shine will be in Sunday’s final."

Forward: Arjen Robben (Netherlands)

6.20pm: Martin says: "No matter what you think of his theatrics, Robben is undoubtedly one of the most effective players in Brazil thanks to his lightning pace, tricky dribbling and –being very diplomatic – his ability to attract fouls. Has scored three goals and also won a couple of important penalties for his side."

Midfielder: James Rodriguez (Colombia)

6.18pm: It's the Colombia star next for Martin, who says: "Rodriguez was a joy to watch as he inspired Colombia to the quarter-final stage, even without their star striker Radamel Falcao. The diminutive playmaker scored six times – including my goal of the tournament – and set up two, proving himself as a player to watch on the world stage over the next decade."

Midfielder: Toni Kroos (Germany)

6.15pm: Martin's next midfield man is another German: "Kroos has shown up as a real class act at this tournament, justifying the faith Joachim Loew showed by keeping him in the middle and shunting Mesut Ozil out wide." says Martin. "He may not be a showman, but his two goals, four assists and countless accurate passes have made him a contender for the Golden Ball award for best player."

MIdfielder: Javier Mascherano (Argentina)

6.10pm: Another Argentine makes Martin's top team. "Defensive midfielders have generally gone missing during this World Cup," he says. "But Mascherano has undoubtedly hit the heights – even though he normally plays at the back for Barcelona – to ensure the Argentina defence has been relatively untroubled."

Defender: Pablo Zabaleta (Argentina)

6.08pm: Martin says: "The best right-back in the EPL is now the best right-back in the World Cup. A truly consistent performer in both defence and attack and showed his tough side when playing on after taking a nasty blow to the mouth in the semi-final against the Netherlands."

Defender: Ron Vlaar (Netherlands)

6.04pm: Martin's most controversial choice so far? Let him have it on the email above. Martin justifies his choice by saying: "Perhaps the most unlikely member of this team given his somewhat limited strengths and mixed performances for Aston Villa in the English Premier League. But the 6ft 3in centre-back has shown that old-school, no-nonsense defending is not dead – especially when the modern alternative is David Luiz’s pitiful performances for Brazil."

Defender: Mats Hummels (Germany)

5.59pm: Hummels is in the centre of defence for Martin's World Cup team. Martin says: "The rock on which Germany’s run to the final has been built, Hummels has shouldered responsibility well, despite seeing his original central defensive partner Per Mertesacker dropped mid-way through the tournament. Hummels has also contributed two goals, including the only goal of the game in the quarter-final win over France."

Defender: Daley Blind (Netherlands)

5.45pm: It's the Dutch defender at left-back for Martin. He says: "Blind has been a revelation on the left-hand side for the Netherlands in Brazil, raiding forward from his wing-back position to great effect while also playing his part in a defence that conceded just one goal in its final five matches."

Goalkeeper: Manuel Neuer (Germany)

5.33pm: Martin puts the Germany custodian between the sticks in his team of the tournament. He says: "There were many contenders for this position in the early rounds, with Tim Howard (USA), Keylor Navas (Costa Rica), Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico), Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria) and Rais M’Bolhi (Algeria) all kept busy enough to make their mark on the tournament. In the end, however, the consistency, presence and all-round skills of Neuer make him a certainty for the Golden Glove award."

5.18pm: Here is the definitive World Cup team of the tournament from our man Martin Downer. Let us know if you agree on the email address above and we'll publish your comments. Let's start at the back ...

4.52pm: Space is at a premium on Copacabana beach. Fans have been sleeping there overnight to save their spots to watch the final later:


AP

4.35pm: Shaheen has been the talk of Twitter, with social media geeks young and old letting us know their thoughts. Here's one of the youngest:

4.32pm: Of course, the talk of the World Cup has been our resident hump-backed football-predicting legend, Shaheen the Camel. Catch Shaheen's prediction for the final here.

4.26pm: Spare a thought for Brazilians, not just because they have been thrashed twice in two matches, but also because Argentina have reached the final. Imagine if the Cricket World Cup was held in India and Pakistan reached the final. Imagine if the Champions League final was at the Bernabeu and Barcelona reached the final.

In fairness to Brazil, authorities have gone ahead with their plan to light up the Christ the Redeemer statue in the colours of the finalists, but it must have been tough to look at:


AP 

4.01pm: The big match kicks off at 11pm here in the UAE and in the meantime, we have plenty of content to keep you busy. Here's a couple of classic matches to get you started:

The best moments of the 1986 World Cup final are here:

And 1990 is here:

3.45pm: Good afternoon everyone and welcome to our live coverage of the biggest game in football, the World Cup final. The Brazil 2014 vintage sees Argentina take on Germany in a classic battle of the two football mad continents of South America and Europe. We will be here to take you through to the midnight kick-off and beyond will all the breaking stories, team news and a look back over the tournament.

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The German players celebrate Image Credit: AP
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Image Credit: Gulf News
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Confident Germany fan Image Credit: Reuters
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Messi Image Credit: Messi
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Argentina and Germany fans cheer prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup final football match between Germany and Argentina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on July 13, 2014. AFP PHOTO / PEDRO UGARTE Image Credit: AFP
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Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Image Credit: AFP
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Fans sleep on Copacabana beach Image Credit: AP
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Argentina defender Pablo Zabaleta. Image Credit: AFP
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Christ the Redeemer Image Credit: AP
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Netherlands defender Daley Blind. Image Credit: Reuters
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Netherlands defender Ron Vlaar. Image Credit: AFP
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Germany's Toni Kroos. Image Credit: Reuters
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Argentina vs Germany Image Credit: AP
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