World Cup 2014: Germany beats Argentina 1-0 in Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana stadium

Germany’s soccer team were crowned world champions for the fourth time as Mario Gotze’s extra-time winner beat Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil.

Substitute Mario Gotze controlled Andre Schurrle’s cross with his chest before volleying in with seven minutes left.

Both sides wasted chances in normal time, Argentina’s Gonzalo Higuain and Lionel Messi both dragging wide.

Germany’s soccer team were crowned world champions for the fourth time at World Cup 2014 (photo AP)

Benedikt Howedes hit the Argentine post with a header late in the first half, but Mario Gotze sparked German celebrations.

Mario Gotze became the first substitute to score the winner in a World Cup final.

More than 250,000 German fans are estimated to have watched their country’s win at Berlin’s famous Brandenburg Gate.

More than 25,000 police, soldiers and firefighters ensured there was tight security around the Maracana stadium ahead of kick-off. Brazilian authorities said it was Rio de Janeiro’s largest ever security operation.

Thousands of supporters packed on to Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana beach to watch the match on big screens.

Shakira, who is the partner of Barcelona and Spain defender Gerard Pique, performed some of her most recognizable hits at the World Cup 2014 closing ceremony ahead of final kick-off.

The World Cup 2014 final was also watched by Russian President Vladimir Putin and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.