Argentina 0 (4), Holland 0 (2); Germany 1, Argentina 0
The Dutch and the Argentinians were very tidy — so tidy, the ball hardly went near to either goal. But see how bright their colors were.
The final was spectacular: I don’t recall a better one. (I’m too young to remember the final of 1986.) The Argentinians were much less tentative than against the Dutch. Their goal chances were dangerous and well-crafted — better than the Germans’ — though the Germans held the ball better.
In the end, attrition made the difference.
Mario Götze, a late substitute, drifted into empty space, unmarked by Martín Demichelis and the weary Ezequiel Garay (cf. Mourinho’s comments). A pass was floated in to Götze: he chest-trapped, volleyed, scored.
Mediocre earlier in the tournament, he finished as the hero.
In the end, attrition made the difference.
Mario Götze, a late substitute, drifted into empty space, unmarked by Martín Demichelis and the weary Ezequiel Garay (cf. Mourinho’s comments). A pass was floated in to Götze: he chest-trapped, volleyed, scored.
Mediocre earlier in the tournament, he finished as the hero.