RIO DE JANEIRO — Mario Goetze displayed all his considerable talent in scoring the goal that ensured Germany became the first European team to win the World Cup title in South America.
Goetze came off the bench and netted the winner in the 113th minute of the final against Argentina with a perfectly taken volley.
Andre Schuerrle, another substitute, broke away down the left flank and sent a cross into the penalty area. Goetze controlled the ball with his chest perfectly and then fired a left-foot volley from an acute angle inside the far post.
Goetze began the tournament in Germany's starting lineup but was relegated to the bench when coach Joachim Loew decided to use his only true striker Miroslav Klose. Klose started Sunday before being replaced by Goetze.