1-0 as Germany score with just eight minutes of extra time to go as they finally break deadlock with Argentina in World Cup final (but what will the Argentinian-backing Beckhams have to say?)

Germany's Mario Gotze scored with a brilliant finish to put his team ahead in the dying minutes of the World Cup final against Argentina tonight.
The Bayern Munich star coolly slotted home to score in the 113th minute, after his team had been battled long into extra time in their bid to take home the famous trophy for the fourth time - the first time as a unified nation.
Despite Germany having gone into the game on the back of a 7-1 humiliation of Brazil, it was Argentina who had the better chances in the first half - with Gonzalo Higuain breaching goalkeeper Manuel Neuer's net, only for the goal to be ruled offside.

Wunderbar: Germany's Mario Gotze scored with a brilliant finish to put his team ahead in the dying minutes of the World Cup final against Argentina tonight

Goal! Mario Gotze of Germany scores his team's first goal past Sergio Romero of Argentina in extra time

Celebrations: Gotze celebrates scoring his team's first goal with Thomas Mueller in the dying minutes of the World Cup final

World cup winner: Gotze looks to the heavens after scoring his goal, deep into extra time

Fans: Football fans across the globe were tonight enjoying the culmination of what has been dubbed 'the best World Cup ever' with Germany taking on Argentina in the glittering final in Rio de Janeiro

Main man Messi: In captain Lionel Messi Argentina boast one of the world's greatest current players who can turn a big game in a flash and would dearly love to bring home the World Cup for the first time since 1986

Family outing: David Beckham and his three sons Brooklyn, Cruz and Romeo were all in attendance - with the boys all wearing Argentina kits

Stars of the game: Former Brazilian internationals Kaka and Pele with Beckham before the game

Warm welcome: Brazilian soccer legend Pele (left) greets former English star David Beckham as the two take their seats for the game

And while Germany looked strong as the full-time whistle approached inside the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro, they found the Argentine defence far less porous than that of Brazil on Tuesday, and struggled to make a break through on goal in normal time.
Both teams had a chance to score in the first half of extra time, with Germany's Andre Schurrle and Argentina's Rodrigo Palacio both spurning chances to put their sides ahead.
Thousands had crammed into the world-famous stadium with millions more tuning in around the globe and fan parks packed on Copacabana beach, Berlin and Buenos Aires.
And a host of famous fans were in the stadium for the final game, including singer Rihanna, football legend Pele and supermodel Gisele.

Former England star David Beckham was also in the crowd with his sons Brooklyn, Romeo and Cruz showing their support for Argentina, by wearing the country's famous blue and white strip, despite the fact their their father's most infamous moment on the football pitch came against the Argentines during France 1998, when he recieved a red card for kicking out at Diego Simeone.
Sir Mick Jagger, who earlier in the tournament faced a barrage of online criticism and dubbed a 'jinx' for his backing of losing teams, did not appear to favour either side in the final, instead wearing an England baseball cap, which he paired with a smart suit jacket and purple shirt.

Backing their team: The Argentina fans crammed into the stadium loudly cheered on the team

Packed: The game had been a sell out, and millions around the world more were watching the match unfold on television

German chancellor Angela Merkel was no doubt cheering on her country, as she sat a few seats from Russian President Vladimir Putin - whose country will host the next World Cup in 2018.
Expectations for tonight's final match were running high following Germany's ruthlessly efficient dismantling of hosts Brazil in the semi final, while Argentina required penalties to make it past the Netherlands on their route to Rio.
As the game got underway, Germany found it more difficult to breach the Argentine net, while at the other end of the pitch Gonzalo Higuain's goal was ruled offside.

Vow: German supporters hold up a banner aimed at Brazilian fans, which read 'We won't let Argentina win in your home!'

Viewers: A 79,000 sellout crowd watched the game from inside the ground, while up to a billion more were expected to tune in on television, potentially making it the most-watched sporting event ever

Journey: In a mortifying twist for Brazilians whose rivalry with their South American neighbours runs deep, authorities expected a total of 100,000 Argentines to flood into the city of their bitter footballing rivals

Supporters: With their faces painted in a show of support for their home country, these German fans enjoy the match build up inside the Maracana

Backing their teams: A German supporter holds up a poster predicting a fourth World Cup win for his country, while this Argentine fan soaks up the atmosphere

Football on the brain: Two German fans cheer their team on inside the stadium

Nerves: A German fan reacts as he watches the game at an outdoor screening near the Brandenburg Gate

Desperation: An Argentina supporter clutches her flag tightly as she watches the match at an Argentinian restaurant in Toronto, Canada

Home and away: German fans hope their team can break down the Argentine defence as they watch the game in Melbourne, Australia

The agony: German fans are tense as they watch the game at a pizzeria in Buenos Aires, Argentina

Enjoying the atmosphere: Argentina fans cheer for their team inside the Maracana

The Germans are looking to become the first European nation to win the title on South American soil and the Argentines desperate to lift a third World Cup trophy and their first since 1986.
And while Germany went into the match as favourites, in captain Lionel Messi Argentina boast one of the world's greatest current players who can turn a big game in a flash and would dearly love to bring home the World Cup for the first time since 1986 when the team was captained by the great Diego Maradona.
A 79,000 sellout crowd watched the game from inside the ground, while up to a billion more were expected to tune in on television, potentially making it the most-watched sporting event ever.

Unlucky: Gonzalo Higuain of Argentina puts the ball past German 'keeper Manuel Neuer, only for it to be ruled offside

False dawn: Higuain celebrates with teammate Marcos Rojo before learning his goal had been disallowed

On the pitch: Germany's Thomas Mueller is challenged by Argentina's Marcos Rojo and Ezequiel Garay during tonight's final

Battle: Argentina's Gonzalo Higuain fights for the ball with Germany's Christoph Kramer and Jerome Boateng

Punished: Germany's Benedikt Hoewedes gets a yellow card from Italian referee Nicola Rizzoli

According to FIFA, 909.6 million people watched at least one minute of the 2010 World Cup final in South Africa, while 900 million people watched the London 2012 Olympics opening ceremony.
Prior to tonight's kick off fans in the stadium were treated to a glittering closing ceremony involving around 1,000 people - including 400 samba dancers and musicians, pop star Shakira and supermodel Gisele.
The Columbian singer joined forces to perform Dare with Carlinhos Brown, while Brazilian singer Alexandre Pires, Carlos Santana and Wyclef Jean will provide a rendition of the World Cup official anthem, We Will Find A Way.
And Gisele, one of Brazil's most famous exports, escorted the famous trophy, encased in a specially-designed Louis Vuitton trunk, into the stadium with 2010's winning captain, former Spain star Carles Puyol.

Football fan: Singer Rihanna was in full voice as she cheered in the VIP seats of the Maracana

Cheering them on: Rihanna had said before the match that she would be supporting Germany, but she had drawn a Brazilian flag on her neck

All smiles: Sir Mick Jagger sported an England cap as he watched the match, after he was criticised for backing losing teams during the tournament

Suited up: Sir Mick, who paired his England cap with a suit jacket and smart shirt, poses for a picture with a fan in the stands

High hopes: Despite Germany having gone into the game on the back of a 7-1 humiliation of Brazil, it was Argentina who had the better chances in the first half

Hoping and praying: A Germany fan looks to the heavens as he watches his team struggle to break down Argentina

Determined: An Argentina soccer fans kisses a replica of the World Cup trophy as he watches the game on a giant screen set up in Buenos Aires

Large crowds of supporters had gathered around the stadium from the early morning, despite the match not kicking off until 8pm BST, flooding the streets around the Maracana with a sea of blue and white, black, red and yellow.
From traditional Bavarian Lederhosen and East Germany vintage tops of the 1970s to giant Argentine flags and those of every South American nation, fans were getting ready for the biggest single event in world sports.
'This is our time. This is our continent and our victory tonight here in Brazil,' said Juan Alvarez, 24, who drove three days from the Argentine capital Buenos Aires with a group of friend, as he showed his ticket for the game.
'Winning it here in Brazil would make it even better,' he said.
Police, military and other security personnel numbering tens of thousands mingled with arriving fans as the host nation looked to safely round off a tournament which has been largely successful despite initial fears regarding security, transport and construction.
In a mortifying twist for Brazilians whose rivalry with their South American neighbours runs deep, authorities expected a total of 100,000 Argentines to flood into the city of their bitter footballing rivals with Germany fans easily outnumbered.
Some had paid $10,000 for an airline and hotel package, while others drove the 2,000 kilometres from Buenos Aires.

Travelling in style: Former Spanish international Carles Puyol (right) and model Gisele Bundchen (left) walk in the tunnel to present the World Cup in a special Louis Vuitton travel case

Getting verything in place: Puyol and Gisele present the famous World Cup trophy prior to the match

Bringing glamour to the proceedings: Columbian singer Shakira wowed fans as she joined forces with Carlinhos Brown (left)

Daring: The singers performed their song Dare, accompanied by a host of samba dancers and musicians

Repeat performance: This is the third World Cup in which Shakira has performed. She met her partner, Spain's Gerard Pique, during the 2010 tournament in South Africa

Song and dance: Carlinhos Brown wore a distinctive black and white headdress as he performed with Shakira

Star: The blonde singer and mother-of-one wowed fans in her eye-catching red sequinned outfit

Putting on a show: Keepy uppy experts in Germany and Argentina kits show off their skills as Shakira performs

Celebration of football: Artists perform before the FIFA World Cup 2014 final between Germany and Argentina at the Estadio do Maracana

Group effort: Musicians Carlos Santana, Wyclef Jean, singers Shakira, Alexandre Pires, Ivete Sangalo and Carlinhos Brown perform during the closing ceremony

Motherly love: Singer Shakira and her son Milan, whose father is Spain and Barcelona defender Gerard Pique

Argentine flags, tents and cars were dotted all around the famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches in Rio. Many climbed up to the Christ statue, draping blue-and-white colours at the bottom.
More Argentine planes were landing in the morning at Rio's international airport carrying neighbouring fans into the city for the showcase final and a repeat of the 1986 and 1990 World Cup finals.
Despite a disappointing fourth-place finish, Brazil fans, living around the stadium in Rio's Maracana neighbourhood that also hosted the 1950 World Cup decider in which the hosts lost to Uruguay, had unfurled their green, yellow and blue flags on the balconies.

Carnival: A dancer dons this crystal head dress to perform in the closing ceremony

Celebration: Decked out in Germany colours, this dancer has all eyes on her as she performs before the kick off

Culmination: Dancers perform during in front of a German flag before the start of the World Cup final

Entertainment: A dancer parades with a US flag. The US team won over fans during the tournament with their teamwork and gutsy performances

Chanting 'Brazil, Brazil' to the Argentines below, these Rio citizens were eager to add a touch of South American rivalry even if their team was left out of the biggest party of the tournament, with the World Cup drawing to a close after an action-packed month.
Brazilian fans had largely thrown their lot in with Germany, hoping they could stop an Argentine win that would give them bragging rights for years. Some locals, with tickets to a game where they had dreamed of seeing Brazil lift a sixth World Cup, instead donned Germany colours for the occasion.
'We have forgiven Germany what they did to us. In fact, we admire them because they played the Brazil way,' said Rio resident Bruno Perreira, outside the 74,738-capacity Maracana wearing a Germany replica top and joking with Argentina fans.

Famous faces: Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen and her husband NFL star Tom Brady arrive at the stadium

Showing the love: Her home country may have gone out in the semi finals, but Gisele still appeared to be enjoying herself as she made a heart gesture in the stadium

Guests of honour: FIFA Secretary General Jerome Valcke, Vanessa Lorenzo, NFL athlete Tom Brady, model Gisele Bundchen and former Spanish international Carles Puyol (left to right) pose for a photograph before the game

Unlikely pundit: Singer Rihanna, pictured in the stadium tonight, has been a prolific tweeter during the tournament, giving her opinion on many of the teams taking part

Pre-match diplomacy: FIFA President Sep Blatter talks to German Chancellor Angela Merkel and German President Joachim Gauck final

Faces in the crowd: Russia's President Vladimir Putin, left, FIFA President Sepp Blatter, center, and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, watch the opening ceremony

Mixed allegiances: A fan of Germany poses with fans of Argentina as they wait for the start of their 2014 World Cup final

The game marked the third time Germany and Argentina have met in a World Cup final. Argentina won 3-2 in a 1986 thriller in Mexico City, while Germany won 1-0 four years later in Rome.
And the history does not stop there: Germany have kicked Argentina out of the last two World Cups in the quarter-finals, humiliatingly so by a 4-0 scoreline in 2010 when they cruelly exposed then coach Maradona's tactical naivety.
After an exciting tournament where attack has prevailed and goals have been flowing, many thought that the final was likely to be a more cagey affair with Germany employing numbers to annul Messi, and Argentina wary of leaving the sorts of spaces that Brazil did.

Fans united: With just hours until kick off, these Germany and Argentina fans put their sporting rivalries aside as they enjoyed the build up to the World Cup final outside the Maracana stadium in Rio de Janeiro

Show of support: Football fans gather to watch the final World Cup match between Argentina and Germany on a giant screen on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro

Packed out: Thousands of fans, most of them Argentine cram into the Copacabana fan park

Ready for kick off: Both Germany and Argentina fans seemed in good spirits as they arrived at the Maracana this afternoon

Flying the flag: German fans chant slogans as they arrive at Copacabana beach ahead of the Argentina game

With the band: Drum playing Argentine fans make their presence known on Copacabana beach

Rivalry: This laughing Argentina fan pokes fun at arch rivals Brazil's World Cup collapse by covering his sleeping friend in a Brazilian flag on Copacabana beach

Fun in the sun: Argentine fans take advantage of the warm weather to catch some rays on Copacabana beach as they prepared to cheer on their heroes in tonight's final

Party atmosphere: The sea of fans around the stadium had spread to Copacabana with Argentine fans excitedly preparing for the fina

On the road to glory: The Argentines desperate to lift a third World Cup trophy and their first since 1986

Both goalkeepers, Manuel Neuer of Germany and Sergio Romero of Argentina, went into the game in the form of their lives, while Messi, on four goals, and Thomas Mueller, on five, were both chasing the "Golden Boot" award for the leading scorer.
Colombia's James Rodriguez is ahead at the moment on six goals. All three are also among the 10 players short-listed for FIFA's 'Golden Ball' award to the tournament's best player.
The prizes are to be announced after Sunday's final.

Bunny girls: German fans enjoy the sunshine as they prepare to watch the game in Berlin tonight

Home supporters: German fans donned yellow, red and black wigs with their replica shirts as they arrived for a big screen viewing at the Brandenburg Gate

Die Mannschaft: German fans are hoping to see their team lift the trophy for the first time since 1990

Singing in the rain: Fans in Berlin braved the rain to secure a good spot at the city's fan park

Ready for kick off: These German fans at the Brandenburg gate will be hoping to see a great performance from stars like Mesut Ozil and Toni Kroos

Back home: These German fans were gearing up for their team's World Cup final match against Argentina at the Brandenburg Gate fan park area in Berlin

VLADIMIR PUTIN MEETS WORLD LEADERS AS RUSSIA GETS READY TO HOST THE NEXT WORLD CUP IN 2018

Russian President Vladimir Putin met with the leaders of both Germany and Argentina ahead of tonight's World Cup final, as Russia prepares to host the next tournament in 2018.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with Putin briefly on Sunday before the final as the leaders called for a stepping-up of peace efforts in Ukraine, according to Putin's spokesman.
The pair have been in regular telephone contact over the Ukraine crisis, with Merkel urging Putin to use his influence with pro-Russian separatists to help bring about an end to fighting in the east of the former Soviet republic in which hundreds of people have been killed.

Meeting: German Chancellor Angela Merkel met with Putin briefly on Sunday before tonight's World Cup final as the leaders called for a stepping-up of peace efforts in Ukraine

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Merkel and the Kremlin leader agreed the situation 'has a tendency towards degradation'.
"Both Putin and Merkel stressed the necessity to urgently resume the work of a contact group on Ukraine, possibly in the format of a video conference. It is their common opinion that, in order for the contact group to resume its work, a ceasefire needs to be declared as soon as possible," Peskov said.
A separate statement released by Merkel's office said effective controls along Russia's border with Ukraine and an exchange of prisoners were key prerequisites for a ceasefire.

Agreement: Yesterday, Putin signed agreements on nuclear energy generation with Argentina's President Cristina Fernadez

Yesterday, Putin signed agreements on nuclear energy generation with Argentina, which has been building nuclear-powered electricity plants to revive its nuclear programme and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels amid an energy crunch.
Mr Putin and president Cristina Fernandez said the Russian atomic energy corporation, Rosatom, would be involved with the construction of units in Argentina's Atucha III nuclear power plant.
'These are very important agreements,' said Ms Fernandez, who had been out of the public eye for a week due to a throat infection.
'Argentina is a leader in Latin America in terms of nuclear energy generation," she said at a joint news conference at the presidential palace. "They reaffirm our bonds of friendship and strategic links.'

A goal-laden tournament has already produce 170 goals and could beat the all-time record of 171 set in France in 1998.
Brazil's agony at losing the semi-final so disastrously was compounded by another poor defensive display in Saturday's 3-0 defeat by the Netherlands in the third-place playoff match.
Having not lost a competitive home game since 1975, Brazil have now suffered two defeats in five days: a sad end to a tournament they entered with such confidence and high hopes.

Banging the drum: An Argentina soccer fan with a drum and coconut gathers with other fans on Copacabana beach ahead of the final World Cup match

On their way: Cheering Argentina supporters turn Copacabana beach into a sea of blue and white

Home and away: Young fans in Buenos Aires get ready for their country's big match

On a prayer: Argentine soccer fans Anna Baez (left) and Deborah Chanal sit with Santo Gauchito Gil as they hope he helps their team win the World Cup final

What's new, Buenos Aires: Argentine soccer fans show their spirit in Buenos Aires as the country prepares for the showdown against Germany

Giving his blessing: Fan Daniel Venezia dressed as the pope shows his spirit for the Argentine team

Divine intervention: Mr Venezia gives his prediction that Argentina will win the game 3-1

Showing his colours: Argentina soccer fan Miguel Perez poses for the portrait in his body paint in Samba Land, an area used as a campground by visiting World Cup fans in Rio de Janeiro

An Argentina win tonight would complete their misery.
Hundreds of Argentinian and German expats also gathered in London tonight to watch the match, with dozens of pubs, bars and restaurants around the capital packed with football fans.
Supporters clutching Argentinian flags gathered at Moo Cantina in Pimlico several hours before kick off to secure a prime position for the match.

Preparations: Workers prepare for the tonight's closing ceremony which will take place before kick off and will feature performances from Shakira

Safety measures: Police, military and other security personnel numbering tens of thousands mingled with arriving fans as the host nation looked to safely round off a tournament which has been largely successful despite initial fears regarding security, transport and construction

Sergio Schuchinsky, who owns the restaurant, said around 400 fans would be there tonight to watch the game. He predicted a 2-1 victory for Argentina.
'Messi will give 100%,' he said.
'He's the best player, but he hasn't shown it in this tournament. Tonight it's going to be like Maradona in 1986.

Hopeful: German fans outside the Maracana. Germany are set to play in their eighth World Cup final; more than any other nation. They have won three titles

Photo op: A female German supporter takes a selfie with her smartphone in front of a billboard in Rio de Janeiro

All together now: But will these two fans be as friendly come kick off?

Switched allegiance: Mexico fans hold up a placard in support of Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi

True colours: An Argentina fan has his face painted in Argentina's national colours before tonight's big match

He has to win. Everyone is waiting for that moment.'
Even Pope Francis was keeping an eye on the game from the Vatican.
The Argentine-born, football-loving pontiff pledged neutrality, promising not to pray for any team. However, Francis did tweet on the eve of the final: 'The World Cup allowed people from different countries and religions to come together.'

Neutral: Even Pope Francis was keeping an eye on the game from the Vatican. The Argentine-born, football-loving pontiff pledged neutrality, promising not to pray for any team