The 2014 FIFA World Cup culminated last night in the much-anticipated final that was staged at the Estadio do Maracana in Rio de Janeiro. After a thrilling tournament the Germany football jerseys met those of the Argentina national soccer team to Argentina 2014 World Cup Home Shirtdecide which team would be crowned champions of the world!

Brazil was expected to put on a spectacle and they have not disappointed, even if the home fans are less than satisfied with their national teams performance, finishing up in 4th place. Many expected the final to be between the hosts and the team wearing the Argentina football shirt. Germany was always viewed as a strong competitor, but the fact that until last night no European team had ever won the FIFA World Cup on South American soil went against them.

Germany Football Jerseys


The Road to the Maracana

In comparison to Germany the Argentinean soccer squad had an easy group stage draw. Pitted against Iran, Nigeria and Bosnia and Herzegovina they won all 3 games to finish top of their group. The team did not play as strongly or convincingly as expected, with the efforts of star striker Lionel Messi often being thwarted by their opponents tactical play.

On the other hand, the Germany football jerseys were drawn into the Group of Death, alongside Portugal, USA and Ghana. Topping the group wasn't as straightforward as for Argentina, however a strong 4-0 win against Portugal put the Germans at a good advantage. A draw against Ghana, and narrow victory against USA was enough to secure their 1st place finish.

The 8 Last-16 knockout stage games were packed with excitement, goals and great soccer action. Germany met Algeria, and Argentina met Switzerland. Neither game was simple, with both Germany and Argentina requiring 30 minutes of added time to secure their quarterfinal spot.

The quarterfinals saw tough matches for both Argentina and Germany. Early goals in both games ensured tactical, watchable football that kept the fans on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. Germany faced a strong French team, while the Argentina football shirt was pitted against en equally strong Belgian squad.

The two semifinal games were opposite in extreme but both thrilling soccer matches that are likely to be talked about for many years to come. Germany faced the host nation, and favorite to win Brazil. Brazil hadn't been playing at their best, and without captain Thiago Silva and striker Neymar they literally crumbled under pressure. Germany netted 7 goals in an 8-goal extravaganza that ensured a place for Germany in the final.

Argentina faced last year's runner-up the Netherlands. The match was more sedate and tactical resulting in a goalless draw after 120 minutes, resulting in a dreaded penalty shoot-out to decide which team would face Germany. Holland's quarterfinal tie had also resulted in penalties, and their substitute goalkeeper saved the day. However, this time no substitute was available. Argentina won 4-2 on penalties securing their trip to the Maracana.

2014 FIFA World Cup Final

Prior to kickoff of the entire tournament Brazil was favorite to win, with Argentina and Germany in 2nd and 3rd positions respectively. However, going into the final Germany was firm favorite. The team wearing the Germany football jerseys had played better, stronger soccer than anything Argentina had produced, even with the infamous Lionel Messi on the roster. Add to that, that the Germans had an extra day of rest, and had traveled much less throughout the past 4 weeks Germany was in a strong position.

Even so, both sides had obviously done their homework and prepared hard for the final match-up. Both teams had a strong desire to win, not withstanding the glory and the honor of adding more stars to their respective football shirts Germany was fighting for the opportunity of a European team winning in South America, and Argentina was fighting to steal the glory of their neighbor and host nation Brazil.

Germany led the way throughout the 120 minutes, retaining the majority of the possession. The number 10 Argentina football shirt of Lionel Messi was stifled by the German defense for the majority of the game. Germany had 8 shots on goal in 120 minutes, 5 on target. Shockingly, Argentina had 9 shots not a single one on target. Disappointingly, Higuain and Messi both missed excellent chances for Argentina. However, it was 22 year old German substitute Gotze that eventually found the net in the 113th minute of gameplay.

Gotze's goal was a cool, calm and confident shot into the bottom of the net with his left-foot. Prior to the game the German manager Joachim Low had praised Mario Gotze, and rated him as one of the upcoming stars that would be lighting up the German national soccer team for many years to come. It seems that Germany are champions of the soccer world, and they have a strong confident band of youngsters that may see the German domination last into the UEFA European Championship 2016, and the next installment of the FIFA World Cup in 2018.

The Germany football jerseys for the 2014 FIFA World Cup just became valuable collector items. These shirts will also be used for the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign. Extremely limited stocks are still available at Soccer Box, get online now and order all your Germany soccer shirts, accessories and merchandise.