World Cup Final 2014: Germany Player Ratings

Date: 14th July 2014 at 9:00am
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Germany were crowned World Cup champions at the Estadio Maracana in Rio de Janeiro on 13 June courtesy of a quality goal from Bayern Munich man Mario Gotze in the second period of extra time.

Die Mannschaft’s 1-0 triumph in a cagey affair made Joachim Loew’s men the first ever European nation to become champions in South America.

Here we take a look at how the Germans fared on football’s biggest stage.

Did we get the ratings right? Have your say in the comments section below.

Manuel Neuer: 7 – Characteristic

Didn’t have second thoughts while rushing out of his comfort zone. Although he wasn’t troubled much by Messi and co., he exuded confidence and enthusiasm whilst commanding the area exceptionally well.

Phillip Lahm: 7.5 – Responsible  

Often cut inside to make important contributions in attack. Defensively astute – made it very hard for La Albiceleste to penetrate down the left. Ended the game with the best passing stats on the pitch.

Jerome Boateng: 8.5 – Dominant

Put in a man-of-the-match performance, including a crucial goalline clearance to keep Argentina off the score sheet. Looked solid alongside Mats Hummels and gave very little away.

Mats Hummels 7 – Composed  

Grew stronger after struggling to keep up with Messi in the opening exchanges. Appeared cool and confident in possession and made some excellent tackles to keep the Argentine attack away from the German penalty area.

Benedikt Howedes: 5.5 – Shaky

Struck the post with a thunderous header in the dying embers of the first half. Defensively though he had a tough time against Messi and Lavezzi. Also escaped a red card following a horrendous first-half tackle on Zabaleta.

Cristoph Kramer: 5 – Anonymous   

Deputising for Khedira, he seemed like a pedestrian until he was substituted after half an hour following a head-on collision with Ezequiel Garay.

Toni Kroos: 7 – Lucky

Almost put his side in trouble early on with a backward header cushioned into Higuain’s path. Had a few long shots fizz past the post and fared fairly well in possession.

Bastian Schweinsteiger: 7.5 – Resilient

Picked up the pieces and facilitated a good number of attacks. Controlled the midfield well and helped out in defence too, ensuring that there were no spaces for Sabella’s men to exploit.

Thomas Muller: 6 – Industrious

Good passing and a commendable work-rate; combined well with his skipper down the right side and enjoyed some good touches, but life was made difficult for him by the Argentine defence who seemed to have him figured out.

Mesut Ozil: 7 – Creative  

Did well to bring other players into the game. Didn’t have as imposing a presence as he might have liked, but managed to create a few good openings nonetheless, setting up Kroos on at least two occasions.

Miroslav Klose: 5.5 – Ineffective  

Couldn’t sniff out a chance at goal and was kept in the Argentine defenders’ back pocket for majority of the match. Lacked pace and creativity, but in his defence, he didn’t receive great service either.

Andre Schurrle: 8 – Threatening

Looked sharp after coming on for Kramer past the half-hour mark. Was a tricky customer and influential in many attacks while contributing significantly to the all-important goal.

Mario Goeze: 8.5 – Winner

Replaced Klose to significant effect as he controlled a cross from Schurrle on his chest and buried it past Romero to bring unfathomable joy to his country.

Joachim Low: 8.5 – Bold

Dealt a crucial blow as Khedira had to withdraw from the starting XI before the match. To his dismay, even deputy Kramer had to be substituted within 30 minutes. Brought on Schurrle and deployed an offensive approach without fearing the occasion. The fact that both his substitutes combined to win the World Cup is probably the best way to describe Low’s outing.

 

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