Germany coach Joachim Low told Mario Gotze to show the world he was better than Lionel Messi, minutes before he scored the goal that won the World Cup.<\/p>\n
Bayern Munich forward Gotze, 22, came off the bench to volley home in extra time as Germany beat Argentina 1-0 to win the World Cup for the fourth time, 24 years after their previous triumph.<\/p>\n
Low said he told Gotze at half-time in extra time: “Show them that you are better and can decide the World Cup,” adding that “Gotze is the miracle boy.”<\/p>\n
Gotze began the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Germany’s starting line-up but only started three of their seven matches, and came on as an 88th-minute substitute for Miroslav Klose in Sunday’s final.<\/p>\n
His goal came with seven minutes of extra time remaining, volleying home after taking Andre Schurrle’s cross on his chest.<\/p>\n
Low said: “He is the wonder who can play in numerous positions, he is the decider who can come on and make a difference and that is what he did.<\/p>\n
“We are proud to become the first European country to win the title in South America. In Brazil, in Rio, in this football-loving country.”<\/p>\n
Gotze, who joined Bayern from Borussia Dortmund for \u00a331.5m last summer, said: “It is an unbelievable feeling, you just score that goal and you just don’t really know what’s happening.<\/p>\n
“It’s indescribable, you are having a party with the team, with the country, the dream has become a reality. It is absolutely sensational.”<\/p>\n
Despite being on the losing side in the final, Messi was named as the tournament’s best player and coach Alejandro Sabella said the award was “very deserved”, adding: “He played a great World Cup to get us where he did.”<\/p>\n
Germany counterpart Low, meanwhile, said victory in Brazil was the result of a 10-year project.<\/p>\n
Germany were knocked out at the group stage of Euro 2004 without winning a game, but have since reached three semi-finals and two finals at five major championships.<\/p>\n
They had not won a tournament since Euro 96 in England.<\/p>\n
Low said: “We started this project 10 years ago and what has happened is the result of many years’ work.<\/p>\n
“We’ve made constant progress and believed in the project. We worked a lot and, if any group deserves it, it’s this team.” <\/p>\n
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