FIFA World Cup 2014 Final Highlights: Gotze Shines as Germany Edge Argentina to Notch Top Prize [Photos and Video]

Germany emerged victorious in the finals of the 2014 World Cup after edging Argentina 1-0 at the Estadio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro.

Mario Gotze grabbed the winner for Germany in the second half of extra time, after neither side could break the deadlock in the first 90 minutes.

The game started with Argentina getting an opportunity through Gonzalo Higuain, but the striker's effort was wide of the target.

The Napoli striker got an even better chance in the 21st minute, after he was literally gifted the ball by Toni Kroos. However, despite having a lot of space as well as time to slot the ball past Manuel Neuer, he dragged his effort wide off the target.

At the half-hour mark, Argentina finally found the nets through Higuain. However, before the striker's celebrations were cut short as the goal was ruled out as offside.

With 13 minutes remaining in the first half, Andre Schurrle, who came in as a substitute for the injured Christoph Kramer, nearly made an immediate impact as he forced a save from Sergio Romero after combining well with Muller.

Moments later, at the other hand, a good run from Messi nearly resulted in Argentina breaking the deadlock, but Jerome Boateng made a crucial save to deny the Barcelona striker.

Germany nearly forced a breakthrough in the injury time of the first half, when Benedikt Höwedes managed to make some good contact with a Kroos cross. But the defender was denied by the post, before Muller was flagged offside as he tried to sweep in the rebound.

The second half started with Messi getting a very good opportunity to put his side in the lead when he was through on goal with only Neuer left to beat. However, the star forward somehow missed it.

Just before the hour mark, Lahm charged from the right flank before sending the ball into the box. Miroslav Klose managed to connect with the ball, but his header, which lacked power, was easily saved by Romero.

As the match neared the end of normal time, Messi kicked off the target, before Kroos' shot missed the post by inches.

Gotze got a final opportunity in the dying minutes of normal time, but the was midfielder's effort went straight down Romero's throat.

Extra time started with Andre Schurrle getting a very good opportunity to put his side in the lead, but his effort was saved by Romero.

Six minutes later, at the other, Marcos Rojo's excellent delivery found Rodrigo Palacio in a very good position, but the striker's lofted effort was in vain.

Finally, Germany grabbed the winner in the 113th minute of extra time through Gotze, who after receiving a cross from Schurrle, controlled the ball with his chested before firing an excellent volley past Romero.

Catch the full highlights of the match here, and also check out these photos capturing the best moments of the game: