Brazil hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup, which drew interest from all around the world. There were many memorable events during the tournament, but none more so than Germany's victory over Argentina in the championship match. With Lionel Messi, one of the finest players in the world, Argentina met Germany in the championship game. Both teams had opportunities to score during the closely contested game, but they came up empty-handed. The game appeared to be headed for overtime when Mario Götze's amazing strike gave Germany the lead in the 113th minute. Argentina had several opportunities to tie the score, but Germany held on to win their fourth World Cup.
Germany's group spirit and teamwork contributed to their triumph in the competition. Despite having a number of players of the highest caliber, their ability to operate as a team and use strategy put them apart from the competition. Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who excelled throughout the competition and earned the Golden Glove award for best goalkeeper, was one of the important players in their campaign. Thomas Müller also performed admirably, scoring five goals and taking home the Silver Boot for the tournament's second-highest scorer. With four assists and two goals, Toni Kroos had another outstanding performance. But, Götze emerged as the game's hero by scoring the decisive goal and guaranteeing Germany's place in history.
Here we take a look at the players of the winning team and where are they now:
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth | Where is he now? |
1 | GK | Manuel Neuer | 27 March 1986 | Plays for Bayern Munich |
2 | DF | Kevin Großkreutz | 19 July 1988 | Plays for SV Wacker Obercastrop in amateur league |
3 | DF | Matthias Ginter | 19 January 1994 | Plays for SC Freiburg |
4 | DF | Benedikt Höwedes | 29 February 1988 | Assistant coach of Germany |
5 | DF | Mats Hummels | 16 December 1988 | Retired in 2025 |
6 | MF | Sami Khedira | 4 April 1987 | Retired in 2021. |
7 | MF | Bastian Schweinsteiger | 1 August 1984 | Retired in 2019 |
8 | MF | Mesut Özil | 15 October 1988 | Retired in 2023 |
9 | FW | André Schürrle | 6 November 1990 | Retired in 2020 |
10 | FW | Lukas Podolski | 4 June 1985 | Plays for Polish club Górnik Zabrze |
11 | FW | Miroslav Klose | 9 June 1978 | Current coach of FC Nürnberg |
12 | GK | Ron-Robert Zieler | 12 February 1989 | Play for FC Cologne |
13 | FW | Thomas Müller | 13 September 1989 | Plays for Bayern Munich |
14 | MF | Julian Draxler | 20 September 1993 | Plays for Al Ahil SC |
15 | DF | Erik Durm | 12 May 1992 | Retired in 2024 |
16 | DF | Philipp Lahm (c) | 11 November 1983 | Retired in 2017 |
17 | DF | Per Mertesacker | 29 September 1984 | Manager of Arsenal academy |
18 | MF | Toni Kroos | 4 January 1990 | Retired in 2024 |
19 | MF | Mario Götze | 3 June 1992 | Plays for Eintracht Frankfurt |
20 | DF | Jérôme Boateng | 3 September 1988 | Plays for LASK |
21 | DF | Shkodran Mustafi | 17 April 1992 | Retired in 2023 |
22 | GK | Roman Weidenfeller | 6 August 1980 | Retired in 2018 |
23 | MF | Christoph Kramer | 19 February 1991 | Currently Free Agent |
