Germany on top of the world

Germany are crowned world champions for the fourth time thanks to a stunning extra-time winner from super-sub Mario Götze.

Argentina were preparing for a penalty shoot-out in the Maracana, but in the 113th minute Götze chested down Andre Schurrle’s cross and volleyed home to secure a famous victory for the Germans.

Coach Joachim Low is the first man to lead a European team to World Cup glory in South America.

Mario Götze celebrates his World Cup winning goal.

Germany celebrate after the final whistle.

Lionel Messi was named player of the tournament and received the Golden Ball but it wasn’t enough for Argentina.

Overwhelming emotion sees midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger break down in tears.

Moments later he embraces Argentina’s Lionel Messi in a consoling embrace.

Then Schweinsteiger takes the famous golden trophy for a run across the Maracana turf.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel embraces German goalkeeper Manuel Neuer who won the Golden Glove award for keeper of the tournament.

So if you’re German, enjoy the party!

For the rest of you, before the World Cup comedown kicks in – here are some of the memorable moments from the last four weeks in Brazil:

Ron Vlaar penalty: was it nearly a goal?

Brazil battered by Germany: the best internet memes

Private Ryan and the dinosaurs: what could Tim Howard save?

‘Troubled’ Suarez – what makes a star player go rogue?

England v Costa Rica: why we went out with a whimper