The Journey For Germany: How Did They Become Champions?
We look back at Germany's journey throughout this World Cup.
By Darian Goh — 14 Jul 2014, 01:26 PM — Updated about 10 years ago
Germany was one of the pre-tournament favourites this World Cup with a host of young and rising stars blended with slightly older and more experienced players
They were coached by Joachim Loew, a former player who has been in charge of the German team for six years
Even so, they still had to navigate through a tricky group dubbed the "Group of Death". In it were Portugal, Ghana and the United States.
In the first group stage game against Portugal on 17 June 2014, Germany surprisingly breezed through, scoring four goals that battered Cristiano Ronaldo and his team
Confidence was now growing. They faced Ghana on 22 June 2014. Ghana was no pushover team as Germany drew with them 2-2. It was a wake up call for the Germans to step up a gear.
Germany still needed to finish the job against the United States five days later to progress to the knockout stages. Despite the spirited display by the Americans, Germany managed to beat them 1-0.
The win ensured that Germany topped the group, and now faced surprise package Algeria on 1 July 2014 in the knockout stages. Once again, Germany had to dig deep to overcome the Algerians 2-1.
The German machinery is starting to gel together smoothly and now face European dark horses France four days later, who breezed through the group stages. A goal by defender Mat Hummels was enough to put the Germans through the next round. France 0, Germany 1.
The semi-finals: This was the game that is probably one of, if not the game that changed everything. The match against Brazil on 9 July 2014 was supposed to be tense, close and well fought but turned out to be a walk in the park for the Germans, who put 7 goals past the hapless Brazilians.
The finals: This was the moment for Germany, who has not won the World Cup in 24 long years. Like many cup finals, the game was full of drama and excitement with plenty of chances and ultimately, all it took was a goal in extra time.
