Germany's players celebrate after winning the final football match between Germany and Argentina for the FIFA World Cup at The Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

And here they are with the trophy, which captain Philipp Lahm holds aloft.

Germany's defender and captain Philipp Lahm (front-R) holds up the World Cup trophy as he celebrates with his teammates after winning the 2014 FIFA World Cup final football match on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

But tonight is all about the Germans, and these are the scenes in Berlin as the final whistle is sounded.

German fans react at the end of the FIFA World Cup 2014 final football match Germany vs Argentina played in Brazil during an outdoor screening near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Despair for Messi, who walks off the pitch having lost the biggest match of his career.

Lionel Messi of Argentina (R) looks dejected after a goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Germany win the World Cup! They've done it! Gotze's strike is enough to give Germany their first World Cup win in 24 years.

Mario Goetze of Germany (C) celebrates scoring his team's first goal in extra time with teammates Thomas Mueller, Andre Schuerrle and Toni Kroos on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

It was a superb finish by Gotze, who has punished Messi, Higuain and Palacio for some poor misses tonight.

Mario Goetze of Germany scores his team's first goal past Sergio Romero of Argentina in extra time during the 2014 FIFA World Cup inal on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Finally! The deadlock is broken with eight minutes of extra time remaining. Substitute Mario Gotze controls the ball and flicks it past Romero to surely win the World Cup for Germany.

Mario Goetze of Germany (L) celebrates scoring his team's first goal with Thomas Mueller during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

A bloodied-eyed Bastian Schweinsteiger leaves the field after a clash with Sergio Aguero, with the Argentinean probably lucky to remain on the field.

Germany's midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger (C) is escorted off the pitch by medics after clashing with Argentina's forward Sergio Aguero (unseen)during the final football match on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Rodrigo Palacio came closest during the opening period of extra time, however his looped effort over Neuer trickled wide.

Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (FRONT) prepares to make a save from Argentina's forward Rodrigo Palacio during the final football match o

It's been a gruelling 90 minutes for both sides, who go off to the sidelines to receive pep-talks from their bosses and a little treatment too, if necessary.

Germany's forward Andre Schuerrle (L) and Germany's defender and captain Philipp Lahm (C) speak with Germany's midfielder Mesut Ozil (bottom) as hereceives medical treatment on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Klose was replaced by Mario Gotze shortly before full-time, meaning that it's probably the last we'll see of the striker in a national team shirt at the World Cup. Of course, Klose broke Ronaldo's all-time World Cup goalscoring record last week, so it's safe to say we've just said goodbye to a bit of a competition legend.

Assistant coach Hansi Flick hugs Miroslav Klose of Germany as he exits the game during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

That Kroos shot was as close as either side came in the last 10 minutes, so we'll have extra-time to try and find a winner of the 2014 World Cup.

Toni Kroos of Germany reacts during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero stays calm and calls "safe" as Kroos side-foots an effort wide of his post.

Argentina's goalkeeper Sergio Romero (C) watches a miss on goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup final football match between Germany and Argentina on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Still goalless here as we head into the final 10 minutes. Can either side nick a late and dramatic winner?

A general view of the stadium during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Things have become a little scrappy, and Mascherano is booked for a poor challenge on Klose. Very little goalmouth action of note at the moment.

Germany's forward Miroslav Klose (2R) is fouled by Argentina's midfielder Javier Mascherano, resulting in a yellow card, during the second half of the 2014 FIFA World Cup final on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Neuer - in his familiar sweeper role - rushes out to punch clear from Higuain. The Argentine striker feels the full force of Neuer's knee in his head, but somehow it's deemed a foul against him.

Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer (L) and Argentina's forward Gonzalo Higuain compete for the ball during the final football match on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Messi so nearly has his big moment. Through on goal and one-on-one with Neuer, he drags his shot just wide of the upright. So close to giving his team the lead.

Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi (front) misses a shot on goal during the first half of the 2014 FIFA World Cup final football match on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Argentina start the second period on the front foot and German boss Joachim Loew doesn't appear to be enjoying himself too much so far. Things aren't quite as easy tonight as they were against the Brazilians.

Head coach Joachim Loew of Germany reacts during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Despite a superb leap, Benedikt Hoewedes somehow smashes a headed effort off of the post on the stroke of half-time. Goalless after 45 minutes here at the Maracana.

Germany's defender Benedikt Hoewedes (R) heads the ball towards the goal as Argentina's midfielder Javier Mascherano (C) and Germany's forward Miroslav Klose watch on during the World Cup final on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

After a bang to the head, Christoph Kramer is forced off. The young midfielder only came into the team at late notice when Sami Khedira became injured in the warm-up, but his night is over with him clearly seeing stars. Unlucky for him.

Christoph Kramer of Germany is helped off the field by trainers during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Higuain thinks that he has redeemed himself when he steers the ball into the corner past Neuer. He wheels away in celebration, but he's two yards offside and the goal is disallowed.

Argentina's forward Gonzalo Higuain (R) shoots and scores past Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer a disallowed goal during the 2014 FIFA World Cup final football match on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Gonzalo Higuain wastes the most clear-cut chance of the game so far, snatching at a shot from the edge of the box following a Toni Kroos error.

Argentina's forward Gonzalo Higuain (L) and Germany's defender Mats Hummels vie for the ball during the 2014 FIFA World Cup final football match on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Messi finds some joy down the right, pulling the ball back into a dangerous area. Unfortunately the cross evades everybody but it's a positive moment for Argentina.

Germany's defender Mats Hummels (R) blocks a ball to Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi (R) during the 2014 FIFA World Cup final on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

We're underway, and Miroslav Klose is trying to jink his way into a shooting position early on.

Germany's forward Miroslav Klose (C) tackles Argentina's midfielder Javier Mascherano (R) as Argentina's defender Ezequiel Garay looks on during the final football match on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Lionel Messi doesn't bat an eyelid as he walks past the World Cup trophy. He'll have dreamed of winning this prize for his side his whole life. Is tonight the night?

Argentina's forward and captain Lionel Messi (R) walks past the World Cup ahead of the final football match between Germany and Argentina on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Perhaps David Beckham hasn't told his sons about his darkest moment in international football? From the look of their shirts tonight, Team Beckham are all-for the South Americans.

Former England international David Beckham and sons Brooklyn Beckham (L), Cruz Beckham (2nd R) and Romeo Beckham (R) prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup final on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Anybody remember Spain? Though long-gone in this tournament, defender Carles Puyol is here alongside Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen to present the trophy to the stadium ahead of kick-off.

Spanish defender Carles Puyol (L) poses with the World Cup (C) and Brazilian model Gisele Bundchen (R) during a closing ceremony ahead of the final football match on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

A trio World Cup legends indulge in a pre-match selfie! Lothar Matthaeus, Fabio Cannavaro and Daniel Passarella all looking happy pitch side.

Former internationals Lothar Matthaeus, Fabio Cannavaro and Daniel Passarella take a selfie prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Colombian singer Sharika was joined on the field by Carlinhos Brown for the pre-match closing ceremony concert.

Musician Carlinhos Brown and singer Shakira perform during the closing ceremony prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

Argentineans in the crowd look confident too though, and they're in full voice ahead of kick-off.

Argentina's fans cheer prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup final football match between Germany and Argentina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images

The German fans in the stadium already appear to have their hands on the trophy, but will they be the happier of the two sets of supporters come the end of the night?

Germany's fans cheer prior to the 2014 FIFA World Cup final football match between Germany and Argentina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 13, 2014 © Getty Images