Football

"I think that we were 50 days together but this is a project we started 10 years ago," says Joachim Loew

Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer hailed his side's remarkable team spirit after their 1-0 World Cup final win over Argentina at the Maracana on Sunday.

The mournful cries of Brazilians were drowned out in the high-decibel musical gala during the closing ceremony, which was graced by Shakira and Santana.

Manchester City defender Demichelis feels that Argentina are respectful but won't fear Germany in the final.

Germany showcased sublime skills against Brazil during their massive 7-1 win in the semi-final. The team though will need to avoid complacency.

Shakira, Carlos Santana, Ivete Sangalo and a samba school will lead the musical entertainment at Sunday's World Cup closing ceremony.

The Germans take on Argentina at Maracana Stadium with Loew hoping to win the nation's fourth world title.

Argentina have a dodgy defence while Germany possess one of the most incisive midfield and attacking line that decimated Portugal and Brazil.

The most entertaining World Cup in a generation comes down to a final match that pits the planet's best player against the tournament's best team.

No European team has ever won a World Cup played in the Americas, which is one more source of motivation for Germany ahead of Sunday's final.

Brazil captain Silva insists that it is unfair to ask Scolari to take full responsibility for the humiliating 1-7 loss to Germany.

A total of 95 injuries have been recorded in the competition so far with seven "severe" injuries including Brazilian forward Neymar's broken vertebra and Mexican defender Hector Moreno's broken leg.

Up against Argentina in the finals, it is highly unlikely that Germany coach Loew would make any changes to the team.

Terms of the transfer for the controversial striker serving a biting ban have not yet been revealed by Barcelona.

Klose and Mueller will bring a grand total of 26 World Cup goals to the final, a staggering tally for two of the most prolific strikers in the tournament's history.

No fee was disclosed but Arsenal are believed to have paid in the region of 35 million pounds ($59.56 million) for the 25-year-old Chile international.