Champions of the world

Germany are crowned FIFA World Cup champions but not for the first time since 'reunification' - the Federal Republic of Germany (colloquially 'West Germany') in existence for previous triumphs in 1954, 1974 and 1990.  The German Democratic Republic ('East Germany') ceased to exist in 1990 as it was gobbled up by the FRG - there was no unification between the two states, it was annexation.
Last night's final was all nip and tuck between two evenly matched teams.  Argentina knowing they would tire later on from having one day's less rest than Germany, plus extra time against the Dutch, made the early running.  They had the better of the chances in the first half and Germany seemed unsettled. After 50 minutes, though the South Americans faded and the northern Europeans gradually took charge.  It was intriguing rather than explosive and I was glad it went to extra time so I could enjoy another half hour of this fascinating joust.
Germany were worthy winners by the end and Mario Götze's 113th minute strike befitting a goal to win football's ultimate trophy (and incidentally equalling France '98's total of 171 goals).  It would have been a shame had it needed penalties to separate these two great sides and the magnanimous Germans showed their class in forming a guard of honour for their vanquished opponents, recognising the excellence of the Argentinians.  Messi virtually disappeared after dragging a shot wide in the 47th minute and his final touch, ballooning a free-kick over the bar summed up his night - a night which showed that he did not belong in the same category as Maradona or Pelé.  I was glad overall that the Germans won as they didn't rely on a talisman - they were simply the best team in Brazil, with the best coach in Joachim Löw, a man prpeared for every eventuality such as losing a key midfielder in the warm-up and the replacement after half an hour.
I watched it on the BBC.  It was Alan Hansen's last punditry and he was joined by Alan Shearer, soon to be the only Alan on Match of the Day.  Rio Ferdinand completed the trio with whom Gary Lineker bantered and he was wearing a double-breasted baggy blue suit, probably in tribute to Bobby Robson's grey attire in Italia '90.  A stylish touch after the match when returning to studio was a hologram of the German Football Association emblem was crowned initially by three stars before they shifted along and a fourth star materialised to symbolise Germany's four World Cup triumphs.