2014 World Cup Final player ratings

A mixed bag: Bastian Schweinsteiger (left) was outstanding in the German midfield while Argentine superstar Lionel Messi (right) was a subdued figure throughout (Picture from Zimbio.com)

GERMANY overcame Argentina after extra-time in a gripping final to become world champions for the fourth time.

Substitute Mario Gotze was the hero for the European side with a stunning volley for the only goal seven minutes from time.

It brought the curtain down on an unforgettable 2014 World Cup which has produced an endless amount of thrills, drama and spectacular goals.

Both sides competed fiercely for the trophy throughout but Gotze ensured it was the Germans who were celebrating inside the Maracana.

Here are how all of the participating players rated:

The chosen eleven: Germany's starting line-up pose for a team photo before kick-off in Rio de Janeiro (Picture from Zimbio.com)

GERMANY:

(4-2-3-1)

1 Manuel Neuer - 8.5/10

16 Phillip Lahm (C) - 9/10

20 Jerome Boateng - 9.5/10

5 Mats Hummels - 9/10

4 Benedikt Howedes - 8.5/10

23 Christoph Kramer - 6/10

7 Bastian Schweinsteiger - 9.5/10

13 Thomas Mueller - 8.5/10

18 Toni Kroos - 8.5/10

8 Mesut Ozil - 8/10

11 Miroslav Klose - 8/10

Substitutes:

9 Andre Schurrle (for Kramer, 32 minutes) - 7/10

19 Mario Gotze (for Klose, 88 minutes) - 7.5/10

17 Per Mertesacker (for Ozil, 119 minutes) - 1/10

United front: Argentina pose together for the team photo before the game with Lionel Messi the captain (Picture from Getty Images)

ARGENTINA:

(4-3-3)

1 Sergio Romero - 8/10

4 Pablo Zabaleta - 8/10

2 Ezequiel Garay - 7/10

15 Martin Demichelis - 8/10

16 Marcos Rojo - 7.5/10

14 Javier Mascherano - 8.5/10

6 Luca Biglia - 8/10

8 Enzo Perez - 7.5/10

22 Ezequiel Lavezzi - 7/10

10 Lionel Messi - 8/10

9 Gonzalo Higuain - 7.5/10

Substitutes:

20 Sergio Aguero (for Lavezzi, 45 minutes) - 7.5/10

18 Rodrigo Palacio (for Higuain, 78 minutes) - 6/10

5 Fernando Gago (for Perez, 86 minutes) - 6.5/10

My Man of the Match: Jerome Boateng (Germany) - 9.5/10

My Poorest Performer of the Match: Ezequiel Garay (Argentina) - 7/10

Follow Adam on Twitter

Last updated: 14 July 2014 01:06am

#football #2014fifaworldcup #argentina #germany #playerratings