Germany, the now four-time world champions, the first European team to win it on South American soil, earned the honour of lifting the most recognised trophy in sports with a tooth-and-nail 1-0 victory in a final as terrifically entertaining as the tournament itself.

Argentines reacted with tears, cheers and violence after the dream of a third World Cup title slipped through their fingers, as clashes between hooligans and police ended a massive street party.