Argentina beats Germany 4-2 in WCup final rematch

Germany's goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller (L) and Mario Goetze applaud after losing their friendly soccer match against Argentina in Duesseldorf, Sept 3, 2014. [Photo/Agencies]

The attacking midfielder showed his intention early on with a run before Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer emerged to snuff out the danger.

Neuer captained the side in the absence of the injured Bastian Schweinsteiger, who was named as Lahm's successor on Tuesday.

Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero then got the better of Mario Gomez in a one on one at the other end.

Gomez, back in the side after missing out on the World Cup due to fitness concerns, missed three chances to score with the goal at his mercy. The Fiorentina striker was whistled by fans after his last miss and again when he was substituted.

"He was missing for around seven months. For me it was important to see how he moved, and that he had the chances," Loew said. "Of course he still needs a bit of time to get back to form after such a long time out with injury."

Di Maria sent in an exquisite cross with the outside of his left boot for Aguero to open the scoring with a simple tap-in after a lack of concentration in the German defense.

Lamela made it 2-0 five minutes before the interval with a rocket of a volley to the top left corner from Di Maria's deep cross.

Fernandez' header from Di Maria's cross gave substitute goalkeeper Weidenfeller no chance, and a rout looked on the cards when Di Maria capped his great solo run with a delightful chip over the goalkeeper.

Schuerrle and Goetze responded and Marco Reus struck the post for the home side, which couldn't muster a comeback - but still has the World Cup.