European stalwarts won title for the fourth time when substitute Mario Goetze volleyed in a brilliant goal seven minutes from the end of extra time.
The man trying to ruin Brazil's World Cup run and overshadow its anointed hero is so new to soccer stardom that he doesn't even get his name pronounced correctly by play-by-play commentators.
Dual World Cup winner Ronaldo is certain coach Luiz Felipe Scolari "will change something" to reawaken Brazil's attack in Friday's World Cup quarterfinal match against Colombia.
When Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer embarked on a series of hair-raising dashes out of his area in the second-round win over Algeria, it would have struck a chord with French football fans of a certain vintage.
Germany and France, two of the most influential nations on the European continent, have been rivals both on and off the field.
Chinese fans have watched soccer players take the World Cup field with their calligraphic tattoos with a mixture of appreciation and merriment.
Every day at the World Cup, hundreds of stories come to the attention of the world - and far too often, the funniest, saddest and most shocking get lost in the noise.
France coach Didier Deschamps insisted that his team have no reason to fear Germany when the sides clash in the World Cup quarter-finals at the Maracana Stadium on Friday.
In a World Cup whose subplots have largely been dominated by biting, diving and poor decisions by referees, it's nice to hear an uplifting storyline about something taking place off the pitch for a change.
There are also some amazing saves made by goalkeepers. Among the eight matches of the round of 16, five went to extra time and two to penalties.
Substitutes have made a big impact at the World Cup, and there could more of them in four years' time.
It has been one of the best World Cups ever, packed with goals, drama and quality. Yet for all the entertainment, not everyone can be a star.
Colombian pop singer Shakira will make her third consecutive World Cup appearance at the closing ceremony in Rio de Janeiro's Maracana stadium before the final match on July 13, tournament organizers FIFA said on Wednesday.