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.
Substitute Andre Schuerrle and Mesut Ozil scored in extra time Monday to lead Germany over an aggressive Algeria 2-1 and into the World Cup quarterfinals.
France ended Nigeria's hopes of a first World Cup quarter-final appearance when they scored two late goals to beat the Super Eagles 2-0 in a rough and physical second-round match on Monday.
A country shamed by mutinous footballers four years ago has fallen back in love with its national team, with a revamped France striking the right note with fans in its free-scoring run to the World Cup's knockout stage.
Colombia's press sang universal praise for James Rodriguez after the midfielder steered Los Cafeteros into the last eight of the World Cup for the first time.
Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez likened James Rodriguez to Diego Maradona after his sublime volley inspired Colombia to a 2-0 victory in the World Cup last 16.
The shootout has brought both joy and tears throughout the history of the World Cup.
Costa Rica beat Greece in a penalty shootout Sunday to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time after defending with 10 men for nearly an hour.
A stoppage time penalty from Klaas-Jan Huntelaar gave the Netherlands a dramatic 2-1 victory in the World Cup second round on Sunday minutes after Mexico seemed certain to reach the quarter-finals.
Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar saved two spot-kicks in a shootout against Chile to send the hosts into the World Cup quarter-finals 3-2 on penalties following a pulsating 1-1 draw after extra time on Saturday.
For 13 glorious days in Brazil the feel-good factor flourished at the World Cup as the football flowed, the goals gushed and fans revelled in the tournament's return to its spiritual home.
Luis Suarez returned home to a hero's welcome from hundreds of fans at Montevideo airport on June 27, 2014, after he was banned from football for four months for biting an opponent at the World Cup.
Doctors have been treating football fans for a range of conditions, as the World Cup matches are screened live on TV in China throughout the night, taking a toll on people's health.
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