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.
Wayne Rooney finally delivered his first goal for England on the big stage, coming through despite all the criticism about his lack of production at this World Cup - and it wasn't enough.
Starved of the World Cup action for 16 years, Colombia - and its fanatical traveling supporters - are certainly making the most of being back on football's biggest stage.
World Cup host is offering to help China develop soccer into a truly national sport, the head of Brazil's Sports Ministry said.
England's World Cup demise was all but sealed on Thursday as a familiar face - Luis Suarez of Uruguay - inflicted the Three Lions' second straight defeat of the tournament.
Despite being in his 30s, Arjen Robben showed that he is among the fastest attackers in football, sprinting half the length of the pitch from the Australian midfield before driving in a low shot to open the scoring in their Group B match.
Spain became the fifth holders to be eliminated from the World Cup at the first stage after their 2-0 defeat by Chile at the Maracana on Wednesday.
Glasgow-based restaurateur has created delicious celebrity portraits on his very own pizzas.
Here is a list of how defending World Cup champions have fared Following Spain's elimination from the tournament on Wednesday.
Louis van Gaal can pinpoint the moment he knew his Netherlands team would be able to hold off Australia and secure the win that ultimately put them through to the knockout rounds of the World Cup.
Chip away the veneer of the World Cup's 25 referees and there's a plethora of weird and wonderful people waiting to be discovered.
The gorgeous wives or girlfriends of soccer stars also attract attention, another reason the sport enjoys world-wide popularity.
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