World Cup wonder goals: Gotze golazo grabs Germany glory

We count down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showing a wonder goal each day. Here you can watch Mario Gotze’s volley win Germany a fourth title in Brazil.

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We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.


Mario GotzeMario Gotze

Germany v Argentina Brazil 2014 | Final Estadio Maracana, Rio de Janeiro

Germany's coach Joachim Loew (L) speaks with Germany's forward Mario Goetze as he comes on to play during the final football match between Germany and Argentina for the FIFA World Cup at The Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on July 13, 2014. AFP PHOTO / CHRISTOPHE SIMON        (Photo credit should read CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP via Getty Images)

“Show the world you are better than Messi,” Joachim Low told Mario Gotze as he sent him on in the 88th minute of the World Cup final. It was some ask. Messi had illuminated the tournament with spellbinding skills, four goals – glorious efforts against Bosnia and Herzegovina, IR Iran and Nigeria included – and an awesome assist. Gotze had got merely seven minutes in the quarter-finals and zero in the semis. The 22-year-old nevertheless checked his coach’s request. In the 22nd minute of extra time, he took a cross by fellow substitute Andre Schurrle on his chest exquisitely and volleyed the adidas Brazuca past Sergio Romero. Gotze had seized Germany a fourth star spectacularly.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13:  Mario Goetze of Germany holds up the World Cup trophy after the 1-0 win in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.  (Photo by Shaun Botterill - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)