Rio De Janeiro, July 14
Germany wrote a new chapter in the history of international football as they became the first European team to lift the World Cup in South America, clinching a hard-fought 1-0 win over Argentina in the final, their triumph coming on the back of steely resolve and blood on the pitch here.

Substitute Mario Goetze scored the all-important goal in the 113th minute, combining with another sub Andre Schurrle, who provided him the assist, leaving thousands of Argentine fans at the iconic Maracana Stadium heartbroken and the Germans, including Chancellor Angela Merkel, ecstatic.

The golden generation of German footballers’ eagerness to win the silverware was best defined by Bastian Schweinsteiger, who was bleeding from a cut on his face following a rough challenge, after the game went into extra time.

The winning goal came when Schurrle made inroads down the left hand side and played a cross towards the near post for Goetze, who took it on his chest before placing it into the back of the net with his left foot.

The result meant Lionel Messi’s dream to join the pantheon of greats such as Diego Maradona and Pele ended in heartbreak. The 27-year-old Argentina captain had the chance to win the cup for his country at the start of second half, but this was not to be his day.

It was not the free-flowing football Germans dished out in the beginning of the tournament but, on the biggest stage of all, they appeared determined to not let go of this golden chance to script history.

This was Germany’s fourth World Cup triumph, and their first since reunification. Last time too, their title win had come against Argentina in 1990 in Italy.

After a rather subdued outing in the first half, Germany gradually applied pressure on the opponents in the second half, before upping the ante in the extra time.

The ploy worked for the Europeans as Argentina appeared to have lost the plot following a promising start, with some of them even resorting to physical game.

Joachim Loew’s side made its intentions clear at the start of extra time, with Schurrle and Mesut Ozil both getting a sniff of the goal.

The only consolation for Messi was winning the Golden Ball for being the best player of the tournament. The Golden Boot went to Colombian striker James Rodriguez for scoring six goals while Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer bagged the Golden Glove.

It was even stevens in the first half as both Argentina and Germany had their moments with the balance slightly tilted in favour of the South Americans. That’s perhaps because Alejandro Sabella’s outfit had more shots at goal as compared to their famed opponents from Europe.

They made inroads into the German half intermittently and kept the back four, led by skipper Phillip Lahm, busy with their typical latin American enterprise. The only thing that Argentina lacked on the big day was finishing.

Leaving aside Gonzalo Higuain’s successful tap-in that was ruled off-side, the Albiceleste could have gone ahead at least on two occasions if not more.

In the 22nd minute, what appeared to be a routine clearance was back headed on the path of Higuain by Tony Kross, but the Napoli frontman messed up as he failed to put Argentina in lead with only goalkeeper Mauel Neuer at his mercy.

Ezequiel Lavezzi was also blocked on the goal line from turning in a Messi cross. Few half attempts were taken care of by Neuer. La Albiceleste showed enough speed and movement to trouble the German back four. Higuain, Messi and Lavezzi can all beat their markers for pace and they gave enough evidence of that, alas without success.

Meanwhile, in the first half added time, the Argentines had their hearts pounding when Benedikt Hoewedes’s header at the death thudded against the vertical. — Agencies

Rio De Janeiro, July 14
Germany forward Mario Gotze, who plundered the extra-time winner in the World Cup final against Argentina, is a wonder boy with immense qualities, coach Joachim Loew said on Sunday. Substitute Gotze, who until the final had had a disappointing tournament, struck the only goal seven minutes before the end of extra time to clinch Germany's fourth World Cup.

"I told him 'you go out there and show the world that you are better than (Argentina captain) Lionel Messi and that you can decide the game tonight'," said Loew.

The 22-year-old paid back his coach's trust, volleying in his second goal of the tournament after spending the past few games on the bench. "Gotze is a wonder boy who has these immense abilities, this outstanding skill," Loew said. "I am just happy that the team won this title. I kept training with the team and every player here deserves it," said Gotze. — Reuters

Rio De Janeiro, July 14
Coach Joachim Loew summed up the secret of Germany's World Cup success best when he said the country realized a decade ago that its traditional footballing virtues were just not good enough any more to achieve international success. The Germans won their fourth World Cup on Sunday in what was the crowning moment for the country's youth system in which they invested more than $1 billion over 10 years.

Their 1-0 victory over Argentina, 24 years after their last World Cup success and 18 since their most recent international trophy, highlighted the commitment to change and adapt to the times. Long-known for their battling spirit, never-say-die attitude and physical strength, the Germans realized after European Championship flops in 2000 and 2004 this was not enough to guarantee continued international success.

Things had to change for the then three-times World Cup winners and three-times European champions on every level and the nation's football authorities did exactly that. With an annual investment of more than $80 million the started a project to retrain young players across the nation and teach them new skills. In a new licensing system for Bundesliga clubs, it became mandatory for them to have a youth training center. These were inspected annually and rated according to their standard. That in turn determined the level of the football authorities' financial support. From the German Football League (DFL), which is in charge of the top two divisions, to the national football association (DFB), the clubs and the individual federal states created a web of youth development.

Working together

"It is the result of a lot of work at the DFB, the Bundesliga and the amateur leagues, all working together," said DFB President Wolfgang Niersbach after the final. "It is not like in other countries where relations are poor. It's all about working together. Six players on the team were European champions in youth divisions a few years ago." Particular attention was paid to the very young with the DFB setting up mobile coaching units, traveling across the country to visit schools and clubs and advising locally on training methods.

Some clubs found sponsorship money to set it up, others, like Borussia Dortmund, used the revenues from the sale of just one player, to create their new centers. It made financial sense as much as it made sporting sense. Instead of spending millions to bring top players to a club, they could be created in-house at a fraction of the price.

Bayern Munich may be the standout example of having successfully nurtured home-grown talent with Bastian Schweinsteiger, Philipp Lahm, Thomas Mueller and Toni Kroos, all of whom are now world champions. But every club has its own success story and when Mario Goetze scored the winner in extra time to help beat Argentina 1-0 on Sunday he instantly became the ultimate poster boy for the German youth system.

A Dortmund youth player, Goetze, still only 22, was brought into the senior team as a 17-year-old. Fast, exciting and young, he personifies everything that is good about this approach. His club received some 37 million euros when he left in 2013 to join Bayern despite the anger of local fans for what they saw as betrayal at the time.

There could not be a more appropriate scorer in the World Cup final, although almost everyone from the German team would have fitted that description. Whether it is Andre Schuerrle, who now plays for Chelsea, or Mesut Ozil, plying his trade for Arsenal, or even little-known Christoph Kramer, the German team is awash with home-grown talent. — Reuters

Sergio Romero 7
A safe pair of hands and made two important saves from Andre Schuerrle, once in each half. Powerless to stop the Germany goal.

Pablo Zabaleta 7
As in previous games, he concentrated on his defensive duties apart from one early run down the right which ended up with a cross going behind the forwards. Made an outstanding tackle to deny Miroslav Klose a scoring chance.

Ezequiel Garay 8
Another impressive display at the heart of the Argentina defence, showing why they have only conceded one goal in the knockout stages. Always quick to react to danger and confident in possession, he annulled Miroslav Klose's aerial threat in the first half.

Martin Demichelis 7
Like his partner, he showed excellent anticipation, was quick to snuff out any threats and made no significant mistakes.

Marcos Rojo 7
Had his hands full with both Thomas Mueller and Philipp Lahm attacking right, but coped well. Set up an excellent chance for Rodrigo Palacio in extra time with a delightfully flighted ball on one of his few forays upfield.

Javier Mascherano 9
Argentina's outstanding player, broke up countless German attacks with exceptional anticipation and was confident playing his way out of defence. A fitting performance to cap an excellent World Cup. The only black mark was a second-half booking for late tackle after letting ball run under his foot.

Lucas Biglia 7
Mascherano's sidekick in front of the defence, his sliderule pass at the start of the second half provided Messi with his best chance. Otherwise, more of a defensive presence.

Enzo Perez 6
Impressed for the third game in a row since replacing the injured Angel Di Maria. Played more of a defensive role than in his previous two games.

Lionel Messi 6
Always surrounded by two or three players, he gave a subdued performance by his standards, providing only flashes of inspiration. Looked exhausted as the game wore on. Missed a good opening early in the second half and wasted Argentina's last chance of the game when he skied a free kick from around 30 meters out.

Ezequiel Lavezzi 8
The liveliest of Argentina's forwards, he caused Germany continual problems down both flanks in the first half. Taken off at halftime in a surprise switch.

Gonzalo Higuain 6
Missed an excellent early chance when Toni Kroos's misdirected header sent him clean through on Germany goalkeeper but he rushed his effort and did not even hit the target. Had a goal disallowed, was pole-axed by Neuer in the second half and eventually substituted.

Rodrigo Palacio 4
He has featured regularly as a second-half substitute, but looked out of his depth in the final.

Sergio Aguero 4
Aguero, who has had injury problems during the tournament, was off the pace, disappointing and ineffective.

Colombo, July 14
Former Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene will retire from Test cricket following the home series against South Africa and Pakistan, the country’s cricket board said on Monday. “It was not an easy decision to make given that it has been a great privilege and honour representing my country during the past 18 years, but I believe this is the right time,” the 37-year-old said in a statement released by Sri Lanka Cricket.

The stylish right-handed batsman is the most capped Test player for Sri Lanka with 145 appearances and his 11,493 runs shares sixth spot, along with compatriot Kumar Sangakkara, on the list of highest scorers in the longest format of the game.

One of the most elegant batsmen of his generation, Jayawardene has scored 33 Test centuries since his debut against India in 1997 and enjoys a batting average of a little more than 50 runs per innings. He also had two stints as Sri Lanka’s captain and was a safe pair of hands in the slips cordon, evident from his 197 catches in Tests.

In April, both Jayawardene and Sangakkara announced their retirements from the shortest format after Sri Lanka won the World Twenty20 in Bangladesh.

Jayawardene will, however, continue playing the 50-over format for Sri Lanka, making himself available for next year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

The island nation will host South Africa in a two-Test series starting on Wednesday before another two-match series against Pakistan next month. — Reuters

Mumbai, July 14
England and India will take a fresh look at their spin options for the second Test at Lord's after tail-enders exposed the limitations of both pace attacks in the drawn first Test at Nottingham. England's four-man seam battery and part-time spinner Moeen Ali failed to break the resilience of India's lower-order batsmen in both innings at Trent Bridge, robbing the team of opportunities to force a victory on a low, flat wicket.

India's attack, with left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja as their lone slow-bowling option, fared no better with centurion Joe Root and James Anderson stitching together an all-time record 198-run last-wicket stand to keep the visitors at bay.

With the second Test starting on Thursday, the visitors wasted no time adding specialist spinner Simon Kerrigan to the squad. Left-arm spinner Kerrigan, 25, has made one Test appearance before, against Australia in the 2013 Ashes series at The Oval, where he conceded 53 runs without taking a wicket.

Captain Alastair Cook had encouraging words for the bowler after his inclusion in the squad. "He's been good around us and bowled beautifully in the nets," Cook said. "We want to have an option in case it's hot and dry at Lord's, and might spin more."

India will also be pondering a few changes for Lord's and regular spinner Ravichandran Ashwin looks to be in a good position to force his way into the starting eleven.

In recent series, left-armer Jadeja has been preferred to Ashwin when India play overseas but his mediocre showing in the first Test may open the door for the 27-year-old off-spinner. — Reuters

Wuhan (China), July 14
India beat Indonesia 91-55 to register their second win in three games and book a place in the quarterfinals of the 5th FIBA Asia Cup here today.

The historic win against the mighty Chinese having spurred their imagination and energy levels, India certainly looked the more confident of the teams on court.

Having raked up a double-digit lead early on, it was a matter of holding on for the Indians to advance to the Final Rounds of a FIBA Asia event for the first time in recent memory.

Vishesh Bhriguvanshi was, as expected, the floor leader for India with 16 points, 5 rebounds and as many assists. Prasanna Sivakumar had 15 points and Amjyot Singh 14 points in coach Scott Flemming’s 11-man rotation.

Fandi Ramadhani’s 16 points led the scoring for Indonesia, who have now lost three out of three games played and are on their way out. Only a win against Japan and a probably ensuing three-way tie can save Indonesia.

India, ranked 11th in the continent and 61st in the world, had stunned favourites world No. 12 China 65-58 on Sunday. — Agencies

New Delhi, July 14
The prolonged mess in the Indian boxing is showing no sign of early resolution. Miffed with Boxing India for postponing its July 9 elections indefinitely, the International Amateur Boxing Association (AIBA) today set August 15 as the deadline for the provisional body to hold fresh elections and adopt a revamped constitution.

It has been learnt that AIBA has shot off a letter to a senior official of Boxing India, threatening to withdraw the provisional recognition given to the newly-constituted body and imposing a complete ban of the Indian boxing fraternity.

AIBA has made it clear that it would be left with no other option but to suspend the Indian boxers and coaches from world events if Boxing India fails to conduct free and fair elections by August 15.

AIBA’s tough stand could also mean that the world body can withdraw its recognition to the IOA-appointed ad-hoc body, which has the mandate to select/prepare the team for the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games this year.

AIBA was completely taken aback by Boxing India’s decision to postpone the elections after completing all the formalities pertaining to filing of nomination papers by the representatives of the state boxing units for various key posts.

AIBA has told Boxing India to take the election process forward from the approved list of candidates and there would be no fresh filing of nomination papers.

Boxing India was handed provisional recognition by the AIBA in May after Indian Boxing Federation (IBF) was suspended in December 2012 before being terminated earlier this year for failing to adhere to AIBA’s instruction to holding fresh elections.

AIBA toughened its stand after IOA president N Ramachandran shot off a letter to AIBA president Ching-Kuo Wu apprising him of developments taking place within Boxing India.

Ramachandran informed Wu that IOA cannot be a mute spectator in this entire mess and has every right to intervene and conduct elections on its own. Ramachandran further wrote that there is a lot of frustration in the Indian boxing community after Boxing India postponed the elections.

BRIEFLY

Nibali tightens grip on Tour as Contador crashes out
La Planche des Belles Filles (France): I talian Vincenzo Nibali tightened his grip on the Tour de France on Monday, reclaiming the yellow jersey with a solo victory on the 10th stage as his main rival Alberto Contador crashed out. Astana rider Nibali attacked in the final climb, a brutal 5.9-km ascent to La Planche des Belles Filles and never looked back. France’s Thibaut Pinot took second place 15 seconds back with Spain’s Alejandro Valverde in third place 20 seconds off the pace. Contador, winner in 2007 and 2009, pulled out after injuring his right knee following a crash during a descent. Nibali now leads Australian Richie Porte by 2:23. Valverde of the Movistar team is third overall, 2:47 off the pace.

Kohli should take over as Test captain: Ian Chappell
Bengaluru: Former Australia captain Ian Chappell does not find MS Dhoni good enough to be India’s Test captain any more and said it was time to hand over the reins to Virat Kohli. “He (Dhoni) is not a Test captain. I think he is a good captain in shorter-versions. I don’t think there would be a problem to give it Kohli now, though,” he said. “Indian selectors do not have the ruthless quality as Australian selectors have.” Chappell said 27 is the right age for Kohli to lead the side. “No good giving him captaincy at the age 32, when he has started to go over the top.” — Agencies