top four and could set up an FA Cup semi-final against Sundays opp

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil -- Mario Goetze produced the piece of individual skill that Lionel Messi couldnt muster. With two quick, deft touches, Goetze ended Germanys 24-year wait for another World Cup title with an extra-time winner against Argentina on Sunday -- denying Messi the one title he needs to forever take his place among the games all-time greats. It was the moment of brilliance that ensured Germanys 1-0 victory in a tight and tense final. Goetze, who wasnt born when West Germany beat Argentina in the 1990 final, controlled a cross with his chest in the 113th minute and in one fluid motion volleyed the ball past goalkeeper Sergio Romero and inside the far post from five yards out. It delivered Germany its fourth World Cup title, equal second with Italy on the list of all-time champions and just behind Brazils five. "Its an unbelievable feeling. I dont know how to describe it. You just shoot that goal in, you dont really know whats happening," Goetze said. "And then at the end of the match, having a party with the team, the whole country ... it is for us, a dream come true." At the final whistle, Germany players fell into a pile in a mid-pitch celebration. Messi walked past them with his hands on his hips -- still in the shadow of his compatriot Diego Maradona, who led his country to the 1986 title. The 22-year-old Goetze went on as a substitute for Miroslav Klose near the end of regulation time and his fresh legs made the difference. Andre Schuerrle broke down the left flank, sending his cross into the area, and the Bayern Munich midfielder did the rest with a clinical finish. The goal echoed that of Andres Iniesta four years ago, when the midfielder scored in similar fashion but from the other side of the area to give Spain a 1-0 extra-time win over the Netherlands. It went entirely to script, according to Germany coach Joachim Loew. "I said to Mario Goetze, OK, show to the world that youre better than Messi and you can decide the World Cup. You have all the possibilities to do that," Loew said. "I had a good feeling with him." Germany became the first European team to win a World Cup in the Americas, and the victory ends a string of near misses since winning its last major title at the 1996 European Championship. The team lost the 2002 World Cup final to Brazil, the Euro 2008 final to Spain and was eliminated in the semifinals in both 2006 and 2010. Argentina had not been back in the final since that 1990 loss, and has now been beaten by Germany in the last three World Cups. "This was our chance, and we felt that way. We couldnt do it. We have to lift our heads and suffer the pain," Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano said. "Obviously, the pain is tremendous." It is Germanys first World Cup title as a unified nation, having won as West Germany in 1954, 1974 and 1990. The Germans faced Argentina in both the 1986 and 1990 finals, during Maradonas heyday. This time, they were up against Messi, the four-time world player of the year who has set a slew of scoring records in leading Barcelona to every major club title and is widely considered the best player since Maradona. But in the biggest game of his career, Messi came up short. He had one good chance to score when he was sent free in the area just after the halftime break, but sent his shot wide. It was a difficult angle, but still the type of chance he so often converts for Barcelona. Messi threatened intermittently throughout the match, but was effectively smothered by the German defence. His free kick in the 120th minute went well high. Messi, who scored four goals in the group stage but none in the knockout rounds, then had to trudge alone up the stairs of the Maracana Stadium to accept the Golden Ball award for the tournaments best player, shaking hands with German Chancellor Angela Merkel along the way. "At this moment I dont care about this prize -- only lifting the trophy matters," Messi said. "Im hurt for losing the way we did. ... I think we deserved a little better, we had chances. As well as they controlled the ball, we still had the clearest chances." After Messi received his award, the German team made its way up the stairs for captain Philipp Lahm to raise the hallowed 18-carat gold trophy. Until Goetzes winning goal, the game was more notable for top-class defending than creative attacking, but both teams had their share of chances. Gonzalo Higuain fired wide when gifted a chance in a one-on-one with goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, and later had a goal ruled out for offside. Germany defender Benedikt Hoewedes hit the post just before halftime with a header. Germany had entered the game as the favourite after its 7-1 semifinal drubbing of Brazil. But Argentina proved to be an entirely different proposition. "Im very proud of the team. They played a great game against a great team," Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella said. "I salute the players, they made the country proud." After Germanys last win in 1990, then-coach Franz Beckenbauer predicted that a unified Germany would be "unbeatable" in the future. It took 24 years to prove him right but with young players like Goetze, the next wait may not be as long. "We, I think, deserve this trophy," Goetze said. ------ Lineups: Germany: Manuel Neuer; Philipp Lahm, Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng, Benedikt Hoewedes; Christoph Kramer (Andre Schuerrle, 31), Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos, Mesut Ozil (Per Mertesacker, 120), Thomas Mueller; Miroslav Klose (Mario Goetze, 88). Argentina: Sergio Romero; Pablo Zabaleta, Martin Demichelis, Ezequiel Garay, Marcos Rojo; Lucas Biglia, Javier Mascherano, Enzo Perez (Fernando Gago, 86); Ezequiel Lavezzi (Sergio Aguero, 46), Gonzalo Higuain (Rodrigo Palacio, 78), Lionel Messi. Marcus Davenport Saints Jersey .Y. -- Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire will have less time to remain eligible for the Hall of Fame ballot under changes made Saturday. DeMario Davis Jersey . "Hopefully well get all this out of the way," he said, "and everyone will be healthy the rest of the year." Zimmerman was placed on the 15-day disabled list Sunday and is expected to miss between four to six weeks. http://www.authenticsaintssportsonline.com/saints-tre-quan-smith-gold-jersey/ . Mike Trout, Josh Hamilton and Kole Calhoun all homered to help the Los Angeles Angels get their first win of the season with an 11-1 rout of the Houston Astros. Custom Saints Jerseys . The Wild, playing their first game since leading scorer Mikko Koivu broke his ankle Saturday at Washington, have won three straight for the first time since Nov. 1-5. Koivu underwent surgery on Monday and is expected to miss at least four weeks. Jermon Bushrod Jersey . Or, for that matter, the aged.The Premier League is back after the international break and the top two sides are in action on Sky Sports as the title race builds up to a tantalising crescendo. Tottenham travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool in the Saturday Night Football game before Leicester City face Southampton at the King Power Stadium on Super Sunday.Any slip-ups might allow the chasing pack to close the gap with Arsenal in action against Watford, Manchester City travelling to Bournemouth, West Ham up against Crystal Palace and Manchester United hosting Everton. With so much at stake, we take a look at 10 questions that could be answered over the weekend.Chelsea out to put Villa to the sword? (Aston Villa v Chelsea - Saturday, 12.45pm) Villa look set to be relegated from the top flight for the first time since 1987 after Remi Gardes exit Things could not look any bleaker for Aston Villa who are set to be relegated from the top flight for the first time since 1987 after Remi Gardes long-awaited exit was confirmed late on Tuesday evening.The former Lyon boss won just twice in 20 Premier League games since replacing Tim Sherwood and leaves Villa staring relegation to the second tier in the face.Caretaker Eric Black will look to motivate an already demoralised group of players for the visit of outgoing champions Chelsea who are lying in mid-table. Guus Hiddink seeks push for European spot With talk of who will take over at Stamford Bridge intensifying, Guus Hiddink will look for a final push and an outside chance of European qualification.The Blues will be strong favourites to extend their Premier League unbeaten streak under the Dutchman and close the gap to six points on fifth-placed West Ham should results go their way.Can Stoke maintain their European push? (Stoke City v Swansea - Saturday, 3pm) Jack Butland will miss the rest of the season The Potters are riding high in eighth position in the table and have lofty ambitions of qualifying for the Europa League, but they will have to do it without goalkeeper Jack Butland who will miss the rest of the season after fracturing an ankle during Englands 3-2 friendly win over Germany last weekend.Mark Hughes side picked up a much-needed win at Watford last time out following a slump at home to Southampton. Francesco Guidolins Swans have almost secured their Premier League safety The visitors certainly wont be a pushover with Italian veteran Francesco Guidolin back at the helm following illness and the Swans have shown signs of improvement in recent weeks.They have almost secured their Premier League safety - they are currently on 36 points and 10 clear of the relegation zone - after what has been a difficult season for the Welsh club.Who will win the basement battle? (Norwich v Newcastle - Saturday, 3pm) Rafa Benitez is still searching for his first win as Newcastle boss As matches go this weekend, this is massive! A win for Newcastle will drag fourth-from-bottom Norwich back into the relegation mire while victory for the Canaries will give them some breathing space.The Tynesiders now have 11 players sidelined with injuries after goalkeeper Rob Elliot was ruled out for the season after damaging knee ligaments in Irelands 2-2 draw with Slovakia.With the experienced Rafa Benitez at the helm they will hope to build on their 1-1 draw against relegation rivals Sunderland, although he is still waiting to record his first win. Will it come at Carrow Road?Can Payet inspire the Hammers again? (West Ham v Crystal Palace - Saturday, 3pm) Dimitri Payet has been in blistering form for club and country Fifth-placed West Ham will be looking to continue their top-four push at home to a stumbling Crystal Palace side and will have a red-hot Dimitri Payet back in the side fresh from his return to the France fold.Payet marked his international recall after almost a year away with a strong showing in Fridays 3-2 win over Netherlands and scored with a swerving 30 yard free-kick in Tuesdays 4-2 victory against Russia.Now the attacking midfielder will be aiming to extend their Premier League unbeaten run to seven matches with seven remaining after Saturday.Palace have tumbled from fifth on New Years Day to 16th and will be desperate to end a run of 13 league matches without a win that has dropped them far too close to the relegation zone.Will Sunderland earn a vital win? (Sunderland v West Brom - Saturday, 3pm) Sunderland will be looking for goals from Jermain Defoe to help keep them up The pressure is piling on Sunderland who lie two points from safety behind 17th-placed Norwich with eight games to go. Five of those are at the Stadium of Light where they are guaranteed to have passionate home support behind them.After a 1-1 draw with rivals Newcastle, Sam Allardyce told his players they needed to win four of their remaining eight matches to stay in the top-flight.The Black Cats, in their eighth consecutive Premier League campaign, take on mid-table Albion, followed by another home clash against table-topping Leicester and they will pray Jermain Defoes goals will fire them to safety.They last recorded a home win against Manchester United in mid-February while West Brom head to the north east still smarting from their loss at home to Norwich before the international break.Can Arsenal challenge the top two? (Arsenal v Watford - Saturday, 3pm) Arsene Wenger hopes his side can record back-to-back Premier League wins A run of just two wins from their last nine games in all competitions has seen the Gunners knocked out of the Champions League last-16 for a sixth successive season and exit the FA Cup in the quarter-final, losing to Watford at the Emirates Stadium.ddddddddddddTheir dismal form has severely dented their hopes of ending their 12-year wait for the Premier League title, as they trail leaders Leicester by 11 points with a game in hand.But they have a quick opportunity for revenge against the Hornets, who have lost their last three top flight games, while Arsene Wenger will hope his side can pick up back-to-back league victories for the first time since mid-February.Can City get back to winning ways? (Bournemouth v Manchester City - Saturday, 3pm) Manchester City suffered derby defeat in their last match In danger of dropping out of the top four, out-of-form City havent scored in their last three matches and have been short of any creativity.They currently hold the final Champions League qualification position although theyre only one point ahead of West Ham and Manchester United to whom their title hopes virtually evaporated against when they suffered a 1-0 home defeat last time out. Eddie Howes Bournemouth were humbled at Tottenham They travel to the south coast looking to find some kind of form before their crunch Champions League quarter-final 1st leg against Paris St-Germain at the Parc des Princes.The Cherries, who were humbled at Tottenham before the international break, will be aiming to add another prized Premier League scalp to their already burgeoning list.Will Spurs keep pace at Anfield? (Liverpool v Tottenham - Saturday, 5.30pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD) Deli Alli, Eric Dier and Harry Kane are enjoying the spirit at both club and international level Tottenham will welcome back returning England heroes Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Eric Dier and Danny Rose with open arms.The quartet were all inspirational in Saturdays come-from-behind 3-2 victory over Germany in Berlin.Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping that his team will win at Liverpool on Saturday which would pile the pressure on Leicester, a day before they play. Jurgen Klopp has a big week of Premier League and Europa League action After the trip to Anfield, Spurs host Manchester United in what looks to be two pivotal fixtures to their hopes of winning a first league title since 1961.Liverpool wont be easy pushovers though with Jurgen Klopps men still in the European hunt and will aim to put a huge dent in Spurs title ambitions before they travel to Borussia Dortmund in their upcoming Europa League clash. Can the Foxes win again? (Leicester v Southampton - Sunday, 1.30pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD) England and Leicester striker Jamie Vardy scored against Germany and the Netherlands Qualification to the Champions League for the first time? Almost certainly, especially if the surprise leaders beat Southampton at home on Sunday.After narrowly escaping relegation last season because of an incredible run of results in the final nine games, Leicester are mounting the most unlikely of title challenges. They are currently five points clear of second-place Tottenham with seven games to go. Ronald Koeman sprinted down the touchline to celebrate Saints winner against Liverpool Jamie Vardy, who scored his first two goals for England in Saturdays game in Berlin and Tuesdays match against the Netherlands at Wembley, is aiming to get back on the scoresheet after five league games without a goal.The (England) goals can only be good for my confidence and I will hopefully be scoring again at the weekend, he said.The Foxes will be seeking a fourth straight win, but the Saints could prove dangerous opposition and head into the game seeking a hat-trick of Premier League wins. Will United finish with a flourish? (Manchester United v Everton - Sunday, 4.00pm, live on Sky Sports 1 HD) Marcus Rashford was the derby winner for Manchester United United are now just a point off the top four and could set up an FA Cup semi-final against Sundays opponents should they win their replay against West Ham next week.They are still on a high following an impressive performance in the Manchester derby which saw local boy Marcus Rashford score the winner. Romelu Lukaku has scored 25 goals for Everton this season Rashford, 18, has led the way with five goals in eight appearances, but top scorer Romelu Lukaku has been banging them in for the Toffees.The 22-year-old has scored 25 goals this season despite the clubs disappointing campaign, so this should be a keenly contested battle at Old Trafford. You can watch Tottenham, Leicester and Manchester United in action on Sky Sports this weekend.By purchasing a Sky Sports Day Pass for £6.99 or Sky Sports Week Pass for £10.99, you can enjoy access to all seven Sky Sports channels and watch on a TV with a NOW TV Box or on a range of devices. Also See: Premier Leagues greatest game? Weekend Menu on Sky Sports ' ' '