Today, in the series “Unlikely Heroes,” we will tell the story of the young German boy Mario Götze and the goal that decided one of the most tense World Cup finals games, against Lionel Messi’s Argentina at its peak.
Follow us on social networks to stay updated on more exclusives content: Instagram, Facebook e Twitter.
Index
Mario Götze’s Career
Born in the charming town of Memmingen in southern Germany, Götze has been devoted to the practice of the world’s most beloved sport since childhood. At the age of 5, he was already training with SC Ronsberg, and by 6, he began playing and training with Eintracht Hombruch. At 9, he started training with Borussia Dortmund, where he underwent his player formation.
His 8 years in BVB’s youth academy were extremely important for his personal and professional development. Despite being small in stature, Götze compensated with unique ball control and refined thinking, earning him recognition as one of Borussia’s greatest youth prospects.
At the age of 17, he had his first opportunity as a professional under the guidance of the excellent coach Jurgen Klopp, in a 0-0 draw against Mainz 05 at the imposing Signal Iduna Park. Götze made a discreet debut in front of over 80 thousand passionate fans, becoming the 9th youngest player at the time to play a Bundesliga match.
Over time, the young midfielder earned his place in Borussia’s lineup, a team that consistently fought for the top spot in the Bundesliga table.
In the 2010/2011 season, he began to feature more as a starter and attracted attention for his talent, quick thinking, and impeccable ball control. Götze seemed to cover the entire field to be constantly involved with the ball and create chances for his teammates. His versatility was key for Klopp’s Borussia, especially after the injury suffered by the idol Kagawa.
Such was his determination, willingness, and talent that in his first 15 matches of the season, he provided 6 assists. The progress the youngster was making was evident as he began scoring goals and continued to serve his teammates well.
Consequently, he became an undisputed starter and one of the greatest prospects in German football.
Still in the 2010/2011 season, along with his teammates, he won the Bundesliga title and was called up for the national team for the first time, for a friendly against the Brazilian national team. In that game, Götze demonstrated great maturity, scored a goal, and was directly responsible for the 3-2 victory, being considered the best player of the match.
He was also awarded the Golden Boy in that season, a prize given to the best under-21 player playing in Europe.
In the following season, Götze continued to evolve, already internationally famous and a vital player for Borussia’s functioning. It was another phenomenal year for him, scoring goals, dribbling, and setting up his teammates for scoring opportunities, a player full of resources who again was of extreme importance for winning the Bundesliga title for the second time.
The 2012/2013 season also came with great success. Despite not winning the Bundesliga, they reached the Champions League quarter-finals, a feat that hadn’t been achieved in over 15 years at the club. Götze continued to showcase his skills on the field.
Such was his quality and success that Borussia couldn’t hold back the impetus of Bayern Munich, who signed the young midfielder for around 40 million euros.
At Bayern, Götze struggled a bit to adapt initially, as he arrived and wasn’t an absolute starter. However, over time, he proved himself and carved out his place, though he didn’t seem like the same player who showcased his technique and ran the entire field at Signal Iduna Park.
Additionally, Götze began to suffer from thigh injuries, causing him to miss some games here and there.
Even though he didn’t have a fantastic season at Bayern, Götze was called up for the 2014 World Cup.
The 2014 World Cup
Germany arrived in Brazil for the 2014 World Cup as one of the favorites to lift the trophy, despite not impressing in their pre-tournament matches. They were a very cohesive and balanced team.
Götze started as a starter in the opener against Portugal, although he didn’t play very well, he helped the team win 4-0. In the second round, Germany faced a tough match against Ghana, drawing 2-2, with Götze opening the scoring.
Against the United States, the 22-year-old midfielder started on the bench but came on late in the game. Germany won 1-0 and topped the group with 7 points.
In the Round of 16, Götze returned to the starting lineup against Algeria but struggled to find his rhythm against the physicality of the African team and was substituted early in the second half. The game was tense, ending 0-0 until the start of extra time when the Germans opened the scoring, added another goal in the last minute, and saw Algeria pull one back in stoppage time, resulting in a 2-1 win for Germany and qualification for the quarter-finals.
In the quarter-finals, they faced the European classic against France, with Hummels opening the scoring early to secure the German victory, and Götze coming on late in the game.
In the semi-finals, the host nation, Brazil, faced Germany, but Germany didn’t care and inflicted the most humiliating defeat in World Cup history, winning 7-1. The young midfielder did not participate in this game.
The Grand Final and the Unlikely Hero
The big day had arrived, with Germany having just dispatched Brazil without any mercy, facing Argentina with Messi, who was eager to become champions in the home of their biggest football rival. It was set to be a great game.
However, not even the most pessimistic football lover would have imagined that the final would be so dull.
Both teams were extremely skilled but mainly focused on disrupting plays and defending, with few attempting anything different, especially Germany, who at the start of the game saw Higuaín miss a clear chance and then have a goal disallowed. Still in the first half, Howedes hit the post with a header after a corner kick.
As time passed, the score remained goalless, and towards the end of the game, Löw decided to bring on the young Mario Götze in place of the legendary striker Miroslav Klose to give his team more dynamism.
Extra time began, and the game seemed to be heading for a penalty shootout. Götze had entered the game well and seemed determined to create plays, but it was all very difficult, as Argentina was compact and seemed to want to win in penalties.
Until, at the 113th minute, almost at the last moment, the unbelievable happened. Schürrle received the ball on the left and dribbled easily, seeing Götze making a run towards the Argentine defense. He delivered a pinpoint cross to the midfielder, who controlled the ball with his chest. The ball moved slightly forward, but the clever young man didn’t lose his composure and threw himself at the ball with determination, striking it with the tip of his boot, completely fooling Sergio Romero. Goal for Germany! Everyone embraced the young boy and hero of the title.
It’s not that Götze wasn’t or isn’t a great player, but he is indeed an unlikely hero because he didn’t have the World Cup that everyone expected from him. He wasn’t the most hyped player on that team, but he came off the bench and with the tip of his boot, made an entire nation shout and cry tears of joy for winning another World Cup.
