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.
The promise of the start of a brave new England was hardly given much impetus at Wembley despite Wayne Rooney beginning his captaincy with the winning penalty in a 1-0 victory over Norway on Wednesday.
There is nothing wrong with savoring July's fourth World Cup win as far as Germany coach Joachim Loew is concerned, but he said it was now time for the party to start winding down.
France claimed a deserved 1-0 triumph in an international friendly held at Stade de France on Thursday, when it came out as the first win they've taken over reigning European champions Spain in eight years.
Angel di Maria set up three goals and scored the fourth himself as Argentina trounced Germany 4-2 in their friendly game Wednesday to get a small measure of payback after losing to the host in the World Cup final.
Cup winner and all-time leading scorer hangs up international boots
Xavi Hernandez, Spain's leading playmaker in its run of three major titles, has retired from international duty after a disappointing World Cup.
Brazil and Barcelona striker Neymar says he is almost back to full fitness after the serious back injury he sustained at the World Cup.
South Africa's Jacques Kallis acknowledged on Wednesday that his dream of playing in next year's Cricket World Cup was "a bridge too far".
Alejandro Sabella, who steered Argentina to the World Cup final, has quit as national team coach with Gerardo Martino or Jose Pekerman in line to succeed him, Argentine media reported on Tuesday.
New coach Louis van Gaal has welcomed the challenge of trying to emulate the great Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and is confident his record of managing big clubs will stand him in good stead.
Julian Green has been touted as the new face of US soccer - but it is one few Americans recognize.
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