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.
Brazil erupted in wild celebrations after being chosen to host the World Cup, a chance for the "sleeping giant" of 200 million to show its growing sporting and economic clout.
One hundred days from kickoff, and Brazil's 200 million fans dare to believe a sixth World Cup title beckons on home turf.
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff spotlighted the government's commitment to fighting sex tourism, in the wake of two controversial T-shirts of Adidas ahead of the World Cup.
Public prosecutors in Brazil have launched an investigation into a weekend fan riot that killed one person and left another injured.
Australia will be the first team to arrive in Brazil for this year's FIFA World Cup, the local organizing committee said on Wednesday.
Chinese soccer can foster a strong grassroots foundation only by providing amateur players with more chances to compete against their professional counterparts.
Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos welcomed on Tuesday the FIFA World Cup trophy at the Presidential Palace in Bogota (Casa de Narino), where he expressed his optimism about Colombia's participation in the event to be held in Brazil this summer.
Demonstrators run through a bar after clashing with military police during a protest against the 2014 World Cup in Sao Paulo Jan 25, 2014.
World football's governing body FIFA has expressed its concern at the playing surface of Brasilia's Mane Garrincha World Cup stadium.
The Brazilian Government underscored its strong commitment to the successful delivery of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.
Cristiano Ronaldo has won the FIFA Ballon d'Or award for 2013, ending Lionel Messi's four-year run as the world's best player.
Cristiano Ronaldo is set to win the Ballon D'Or for the world's best player in 2013, according to Brazil legend Pele.
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