It took extra time for German to win the FIFA World Cup 1-0 over Argentina Sunday after looking like the game was going to end in a shoot out.

Germany’s 22-year-old midfielder, Mario Gotze controlled a cross kick with his chest and volleyed the ball past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero 23 minutes after the 90-minutes of regulation time ended.

Germany won its first game as a united nation. West Germany won the World Cup title in 1990, as the team beat Argentina in the finals in Rome. It was also the first time a European team won a World Cup match outside of Europe.

Elated with the joy of winning, wives and girlfriends rushed the pitch where the group of German men gathered in celebration. Many cried, flooded with emotion, after the intense match in Rio de Janerio Sunday.

“This is the best moment of my life,” forward Andrew Schurrle said. “I had to cry because I was so overcome. I couldn’t stop it.”

Analysts have said Germany’s victory comes from the team shutting out Argentina forward Lionel Messi.

“I said to Mario Gotze, ‘OK, show the world that you’re better than Messi, and you can decide the World Cup,’” Germany’s coach Joachim Loew said. “I had a good feeling about him.”

Messi came up short in what soccer fanatics have said was the most important game of his career. The forward had one good chance to score just after the half-time mark, but shot too wide. The German defense shut him out.

Argentina coach, Alejandro Sabella said that despite the tough competition, his team proved to be a world power in the game of soccer.

“I’m very proud of the team,” he said. “They played a great game against a great team. I salute the players. They made the country proud for the championship they played.”

Germany has beaten Argentina in the last three World Cup tournaments and was favored 7-1 to win going into the final match.