Quotes of the Day from the 2014 World Cup Final Between Germany and Argentina

Ecstasy in victory, despair in defeat. Both emotions were expressed poignantly and vividly by the participants of the 2014 FIFA World Cup final shortly after the trophy was presented to Germany captain Philipp Lahm.

Lahm, perhaps not surprisingly, had some thoughtful remarks after winning the only piece of major silverware that, until Sunday, had yet eluded him. Conversely, Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano captured the anguish of the nature of the loss in his post-match remarks.

The following are snippets from various players who contested the final—a 1-0 win for Germany. And in their voices are summarised the various feelings that inevitably accompany triumph and failure.

Philipp Lahm: Right-Back, Germany

Clive Rose/Getty Images

"

Whether we have the best individual players or whatever does not matter. You have to have the best team.

We stepped up time and again in the tournament, did not leg ourselves get distracted by any disruption [and] went on our way.

And at the end [we] stand there as world champions—an unbelievable feeling. The team has remained quiet and patient.

"

—Tom Rostance of BBC Sport

Alejandro Sabella: Manager, Argentina

Jamie Squire/Getty Images

"

I think Lionel [Messi] reached the pantheon of greats a while back.

Yes, I think he deserved [the Golden Ball]. He played a great World Cup to get us where he did.

I think it’s very deserved.

"

—Peter Rutherford of Reuters

Bastian Schweinsteiger: Midfielder, Germany

Martin Rose/Getty Images

"

Thanks to the whole country for all the support. We always knew they were behind us.

We did very well today—what a performance! The boys on the bench, too, gave their all.

I’ve never experienced anything like it.

"

—Bundesliga.com

Lionel Messi: Forward, Argentina

Martin Rose/Getty Images

"

We haven’t been in the semi-finals for many years and the fact that we played the final and the way we played it is something to be proud of.

But we deserved more and that’s why we’re sad. The strikers missed the chances we had.

It’s a bad feeling for all of us because we couldn’t win the cup and take it to our people.

"

—Alec Fenn of Goal.com

Mario Goetze: Forward, Germany

Julian Finney/Getty Images

"

It’s an unbelievable feeling. I don’t know how to describe it.

I just took the shot and didn’t know what was happening. It’s unbelievable. For us, the dream has become reality.

I’m very proud of the team and extremely happy about everything that happened in Brazil.

"

—FIFA (via Football Italia)

Javier Mascherano: Midfielder, Argentina

Matthias Schrader/Associated Press

"

The pain is immense.

We gave what we could and we are sorry for ourselves and the people.

The sadness is for life.

"

—Argentina’s official Twitter, as per Ben Hayward of Goal.com

Manuel Neuer: Goalkeeper, Germany

Matthias Hangst/Getty Images

"

We are very happy and our unity in the tournament was wonderful.

It’s wonderful to win in Brazil. Congratulations to Argentina; they gave us a real fight.

I’ve always given my all for this team and the success is for everybody. Now we celebrate.

"

—Football Espana