20th minute:Kroos, in the middle of the park, heads back towards his own keeper, without realising Higuain is lurking behind his defenders. Higuain’s free. The ball takes two bounces. Then, on the edge of the area, Higuain pulls the trigger — and drags an awful effort miles wide left of goal.
40th minute: Messi scampers down the right in acres of space. Germany appear to be drugged and asleep. They let Messi race into the area and narrow his eyes, before his half-shot, half-cross is hacked off the line by Boateng.
47th minute: Messi romps clear down the inside-left channel, released by a lovely sliderule pass from Biglia. He’s in the area with only Neuer to beat. But he drags a poor shot low and wide right of the target. What an opportunity. He walks back upfield looking sheepish, as well he might.
ET 7th minute: Rojo loops a stunning ball into the German area from the left. It’s perfect, taking out Hummels, and leaving Palacio alone on the penalty spot. He can’t quite get the ball under control, though, and with Neuer racing from his line, tries to scoop over the keeper and into the empty net. He gets the ball up and down, albeit with his shin, and the effort flies harmlessly left of the target.