The Scent of Glory: How Mario G?tze Felt Scoring in the 2014 World Cup Final

Every footballer dreams of scoring that famous goal in a final that determines their country's destiny. For Mario G?tze, the 22-year-old maestro who captured the world's attention in the ultimate stage of football, it was an indelible moment in his young career.

Germany vs. Argentina World Cup Final 2014

The 2014 FIFA World Cup final in Brazil between Germany and Argentina set the stage for a footballing showdown. G?tze, the youngest goalscorer in a World Cup final since 1966 at just 22 years old, delivered the winning goal. The entire team celebrated, but G?tze's joy was palpable, knowing that he had etched his name into the annals of football history.

Mario G?tze Interview

The following are excerpts from an interview with G?tze, speaking to Laureus Sports for Good, where he discussed the significance of being nominated for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award, the impact of scoring the winning goal, and his thoughts on the nominations and the rest of the World Cup.

Being Nominated for the Laureus Award

Laureus Host: What does it mean being nominated for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award?

Mario G?tze: For me as a young football player, it is a great honor to be amongst the other nominees and great sportsmen. The Laureus Award is a worldwide-known and significant prize. It brings attention to the impact we as athletes can have in the world beyond the game.

Nomination Process and Other Nominees

Laureus Host: What would it mean to you to win? Are you competing with some other great nominees? Is this a strong lineup?

Mario G?tze: Since there are so many great sportspeople in the jury, I really admire it if I were to win, but let's wait and see. It's an absolutely top lineup, and for me to be amongst them is great. I love tennis and I can remember watching Marin Cilic in the US Open final. An amazing victory for him. Daniel Ricciardo won three Grand Prix in a rookie year and I was astonished by his great performance. James Rodriguez won the Golden Boot in the FIFA World Cup and played a wonderful World Cup with amazing goals, and his team [Colombia] was surprising as well. Now he is with Real Madrid and he is doing so well. I love skiing, and the ski pros are just crazy what they do in the snow. Mikaela Shiffrin won a gold medal at 18. Wow—there is no need to have too many words about that. Tennis is a single sport, but the Swiss Davis Cup team showed that many great players together can reach an even higher level.

Scoring the Winning Goal for Germany

Laureus Host: Looking back to Brazil, what is your memory of scoring that famous winning goal for Germany in the 2014 World Cup Final?

Mario G?tze: I certainly will never forget this moment and the joy of the whole team, but everything happened so fast, and I moved instinctively to score. It was a moment of many emotions and adrenaline.

Impact on Personal Life

Laureus Host: Has this changed your life? Do people look at you differently?

Mario G?tze: It changed in that way that many people ask me about this special moment and probably will in the future, which is nice. On the other hand, in football, we always face one challenge after another, and time is running so fast. There is no time for sitting still.

Joachim L?w Motivation

Laureus Host: When you were sent on in the World Cup final after 88 minutes, what did Joachim L?w say?

Mario G?tze: He tried to motivate me and said 'let's change the game and show the world that you are better than Messi.'

Disappointment on Bench During Brazil Win

Laureus Host: He kept you on the bench in the 7-1 win over Brazil. Was that disappointing?

Mario G?tze: As a football player, you are always disappointed sitting on the bench. I want to play because I love the game. Especially, not taking part in such a historic match was not easy, but we all know how the story ended.

Golden Ball Controversy

Laureus Host: Were you surprised that the Golden Ball went to Lionel Messi and not a German player?

Mario G?tze: That was not my decision. Of course, there are several great players on our side, and nobody could complain if someone from our team would have been awarded it. But Messi is an outstanding player, and he absolutely deserves it.

Post-World Cup Experience

Laureus Host: People just talk about the World Cup final now, but what was the rest of the World Cup like for you? Was it an amazing experience?

Mario G?tze: It was my first World Cup, and I will never forget the preparation time before we left to go to Brazil. In Campo Bahia, I felt completely comfortable, and we had the best conditions to train, relax, and focus. Playing for the German team is always an honor, and we can be happy that we have so many great and skilled players, and a real good mixture of young guys and experienced players.

Future Potential of the Team

Laureus Host: How much more can this Germany team go on to win? Can it be as dominating as the Spanish team that won the 2010 World Cup and two European Championships?

Mario G?tze: We have a great squad, and the next tournaments can be successful as well, but at first, we need to qualify for the European Championships and then go ahead.

Favorite Role in Football

Laureus Host: You can play in a variety of roles. Which is your favorite?

Mario G?tze: I am a flexible player on the wing or in the middle, which is my favorite position. I love the freedom and the responsibility that come with playing centrally.

Source: Mario G?tze interview, Laureus Sports for Good