5 most important goals scored by substitutes at the FIFA World Cup

#1. Mario Gotze, Germany vs Argentina, 2014

Mario Gotze's goal won the 2014 World Cup for Germany

Mario Gotze scored four goals for Germany during the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. He had already established himself as one of the finest young footballers heading into the tournament.

Gotze started in Germany’s opening two matches against Portugal and Ghana, scoring a goal in the latter. He started in the last 16 against Algeria, before coming on as a substitute against France in the quarter-finals. Gotze was an unused sub during Germany’s 7-1 drubbing of Brazil.

In the final against Argentina, Gotze was on the bench before replacing Miroslav Klose in the 88th minute. During the substitution, Klose told him, "Show the world you are better than Messi and can decide the World Cup."

The match proceeded into extra time after both teams were locked in a stalemate after full-time. With only 7 minutes to go in extra-time, Gotze chested Andre Schurrle’s cross before volleying it past Argentine goalie Sergio Romero to win the World Cup for Germany.

Gotze thus became the first substitute to score a World Cup winning goal.