Top 5 Football substitutions that absolutely paid off

#3 Mario Götze's goal to win the World Cup

Gotze's late goal won Germany the World Cup

Germany made it to the 2014 FIFA World Cup final after demolishing hosts Brazil 7-1 in the last four to set up a decider with their rivals Argentina. The victory over Brazil gave the Germans a real confidence boost heading into their July 13 final. In the semi-finals, Argentina scrapped through a 4-2 post-match penalties win over the Dutch to progress.

This final was a tight affair as both teams were locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes and the first half of extra time. It was a tactical switch by Germany’s coach Joachim Low in the 86th minute that eventually made the difference. He substituted veteran Miroslav Klose for the young Dortmund attacker Mario Götze.

Götze went on to score the winner in the 113th minute when Andre Schurrle drew three defenders on the left flank before crossing. Götze controlled the ball brilliantly which created space before steering it past Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero as Germany triumphed 1-0.