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Your support makes all the difference.Bastian Schweinsteiger might have been left bloody by a challenge from Sergio Aguero, but the midfield maestro had the last laugh in the Maracana.
The Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder was sublime in the centre of the park for Joachim Low's team, completing 90 per cent of his passes as Germany eventually overcome Argentina to win a fourth World Cup.
Schweinsteiger, sporting boots with the tag, The Chosen One', was simply superb, even when faced with rough treatment by Manchester City striker Aguero.
At best Aguero accidentally scratched the midfielder just below the eye, but at worst he intentionally caaught him in the face with his left and right hands - replays and close ups were inconclusive on Aguero's intentions.
A bloodied face did not deter the 29-year-old as he continued to probe and set the tone for the Germans, winning tackles, being smart in possession and leading the team in his quiet manner.
With this latest trophy Schweinsteiger now has as impressive a trophy haul as anyone in the modern game.
A World Cup winners' medal will sit alongside seven Bundesliga titles, seven German Cups, two League Cups and a Champions League title in his trophy cabinet.
Louis van Gaal, the man credited with turning him into the player he is today, is keen to take him to Manchester United.
But don't count on a move - 'Basti' has just seen off the talented Toni Kroos, who has joined Real Madrid, to remain Bayern's main man.
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