Rio De Janerio: Bloodied and bruised, Bastian Schweinsteiger paid tribute to Germany's fans after a historic victory saw the country become the first Europeans to win the World Cup in the Americas.


Bastian Schweinsteiger. Pic/AFP 

Germany claimed a fourth title after Mario Goetze came off the bench to score a 113th minute-winner in their 1-0 victory over Argentina at Rio de Janeiro's iconic Maracana Stadium. Midfield general Schweinsteiger said messages of support from loyal fans back home had helped the team on their run to the title.