World Cup:
Mario Goetze produced the piece of individual skill that Lionel Messi couldn't muster.
With two quick, deft touches, Goetze ended Germany's 24-year wait for another World Cup title — and denied Messi the one title he needs to forever take his place among soccer's all-time greats.
Goetze scored the winning goal in extra time to give Germany a 1-0 victory over Argentina in a tight and tense World Cup final. Goetz beat Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero in the 113th minute.
The win is Germany's first as a united country. West Germany won the World Cup in 1954, 1974 and 1990.
MLB:
In the American League, the Boston Red Sox beat the Houston Astros 11-0. Clay Buchholz allowed three hits and struck out a career-high 12 in his fifth career shutout. Brock Holt had a career-best five hits, including a leadoff homer, to help the Red Sox to their fourth victory in five games heading into the All-Star break. The Baltimore Orioles beat the New York Yankees 3-1 last night in a game called by rain after 4 ½ innings. Elsewhere Tampa Bay blanked Toronto 3-0, Cleveland edged the White Sox 3-2, Kansas City bested Detroit 5-2, the Angels topped Texas 10-7, and Oakland defeated Seattle 4-1.
In interleague play, Minnesota defeated Colorado 13-5.
In the National League, the New York Mets completed a three-game sweep of the Miami Marlins with a 9-1 victory yesterday. Elsewhere Atlanta beat the Cubs 10-7, Cincinnati doubled up Pittsburgh 6-3, Milwaukee blew out St. Louis 11-2, Washington topped Philadelphia 10-3, and it was the Dodger over San Diego 1-0.
Madison Bumgarner became the first pitcher in 48 years to hit two grand slams in a season, and Buster Posey also hit a slam in the Giants' 8-4 win over Arizona. Posey and Bumgarner are the first batterymates in major league history to hit grand slams in the same game.
NBA:
Carmelo Anthony is remaining with the Knicks, saying he wants "to stay and build here with this city and my team." Anthony made his decision official yesterday with a posting on his website. He writes: "In the end, I am a New York Knick at heart." The Knicks can pay the All-Star forward nearly $130 million over five years. LeBron James decided late last week to rejoin the Cleveland Cavaliers on a two year contract worth $42 million.
Golf – John Deere Classic:
Brian Harman finished 22-under-par to finish 1 shot in front of Zach Johnson to win the PGA's John Deere Classic. Harman had a final round 5-under-66 while Johnson closed out with a 7-under-64.
Scottish Open:
Justin Rose finished in front of the field to win the Scottish Open. Rose shot a final round 6-under-65 to finish 16-under par, two shots in front of Kristoffer Broberg.
Women’s British Open:
Mo Martin of the U.S. has won the Women's British Open. The 31-year-old shot a final-round even-par 72 to finish 1-under, one shot in front of Shanshan Feng and Suzann Pettersen. Inbee Park, the leader after three rounds, skied to a 5-over 77 to finish two shots back of Martin, who played golf at UCLA.
The 5-foot-2 Martin started play on the LPGA Tour as a pro two years ago and clinched the Open championship with an eagle on the 18th hole.
WNBA:
Los Angeles beat Connecticut 90-64, Minnesota defeated Seattle 77-60, Atlanta edged Chicago in overtime 81-79, and it was Phoenix over San Antonio 90-61.
©2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.