Editor's note: From triumphs to tragedies, China.org.cn takes a look at the top 10 sports stories this year.
Germany wins 4th World Cup title
Germany was crowned world champion for the fourth time as Mario Gotze's extra-time winner beat Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final.
The win made Germany the first European team to prevail in a World Cup in the Americas and gave the Germans, who have made it to the knockout stage in 16 consecutive World Cups, their first trophy since 1990.