World Cup substitutes make big impact to the end as Goetze comes off Germany bench to win it

Germany's Mario Goetze, center, celebrates with Andre Schuerrle (9) after Goetze scored the opening goal during the World Cup final soccer match between Germany and Argentina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Sunday, July 13, 2014. At right is Thomas Mueller (13). (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) (The Associated Press)

Netherlands' head coach Louis van Gaal greets Netherlands' Robin van Persie as he is substituted by Netherlands' Klaas-Jan Huntelaar during the World Cup semifinal soccer match between the Netherlands and Argentina at the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo Brazil, Wednesday, July 9, 2014. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar) (The Associated Press)

RIO DE JANEIRO – At a World Cup where substitutes have made more impact than ever, it was fitting that Mario Goetze came off the bench to win it, and another replacement supplied the inch-perfect cross.

Goetze's extra-time goal to beat Argentina and win the cup was the 32nd scored by a substitute in Brazil.

The previous best, 23 at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, is not even close.

Coming on in the 88th minute to replace Miroslav Klose, Goetze's two shots on target matched teammate Toni Kroos who played the full two hours.

Even the cross for Goetze's beautifully balanced winning strike came from another substitute, Andre Shuerrle.

Teams who used their squad well — like the third-place Netherlands and quarterfinalist Belgium — got strong finishes and crucial late goals.