Germany win women's world cup

Germany 2 Sweden 1 (Germany win with extra-time golden goal)

Germany won the women’s World Cup in dramatic fashion today as Nia Kuenzer headed a winner eight minutes into sudden-death extra-time.

In a thrilling final which was evidently sapping the players of their energy, substitute Kuenzer’s fresh legs helped her burst into the penalty area and head home.

Sweden had taken the lead four minutes before half-time when Hanna Ljungberg sprinted clear of the German defence and coolly slid the ball into the bottom right corner.

But Maren Meinert’s equaliser came just a minute into the second half and Germany dominated the match from that point onwards at the Home Depot Center, even though extra-time meant the ‘golden goal’ factor gave Sweden renewed hope.