This summer, former England Under-21 team-mates Theo Walcott and Adam Johnson played golf together in Portugal. At the same time, six of the Germans they faced in the 2009 European Championship final were in Brazil heading towards the World Cup final.

Long-standing issues throughout the Brazilian game have led to disappointment in their home World Cup, according to Gilberto Silva.

What sets Germany apart is that they are in a constant state of self-evaluation, while never allowing the free pass of treating a World Cup as a dry run.

World Cup fanatic Rihanna posted a picture of herself and football legend Pele soon after she landed in Brazil ahead of Sunday evening's final. The Barbados-born singer, who has been tweeting her thoughts on the World Cup throughout the duration of the tournament, met the 72-year-old in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil's third-place play-off against Holland on Saturday was a chance for a redemption following their jaw-dropping 7-1 semi-final humiliation to Germany.

Lukas Podolski needs no invitation to take a selfie, so the Germany striker wasn't about to let the opportunity pass him by after winning the World Cup.

Holland goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen sparked a flurry of internet jokes after sitting against the post during Saturday night's third place play-off.

NEIL ASHTON AT THE MARACANA: Germany have been regarded as the best prepared team at the tournament for some time: Best players, best training ground, best coach, best everything.

It has been a month of high drama, stunning goals and a fair share of controversy. And with the World Cup over, Sportsmail asked its experts how they will best remember Brazil 2014.

MARK WEBSTER: Mike Ingham, a familiar voice on BBC Radio 5 Live for three decades, delivered his last commentary as Germany beat Argentina to win the World Cup on Sunday night. As ever, he found the right words for the occasion.

It was a World Cup full of stunning goals, epic entertainment, brilliant performances and many shocks. Sportsmail's Chris Wheeler reflects on Brazil 2014 and lists 10 reasons why it was the best ever.

MARTIN KEOWN: The World Cup final can be the best occasion of a footballer's life, or the worst if they crumble under the pressure.

There will have been plenty of Arsenal fans cheering on Germany on Sunday evening, attempting to share in the triumph of a World Cup win that seems to edge further away from England's dreams.

BRIAN BARWICK: This has been a hugely enjoyable World Cup for viewers and one that England’s early exit failed to diminish.

Philipp Lahm was Germany's intrepid leader on the pitch but Lukas Podolski was leading them home to their inevitable rapturous reception in Berlin.

SPONSORED: Lionel Messi and James Rodriguez have lit up the summer with their silky skills and fabulous flair... but back home these football freestylers have impressed on a special pitch in east London.

I'm lucky to live at home with my parents so this is why I just need to earn around £100 a week to pay the bills I need to per month. But should I earn more to get in the system for the state pension?

The weekly paid seem to be the most vulnerable to losing a qualifying year. Should they register as unemployed or play class 3 contributions so they don't miss out?

My wife was told she was not getting enough state pension as she was only getting 39 per cent of my payment when she should be getting 60 per cent.

If she takes the £10k pot she is liable for tax. This seems very unfair as every other year before this and after she will earn a lot under the limit. Can't she share the excess over several tax years?

I have just found out I'm not divorced after 30 years. My state pension is very low. I'm only getting £78 per week. My husband gets a full pension. If I get divorced now, would I get more?

Longstaff is one of the top flight's lowest earners but has still put money towards the NHS' fight against coronavirus as part of the Premier League's 'Players Together' initiative.

KIERAN GILL: Amanda Staveley could be about to become the new First Lady of Football. She is thought to have a personal fortune of £115m-plus, and is no stranger to the limelight.

CRAIG HOPE: Newcastle United are in talks with Amanda Staveley over the sale of the Premier League club. So is this finally the end of Mike Ashley's 13-year reign as owner?

EXCLUSIVE BY MIKE KEEGAN AND CRAIG HOPE: Sources have disclosed that all the necessary paperwork has been lodged, and that the potential deal now awaits their approval.

A deal worth £300million from Saudi Arabia's Private Investment Fund, Amanda Staveley and the Reuben Brothers to take control of the club from current owner Mike Ashley is close to being finalised.

Mike Ashley is close to sealing the £300million sale of the Premier League club to a consortium fronted by Amanda Staveley, which has been backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund.

Mike Ashley's 13-year ownership of Newcastle is nearing the end. His £300m sale of the club is now in the hands of the Premier League, and he is 'closer than ever' to getting his wish.

EXCLUSIVE BY CRAIG HOPE: Sources close to the £300million deal being brokered by Amanda Staveley say it would be 'wrong' to make an immediate managerial change.

Should the Reuben brothers play an integral part in Mike Ashley departing Newcastle United, Ant and Dec might suddenly find they have competition as the Toon's favourite double act.

Longstaff, who burst onto the scene when he scored the match-winner against Manchester United, is out of contract on June 30 and talks over a new deal have stagnated in recent months.

EXCLUSIVE BY CRAIG HOPE: Mike Ashley was hours away from confirming the £300million sale of Newcastle United last week only for the Saudi owners in-waiting to insist on a delay.

The north-east club are reportedly on the verge of being sold to a Saudi-backed consortium which involves Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for around £300million.

Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley has reached an amicable agreement with Amanda Staveley's Saudi-backed group that will see him depart St James' Park.

England cricket legend Andrew Flintoff has recalled how Newcastle boss Steve Bruce once bailed him out of a sticky situation at a restaurant after his credit card had maxed out.

Amnesty's UK director Kate Allen wrote a letter saying there were serious questions to address but Masters insisted 'due process' would take place.

beIN Sports shone a light on Saudi Arabia's involvement in the piracy of matches, highlighting the Premier League's unsuccessful attempts to take legal action against satellite provider Arabsat.

The Human Rights Foundation have become the latest campaign group to write to Premier League chief executive Richard Masters condemning the takeover of Newcastle.

Faustino Asprilla has backed Steve Bruce to stay on as Newcastle United boss after the club is taken over by a Saudi consortium, despite links to high profile managers. 

Both bodies have their versions of 'financial fair play' (FFP), with the Premier League limiting owner-subsidised losses to £105million over three years and UEFA limiting three-year losses to £26m.

The Saudi-backed consortium fronted by Amanda Staveley - who expect to complete their £300million Newcastle takeover imminently - feel that they need a world class manager right away.

EXCLUSIVE: BeIN Sports have written to the Premier League urging chief executive Richard Masters to block the £300million deal for Newcastle, citing illegal streaming of matches in Saudi Arabia.

Newcastle's Valentino Lazaro has slammed the Premier League and club executives over their plan to introduce blanket 30 per cent cuts to players' wages amid the coronavirus crisis.

It appears that current owner Mike Ashley is edging forever closer to selling the club to a bid led by Amanda Staveley which is backed by the wealth of the Saudi Public Investment Fund.

The Premier League asked the United States government to keep Saudi Arabia on its piracy watch list before beginning checks on Newcastle United's Saudi-led takeover.

It is the news Newcastle fans have been dreaming about for years - a big-money takeover and the possible departure of Mike Ashley. But how does a deal actually happen? Our expert reveals all.

EXCLUSIVE BY CRAIG HOPE: Andy Carroll has beaten the mystery injury that was threatening to end his season - but is now sweating on the resumption of Premier League football.

First-team players are expected to return to training next week, providing Government's formal review and Premier League shareholders' meeting agree to finish the current campaign.

The BBC, another key Premier League partner, has also complained to the European Commission about Saudi Arabia regarding TV piracy, which could scupper state's bid to buy Newcastle.

Matt Ritchie believes Newcastle team-mate Jonjo Shelvey could play for Barcelona 'if only his head was screwed on'. Shelvey, 28, has been capped six times by England.