The airing of the World Cup final match at the German Embassy premises on Sunday night paved the way for networking among residents, said Ambassador Boris Ruge, Germany’s new envoy to the Kingdom.

“Around 300 Germans, Saudis and other foreigners watched the match together,” he told Arab News.

“We, at the embassy, are happy beyond words indeed, not only at Germany’s victory, but at our ability to bring together Saudis and expatriates together,” the German envoy said.

Mario Goetze made the winning goal. With two quick, deft touches, he ended Germany’s 24-year wait for another World Cup title with an extra-time winner against Argentina, denying Argentinian Lionel Messi the one title he needed to forever take his place among the game’s all-time greats. Goetze, who wasn’t yet born when West Germany beat Argentina in the 1990 final, controlled a cross with his chest in the 113th minute and in one fluid motion volleyed the ball past goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

That caused the audience watching the game at the embassy to suddenly stand up and uproariously clap their hands and high-five each other despite meeting for the first time.