Crystal balls don’t seem nearly as popular as they used to be, so we rely on video games to predict the future. Place your bets, because Germany beat Brazil 2-1 to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup, at least according to Electronic Arts. The publisher simulated the entire 32-team tournament using its 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil game, with the Germans squaring off against the host country in a thrilling championship match at the Estádio do Maracanã on July 13th.
The virtual Brazilians struck first, with Neymar da Silva Santos beating Manuel Neuer one-on-one to score the first goal, thus becoming the tournament’s best scorer with a total of six. Unfortunately Brazil’s hopes were eventually crushed by Per Mertesacker and substitute Miroslav Klose, who both scored on brilliant plays; Klose became the World Cup’s greatest scorer in history, with a total of 16 goals. There you have it, four World Cups for Germany, with the latest making it the first European country to win the tournament on South American soil.
In addition, these were the highlights of EA’s FIFA tourney:
- World Champion: Germany
- World Cup Final: Germany 2, Brazil 1 (in extra-time)
- Golden Boot winner: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior (Brazil), 6 goals
- Golden Ball winner: Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior
- Best Goal: Andrés Iniesta vs. England
Of course, we don’t suggest making bets using info from a video game. Then again, EA correctly predicted Spain’s World Cup victory four years ago. Not sure what to do? Clear your head with some Ricky Martin.