Germans are 2014 FIFA World Cup champions. You too can win!

By Patrick Katagata

It's a game everyone wanted to win even in Uganda. Characterised by tension and anxiety evenly all through, the cries and chants at its climax were well expected.

With a skillful display and with an impending final whistle, Mario Götze converted the 112th minute into what'll go down as a champion's golden score that in just three minutes left settled the Germans into their most coveted position as World Champions!

Have you ever been in such a tight contest? Did you win or lose? A game and especially one that's a World Cup grand finale is a do or die. It's exhilarating as it's daunting - you've no escape but play each passing minute like it's the last in your life. Sometimes even skills and physical ability may not help – you need confidence to win the game before you even enter the pitch.

Confidence is that inner drive that generates positive energy and radiates hope that you can and will win even when the sight of success may be far from close. Optimism yields positive energy and invigorates your dreams while pessimism yields mediocre results.

Confidence, in my view, was critical in this game. For the two teams the usual tension notwithstanding, right from the onset, the Germans seemed assured of their own victory. It's perhaps from how they trounced Brazil 7-0 in the semi finals. They confidently tackled the Argentinians man-to-man denying them the same ball possessions they'd in their semi final face off with Netherlands.

In this final game, generally the Argentinians seemingly lacked the mental assurance that they'd win save for may be Messi. Playing with a team that humiliated a hitherto fierce Brazil caused them panic as was evident in their no-parking unguided shots that one can argue that they lost the game before it's even played! They'd also have hoped on penalties where they exhibited great prowess but Götze cut shot their hopes!

But there are great lessons to learn from this:

·     Even though Argentina didn't win, Messi, Argentina's player was crowned overall best player and won the golden ball award. It doesn't matter if you're a member of a weak team, poor family, less known organization etc, if you position yourself smartly and work strategically, you can be elevated above your own background. I've often heard young people lament that their families are poor and I consistently remind them that they're not their families and can only turn out poor themselves by their own mental conditioning. Arise and shine for your destiny transcends your background or current status;

·     Despite his golden ball accolade, Messi, just like his colleagues and coach, was still visibly disappointed that his team lost. That's a Champion's spirit – they never rejoice in less than their ultimate aim. In whatever you do, don't settle for average scores;

·     For the rest of us, Argentina's position is worth celebrating for they at least came second out of thirty two contenders and there had to be only one winner. Aim at the sky so if you don't get there, you may still dance among the stars;

·     Despite setbacks in our career a golden moment may present itself and if we seize it, we'll turn our lives around for a lifetime. He was first confined to the substitutes’ bench but Götze came on only in the 88th minute to write his name into football history. For you, too, that time is coming if you care to seize the moment and write history in your respective career! Choicest wishes!

The writer is a motivational speaker