German euphoria in Berlin

As Germany lifted the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, hundreds of thousands of supporters took to the streets back in Berlin to celebrate.

The majority had watched the match at a public viewing next to the Brandenburg Gate, where a black, red and gold-clad crowd stretched as far as the eye could see. It was a joyous scene as Germany finally scratched a nagging itch; this was the Nationalmannschaft's maiden global success as a unified nation, and their first triumph of note since their victory at EURO '96.

Oliver Bierhoff was one of Germany's heroes that day. Now national-team general manager, he had paid tribute to the backing his team were receiving at home in the build-up to the final. With that endorsement, supporters began arriving at the official 'Fan Mile' more than eight hours before kick-off.

Even a thunderstorm, which only stopped moments before the game started, could not dampen the fans' enthusiasm, and genuine euphoria greeted Mario Götze's late winner.

Queen's We Are The Champions rang out at full time, with a huge fireworks display lighting up the night sky when Phillip Lahm lifted the trophy. Despite it being a Sunday, the celebrations went on long into the night, and they show no sign of letting up in the coming days.

Germany have traditionally held their homecomings in Frankfurt, but this year they will head to Berlin. The news was confirmed before the final by German Fooball Association (DFB) president Wolfgang Niersbach, who said: "The Fan Mile in Berlin would be an ideal place to say thank you to the fans from throughout Germany for their sensational support."

That celebration will take place on Tuesday. If it is anything like the celebrations after the final itself, it is sure to be an event to remember.