Merkel to attend World Cup final in Rio

BERLIN - Agence France-Presse

In this July 3, 2010 file photo German Chancellor Angela Merkel celebrates next to South African President Jacob Zuma, left, after Germany's Thomas Mueller scored a goal during the World Cup quarterfinal match between Argentina and Germany at the Green Point stadium in Cape Town, South Africa. AP Photo

German Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Joachim Gauck will attend the World Cup final in Brazil Sunday to back the German side, Berlin said.
      
"President Joachim Gauck will travel with Chancellor Angela Merkel to Rio de Janeiro from July 12 to 14" and watch the final match together, his office said Wednesday.
      
After Germany's historic 7-1 thrashing of hosts Brazil in the semifinal on Tuesday, they will face either Argentina or the Netherlands for the championship on Sunday.
      
A record 32.6 million people watched the rout on German television.