Shouldn't it be 

> 
> The Albiceleste captain looked embarrassed when he was awarded the
>  Golden Ball as the tournament's best player after his country **was**
>  beaten 1-0 in the final by Germany.
> 
> 
> 

instead of 

> 
> The Albiceleste captain looked embarrassed when he was awarded the
>  Golden Ball as the tournament's best player after his country **were**
>  beaten 1-0 in the final by Germany.
> 
> 
> 

which is how it is in this [link](http://www.espnfc.com/real-madrid/story/2009826/cristiano-ronaldo-keeping-quiet-over-lionel-messis-world-cup-award)