Top five moments of the 2014 World Cup
From James Rodriguez’s stunner to Alex Song’s crazy elbow, Brazil’s despair and sent to mourning against eventual Champions Germany to Argentina’s wonder run, the 2014 FIFA World Cup provided a wonder spectacle to the football fraternity all over the globe. The Die Mannschaft claimed their fourth crown at the Maracana against Argentina in the final while Costa Rica made a mockery of the group of death to Colombia’s amazing run in the 20th anniversary of Andres Escobar’s unfortunate murder. With no more late night football to savour, major leagues all round the globe is all set to begin in a month’s time. Today we providing a parting shot at the foregone party in Sambaland and take a look at the top five moments that defined the 2014 World Cup.
Robin Van Persie’s amazing diving header in Holland’s 5-1 demolition of Spain:
The 2010 World Champions took an early lead thanks to Xabi Alonso’s penalty but what followed for the Red Armada was beyond imagination. A sublime through ball from left wing back Daley Blind found the Manchester United striker who scored with an ecstatic diving header.
It was a goal that you would dream to score and the poise, ability and panache with which Van Persie lobbed over the onrushing Iker Casillas certainly remains one of the post cards of the showpiece event. It paved the way and set the tone for Louis Van Gaal’s side to thrash Vicente Del Bosque’s men and carry their juggernaut well into the semi finals.
Luis Suarez dumping England out barely a month after surgery:
The Uruguayan strike’s bite on Giorgio Chiellini certainly remains the most talked about moment before in hindsight the new Barcelona striker’s willingness to express himself on the pitch is beyond imagination. Barely a month after his surgery, Suarez picked himself up, grabbed the game by the scruff off the neck and knocked a terrible looking England out of the event. Suarez might always be remembered for the wrong reasons but his immaculate determination to strive for success stemming from his burning desire beholds as one of the best moments from Brazil.
James Rodriguez’s stunner against Uruguay:
The Monaco sensation didn’t get past the quarters, but should have been the player of the tournament ideally for his exploits from the group stages to the round of sixteen. Rodriguez’s poise to make space in a crowded midfield and then snap shot after controlling with his chest certainly in my opinion remains the strike of the tournament. The Real Madrid target “brought goals and grace to the tournament and his treatment by Brazil in the quarter-finals underlined how cynical and pragmatic the hosts have become .” (Quote from Guardian)
Louis Van Gaal’s ‘lucky’ substitution bringing on Tim Krul against Costa Rica:
For 120 minutes Holland couldn’t get past a determined Costa Rican outfit who fought tooth and nail to hold their own in what was a pulsating quarter final. Coach Louis Van Gaal then threw on what many claim as the best piece of ‘tactical masterstroke’ throwing on Tim Krul for Japer Cillessen. As it turned out, Krul saved crucial penalties to carry the Dutch to the semi final. A certain lucky substitute for me, penalties are always a zero sum game (You miss, I hit), nothing more than this. Throw out the tactical stuff even though the Dutch Legend is known for his tactical acumen, certainly not this one.
Germany lift the cup at the Maracana and Gotze dedicating the win to best friend Marco Reus
With less than eight minutes reaming, substitute Mario Gotze received the ball thanks to Andre Schurrle’s pass from the wings. The Bayern Munich star for once got behind Martin Demichelis and Ezequiel Garay and chested the Brazuka and in the same motion snap shooted past the hapless Sergio Romero to give Germany their fourth World Cup title.
A moment to savour for the Europeans who became the first country to win a major tournament in Latin American soil. Gotze however kept his best for the last dedicating the victory to former club mate and his best friend Marco Reus with the latter’s shirt, the Dortmund sensation who missed the World Cup albeit a horror injury just before the showpiece event.