As we head in to the final stages of the FIFA World Cup 2014 (yes, the Final between Argentina and Germany), the tournament can be counted as a success.
As we head in to the final stages of the FIFA World Cup 2014 (yes, the Final between Argentina and Germany), the tournament can be counted as a success. This year’s FIFA World Cup rounded out with goals galore, controversies and some exceptional team play from superstars that thronged the South American nation of Brazil. But there were few who quite disappointed us with their shoddy display and exited the World Cup at the Group stage. Who were these ‘fallen’ stars? Here we take a look at some of the duds and studs from the FIFA World Cup 2014:
Studs:
Neymar
Without him (in the semis) Brazil looked a ‘gun without ammunition’; Neymar was one of the key players in the World Cup for Brazil as he looked to fire them up for yet another title. But unfortunately, an injury during the Colombia game ended his tenure in the World Cup and sadly after that, Brazil lost to Germany 7-1.
Lionel Messi
Argentina are into the World Cup finals and with this man upfront, Germany could expect a hard time. Lionel Messi might not have shown the same form at his club level but the former was influential in leading his side to glory and who knows, might just pick up the trophy which he desired to have!
Thomas Muller
With 4 goals leading upto the Finals, Germany’s Thomas Muller can be expected to go for the ‘Golden Boot’ award, if and unless he scores 2 more! The Germans have displayed some of the best football at this year’s World Cup and with Muller in the side, expect them to even go a level further.
Duds
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo came into this tourney as the ‘World’s Best Player’ but sadly, made a quiet exit. Portugal came a cropper with that thrashing from Germany in their opening group game as well as Cristiano Ronaldo’s injuries. A solitary goal was all that he could add as CR7 dissapointed a lot of his fans!
Wayne Rooney
England Football team have always relied on their talisman Wayne Rooney to deliver the goods but the Manchester United forward came under immense pressure as he saw his team exit the World Cup. A lone goal against Uruguay was all ‘Roo’ could muster as coach Roy Hodgson ponders some chopping and changing in the forthcoming months.
Luis Suarez
Uruguay were handed the ‘Group of Death’ alongside the likes of Italy, England and surprise package, Costa Rica. But without star striker Luis Suarez for the first game against Costa Rica, the Uruguayans lost 3-1 until they came up against England. Suarez did show up against his club ‘mates’ but his controversial moment against Italy makes him a pantomime villain!
Mario Balotelli
Another big star who failed to live up to the expectations was Italy’s Mario Balotelli. The AC Milan striker was in hot form going into the World Cup but sadly, missed chances and poor performances cut short his Brazil trip as Italy returned home.
The above football stars showed us that they are ‘human’ as well. If there are times when they can light up the stage, there will be some when it will all fall flat.
