The 2014 FIFA World Cup has reached its initial stage of the tournament. With Argentina winning over the Dutch, it will be the former taking on the Germans in a high octane clash in the Finals.
The 2014 FIFA World Cup has reached its initial stage of the tournament. With Argentina winning over the Dutch, it will be the former taking on the Germans in a high octane clash in the Finals. But as we come to bid goodbye to the tourney very soon, the FIFA World Cup left us amazed with some eye-popping entertainment, controversies and loads of goals. Here, we focus on the major talking points to emerge so far from the World Cup in Brazil.
Arjen Robben’s ‘Diving claims’
Dutch winger Arjen Robben made himself a talking point by admitting he dived during the Netherland’s win over Mexico. The Bayern Munich attacker was the victim of Mexico’s Rafa Marquez’s daft tackle in the game-deciding penalty. While the winger drew criticism for his flamboyant exaggeration, his comments referred to an earlier dive.
Spain’s early exit
Nobody expected that but Spain’s domination of World Football came to an abrupt end as the reigning champions made a tearful exit from the tourney after losing both their games in the group stages. Netherlands crushed them 5-2 in the first game while Chile too had the better of Spanish Armada. Thus, the ‘tiki taka’ football made its way out of Brazil!
Costa Rica’s dream run
None predicted Costa Rica’s remarkable journey in Brazil after they survived the most proclaimed, ‘the Group of Death’ that consisted the likes of Italy, England and Uruguay. Costa Rica beat Italy and Uruguay and progressed to the Round of 16 where they met Greece. What more, the ‘Los Ticos’ beat the former European champions and qualified for the quarter-finals much to the jubilation of their fans.
James Rodriguez attracts eyeballs
This Colombian attacker surely made the World Cup of his own as the former shot to fame with his crucial 5 goals. James Rodriguez announced himself on world stage with his blistering pace and creative skill ability that left the opposition in bit of a worry! No Messi, No Ronaldo and No Neymar! It was James Rodriguez’s World Cup.
Luis Suarez ‘bite’ saga
It’s never too late for Luis Suarez to announce himself onto the scene of crime when the Liverpool striker stuck his teeth onto Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulders. Even though the Italian defender showed off his marks to the referee, no card was shown to the Uruguayan. Instead, FIFA stepped in and slapped a four-month ban on the controversial striker.
Goalies galore in this year’s World Cup
Leave aside the attackers, it were the goal-keepers that shone in this year’s World Cup. Right from Guillermo Ochoa, Manuel Neuer, Tim Howard, Keylor Navas, Vincent Enyeama to name a few. Even if the forwards romped in the goals, these stoppers from particular nations made sure that it was not always a goal-fest!
Cristiano Ronaldo’s no-show
Portugal and Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo came into this tournament as the ‘World’s Best Player’ (Ballon D’Or winner) but sadly, he never lived up to the expectations. Portugal was crushed in their opening group game against Germany as CR7 disappointed with an abysmal performance. Portugal made a quiet exit as his rival Leo Messi had the last laugh.
Brazil’s 7-1 thrashing sends shockwaves
Coming into this semi-final against Germany, Brazil were without their star striker Neymar as well as suspended Thiago Silva. But none had expected a mauling was in the offering as German juggernaut crushed the hosts 7-1 that was so painful for the fans at home, some were left teary eyed and left the stadium half way.
Neymar’s excruciating injury
18 shots on goal, created 13 other chances for his team-mates and had 241 touches in the opposition half, Neymar was Brazil’s best attacker. But during their quarter-final game against Colombia, the Barcelona forward sustained a lumbar fracture when he was kneed in the back by Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga.
England and Italy steep to an all time low
They may have one of the best domestic leagues in the world (Serie A and English Premier League) but the European powerhouses – Italy and England were left to pick up the pieces as both the sides failed to qualify to the Round of 16. Many critics and football pundits criticised their style of play as well as citing error of judgement on the part of their coaches.
The FIFA World Cup 2014 has revolutionised the game of football to a whole new level. Right from the Goal-line technology to the water-breaks (used for the first time during Netherlands and Mexico game), this World Cup will be etched forever in history!
