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Courtesy: CBS Sports
They say that a World Cup is only truly defined years after it has ended. History will remember the tournament based on the memories that still linger five, ten or even twenty years after the tournament ends.
When one thinks back to South Africa 2010, you get the images of Iniesta’s extra time winner afterwards lifting his shirt with a message to his befallen friend Dani Jarque emblazened on his under shirt. Germany 2006 left us with Zidane’s renaissance ending in controversy after being red carded in the final as France lost in shootouts to Italy. Korea/Japan 2002 is remembered for Ronaldo’s return to football in which he went on to lead Brazil to a record fifth World Cup title. France 98 will always be remember for Zidane’s magestic performance in the finals that seen France dominate Brazil to a 3-0 victory.
So how will the 2014 World Cup be remember years down the line? Brazil 2014 left us with a wealth of memories to draw from in the coming years, but for me there are five that immediately stick out. In the future, when I look back on the incredible tournament that was Brazil 2014, these are the moments that I know will stay with me forever.
5) Uruguay’s Luis Suarez Biting Giorgio Chiellini
This man will go down in football history for his antics on the pitch. So incredibly gifted and yet so terribly flawed. Suarez’s lack of discipline during razor sharp moments of a match sees him react in the most baffling and disgusting ways imaginable. This behaviour was on display during Uruguay’s match against Italy. The Uruguayan superstar was seen biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini in the shoulder, in what is now his third instance of biting on opposition player. Suarez was subsequently handed a four month ban from all football related activities for his behaviour and earned himself a spot in football history for his antics that day.
4) Spain, Italy, England, Portugal All Getting Knocked Out Of The Group Stages
Brazil 2014 will also be remember for the fall of European powerhouse nations at the group stages. Spain, Italy, England, and Portugal all failed to qualify from their groups in one of the most shocking group stages I can recall. Spain’s is especially notable as their elimination marked the end of their dominance in the football world, both on the international and club level. They will be out for blood in 2018 though. Mark my words, Spain will dominate the 2018 World Cup. Their next generation of stars have the potential to eclipse their predecessors.
3) Miroslav Klose Breaking Ronaldo’s World Cup Goal Scoring Record
In his fourth World Cup appearance, Miroslav Klose managed to finally break Ronaldo’s World Cup record which he has held since 2006. Ironically, he managed to break the record against Ronaldo’s country Brazil. The German hitman has recorded 17 goals at World Cup finals throughout his illustrious career. As it stands, I don’t think that record will be broken for some time to come.
2) Brazil’s Humiliating 7-1 Defeat To Germany
Prior to the tournament beginning, many in the Brazilian media were making claims that failure to win the World Cup would be a national disaster. With all the money invested into the tournament and the entire nation expecting them to win it, the manner in which Brazil were eliminated is one of the most shocking moments, not only in the World Cup history, but in football history. Germany absolutely humiliated Brazil en route to a 7-1 win in the semi finals. The host nation had no answer to the Germans on the day as they sat back and let the Germans put on masterclass of performance.
1) Mario Goetze’s Extra Time Winner
There is no moment more defining than that of the finals. World Cup finals are won by legends of the game. Mario Goetze’s extra time winner has put him in a category alongside legends such as Zidane, Ronaldo, and Iniesta as the young Bayern Munich midfielder scored an incredible goal to give Germany the cup. These are the moments where legends are made. Argentina’s team had numerous clear cut chances to put the game to rest, but when greatness calls only few have the capacity answer. Mario Goetze was the only player on the day who could cease the moment and placed his name in history alongside the pantheon of greats who have done similar in the past. His goal was expertly taken and showed a composure and cutting edge that is the mark of a truly great player. For me Mario Goetze earned his place in history after what he did on Sunday night.
