What emotions are most associated with the 2014 World Cup…
SEE ALSO: The 50 best players at the 2014 World Cup.
With the World Cup group stage rumbling towards a conclusion, here’s a look at ten of the most memorable moments so far, and the emotions we associate with them…
10) Fear – Croatia lead against Brazil
The hosts were given an almighty scare in their opening game, when Marcelo’s own goal gave Croatia a shock lead. Luckily for the Brazilians, their star-man Neymar was on hand to lead the fightback and guide them to an opening day win.
9) Awe – Cahill goal steals the plaudits
The ex-Everton midfielder scored arguable the greatest goal of the World Cup so far, when he netted a stunning, van Basten esc volley against the Netherlands. Unfortunately for his Australia team, they would go on to lose the match 3-2 and be eliminated from the competition. Check out the goal below…
8) Embarrassment – Spain exit early
Two-time European champions and defending World champions, Spain came into the 2014 World Cup looking to win their fourth major trophy on the bounce. Few could have predicted the humiliation that ensued, as defeats to the Netherlands and Chile saw them eliminated after just two matches.
7) Regret – Pepe leaves Portugal in the mire
The Real Madrid defender has something of a reputation for red cards, but he will have rarely picked up a more ridiculous dismissal. With Portugal already struggling against the impressive Germans, Pepe’s attempted headbutt on Thomas Muller all but sealed their fate.
6) Anger – Cameroon do battle (with each other)
Speaking of headbutts, check out this video of Cameroonian teammates Benoit Assou-Ekotto and Benjamin Moukandjo. It’s perhaps no real surprise that their team were eliminated from the World Cup without picking up so much as a point.
5) Surprise – Costa Rica progress
Costa Rica have been one of the biggest surprises at this World Cup, defeating both Uruguay and Italy to progress from the supposed ‘Group of Death’. Arsenal-owned winger Joel Campbell (pictured) has been one of their many standout players.
4) Relief – Argentina survive Iran scare
It needed a Lionel Messi rescue act to ensure Argentina avoided what would have been an extremely embarrassing goalless draw with minnows Iran. The Barcelona star netted in second-half stoppage time to clinch victory, after the Iranians had spurned several excellent chances.
3) Ecstasy – Mexico delight their manager
Miguel Herrera has every right to be delighted with his Mexican team’s progression to the knockout stages of the World Cup, but his reaction to his team scoring against Croatia, a game they went onto win 3-1, is something to behold – see the video below:
2) Despair – England fail to make an impact
What more can be said about poor old England. Impressive in defeat against Italy, undone by a one-man show against Uruguay, unlucky as we may be – two defeats in two games and an early flight home cannot be sugarcoated forever.
1) Joy – Neymar leads Brazilian charge
After an unconvincing first-match against Croatia and an even less impressive showing against Mexico, the hosts were starting to have a few small concerns over their chances of winning a first World Cup on home soil. However, their hopes were spectacularly reinvigorated by their their golden boy, Neymar, whose two goals against Cameroon eased his team through to the Last 16. The golden boot beckons for the 22-year-old superstar.
