Top 5 Most Memorable Moments From The 2014 World Cup
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 emblazoned on his undershirt. 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 remembered for Zidane’s majestic performance in the finals that seen France dominate Brazil to a 3-0 victory.
So how will Brazil 2014 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 remembered 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.