It was in fact an entire 10 days ago that German paws clutched the World Cup trophy and celebrated in style. Normal daily schedules have resumed once again, but lest we forget the shocking events that unfolded during the tournament; in a bid to keep discussions about the footballing fumbles and victories in Brazil afloat, here is a brief list of the most momentous and climactic points.
Top 5 Baffling World Cup Surprises
1) How Brazil were so shambolic
The host nation were a poor bunch, even from the start. It was blindingly obvious that young Neymar was carrying a team of dead weight, but not even disheveled Luiz Felipe Scolari could have predicted quite how catastrophic the consequences of the 22-year-old’s injury were going to be (hence his tendered resignation; Dunga, a man who sounds as though he developed a nickname from the popular bib-and-brace jeans fad, has replaced the coach). Fred was, for all intents and purposes, completely dire. While David Luiz was more characteristic of a stray or AWOL cat, than a defender for, arguably, the largest South American team (or not, as now the case seems). Oscar was tentative and reluctant to slip a ball into the back of the net, whilst Hulk’s best efforts were dismantled hastily upon arrival.
2) How Spain were ousted so quickly
It was a bizarre turn of events to see Spain slink off the pitch following their defeat against Holland; the Oranje were able to disassemble Vicente del Bosque’s side with scarce pressure, and the heavyweights were extinguished from the tournament merely after the group stage. Iker Casillas seemed almost helpless in goal, which was totally absurd given his usual terrific talents. Their 3-0 triumph against the Socceroos was their only point of redemption, but even that was not enough. Their opening game against Robin van Persie’s chaps had rather carved out their future in Brazil and left the jaws of all fans one hundred per cent drooping.
3) How possible it was to score in the first minute
Clint Dempsey’s howling strike into the Ghanaian net would have been something dazzling and wholly impressive, even from the boots of nimble-footed Cristiano Ronaldo, let alone a member of the USA squad. His goal plonked itself coolly into the net within 29 seconds of football, and Ghana’s defensive line was rigid and rendered dumbstruck by such a swift attack. Dempsey’s offering was greatly received by the Americans, and of course, beaming manager Jürgen Klinsmann. Furthermore, it was the speediest goal of the tournament, and the fifth on historical records.
4) How easy it was to claim 7 goals in a single fixture
I’ll refer you to my first point (if for some reason you have begun here) for additional views about Brazilian performances, but it was their abysmal playmaking and Germany’s clinical, refined methods that caused the match to unfold in such a fabulously turbulent tone. Scoring 7 goals in one game is something rather mighty regardless, but to say that Germany snatched a straightforward 5 within the first half alone was staggering. The scoreboard read: Thomas Müller, Miroslav Klose (a man of much praise regarding goals throughout), Toni Kroos (twice), Sami Khedira and André Schürrle (twice), and mayhem erupted in the stadium, albeit from both German and saddened Brazilian fans.
5) How Luis Suarez took his prior mistakes on the chin
Or, should I say, bit an Italian player on the shoulder? The ex-Liverpool striker doesn’t only own a set of teeth that any comedian or fancy dress party-goer would search through many a shop for, but also the ability to crush opposition by hurling stunning goals into the net. His undeniable prowess in the box is rather tarnished by his newfound reputation for sinking his teeth into more than just the game. It clearly was not enough to learn from old errors, and Suarez saw fit to assault Italy’s Giorgio Chiellini during their World Cup match. Although we’ve all enjoyed a good giggle about it, Suarez’s unlawful decision was severe and did not go unnoticed (how could it, there were red marks!?).
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Main Photo by PATRIK STOLLARZ/AFP/Getty Images
