More than goals will be remembered following the World Cup in Brazil. The most-storied tournament in sports provided its own individual moments and narratives that will be echoed for generations. Not all, however, will be remembered with great pride.
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Below is a list of the good, the bad and the ugly. Here are the five most memorable moments of the 2014 World Cup.
5. Arjen Robben Draws A Penalty
There are three words all of Mexico will take to its grave: “No fue penal.” Translation: "It wasn’t a penalty." Tied at one against the Netherlands in the Round of 16, Mexican captain Rafa Marquez did the unthinkable. Though, to be honest, given his career it was quite predictable, but I digress. Tired legs led to half-hearted defending. An extended leg impeded the progress of Arjen Robben in the box. The contact was minimal. Robben’s fall to the terrain was exaggerated. The referee pointed to the spot. The subsequent penalty was buried and Mexico was once again eliminated in the Round of 16, and justifiably so. It was a proper penalty. Just don’t repeat those words in Mexico.
4. John Brooks’ Match-Winner Against Ghana
The United States didn’t play particularly well, but that didn’t stop John Brooks from finding a late match-winner against Ghana in team’s opening match. It didn’t stop an unprofessional Taylor Twellman from yelping during the broadcast, either. It took eight years, but the U.S. men’s national team finally exacted their revenge.
3. Costa Rica’s Cinderella Run
After escaping the Group of Champions, Costa Rica found themselves one step from making history. All that stood in the way was a stubborn Greek side known for its composure in tournament competition. An Oscar Duarte sending off forced Los Ticos to defend a 1-0 lead for 30 minutes. The dam broke. Greece equalized in the dying minutes to send the match to extra time. Costa Rica held for an additional 30 minutes. Five clinical penalties later, a nation of just four million people did the unthinkable: Reach the quarterfinals of a World Cup.
2. A Broken Back In Brazil
Brazil escaped a tough match against Colombia in the quarterfinals, but they didn’t do so unscathed. A chippy affair finally reached its climax in the second half. A Colombian foul left the host nation’s star, Neymar, paralyzed on the pitch. With tears gushing down his face, it was glaringly obvious his World Cup was over. He would be diagnosed with a fractured vertebra. One embarrassing 7-1 defeat later, and the rest of the backs in Brazil were broken along with him.
1. Luis Suarez Bites...Again
As if the flesh of Otman Bakkal and Branislav Ivanovic weren’t enough, Luis Suarez opted for some Italian in the final match of the group stages. Frustrated by the defensive making of Giorgio Chiellini, Suarez reverted to his old self, sinking his teeth in the defender's shoulder. He escaped punishment and Uruguay advanced to the second round, but FIFA would have the last laugh. After reviewing the footage, the governing body handed down a stiff punishment. Suarez is now serving a nine-match suspension, including a four month ban from all football activities.
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