Brazil's stand-in captain David Luiz was left in tears after his side was thrashed 7-1 in the semifinal by Germany. Brazil, hoping to win the tournament for a sixth time, trailed 5-0 at halftime. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said it was the worst day of his life.
Humiliation of the host nation —
Brazil's stand-in captain David Luiz was left in tears after his side was thrashed 7-1 in the semifinal by Germany. Brazil, hoping to win the tournament for a sixth time, trailed 5-0 at halftime. Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said it was the worst day of his life.
AFP PHOTO / ADRIAN DENNIS
It was the goal which sparked the World Cup into life. Robin van Persie's flying header helped the Netherlands to come from behind and thrash defending champion Spain 5-1.
Flying Dutchman —
It was the goal which sparked the World Cup into life. Robin van Persie's flying header helped the Netherlands to come from behind and thrash defending champion Spain 5-1.
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Tim Cahill's sensational volley against the Netherlands was one of the goals of the tournament. The Socceroos led 2-1 before the Dutch hit back to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory.
Cahill's corker —
Tim Cahill's sensational volley against the Netherlands was one of the goals of the tournament. The Socceroos led 2-1 before the Dutch hit back to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory.
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James Rodriguez was the star of the World Cup but not even his superhero efforts could propel Colombia past Brazil and into the semifinals. Rodriguez netted a penalty -- his sixth goal of the tournament -- to reduce the deficit to 2-1 but was unable to muster an equalizer.
Rodriguez rattled —
James Rodriguez was the star of the World Cup but not even his superhero efforts could propel Colombia past Brazil and into the semifinals. Rodriguez netted a penalty -- his sixth goal of the tournament -- to reduce the deficit to 2-1 but was unable to muster an equalizer.
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Tim Howard established himself as a U.S. hero with his performance in the 2-1 defeat by Belgium. Team USA produced a fine display to come from 2-0 down and almost take the game to penalties. Howard made a record 16 saves as the U.S bowed out at the round of 16.
Howard's heroics —
Tim Howard established himself as a U.S. hero with his performance in the 2-1 defeat by Belgium. Team USA produced a fine display to come from 2-0 down and almost take the game to penalties. Howard made a record 16 saves as the U.S bowed out at the round of 16.
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Julio Cesar was the hero for Brazil in its round of 16 game with Chile as he saved two penalties in the shootout, with the sides finishing level at 1-1 after 120 minutes.
Hail Cesart —
Julio Cesar was the hero for Brazil in its round of 16 game with Chile as he saved two penalties in the shootout, with the sides finishing level at 1-1 after 120 minutes.
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The U.S won its opening match against Ghana following a titanic tussle against the team which ended its dream in 2010. Clint Dempsey's early strike was canceled out by Andre Ayew's 82nd-minute equalizer. But with four minutes remaining, substitute John Brooks headed home the winning goal.
All-action America —
The U.S won its opening match against Ghana following a titanic tussle against the team which ended its dream in 2010. Clint Dempsey's early strike was canceled out by Andre Ayew's 82nd-minute equalizer. But with four minutes remaining, substitute John Brooks headed home the winning goal.
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Costa Rica's 3-1 win over Uruguay was one of the tournament's biggest shocks. The minnow, given no chance of qualifying from its group, trounced a team which had finished fourth in 2010. Led by Bryan Ruiz, "Los Ticos" reached the quarterfinals before losing on penalties against the Netherlands.
Costa Rica's rampage —
Costa Rica's 3-1 win over Uruguay was one of the tournament's biggest shocks. The minnow, given no chance of qualifying from its group, trounced a team which had finished fourth in 2010. Led by Bryan Ruiz, "Los Ticos" reached the quarterfinals before losing on penalties against the Netherlands.
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Lionel Messi scored twice during Argentina's 3-2 victory over Nigeria. The Barcelona forward was in unstoppable form but Nigeria refused to yield with Ahmed Musa hitting a double of his own. The five-goal thriller ended with both teams progressing into the last 16.
Messi magic —
Lionel Messi scored twice during Argentina's 3-2 victory over Nigeria. The Barcelona forward was in unstoppable form but Nigeria refused to yield with Ahmed Musa hitting a double of his own. The five-goal thriller ended with both teams progressing into the last 16.
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Asamoah Gyan of Ghana scores his team's second goal past Manuel Neuer, but Germany battled back to earn a 2-2 draw.
World Cup: The top 10 matches —
Asamoah Gyan of Ghana scores his team's second goal past Manuel Neuer, but Germany battled back to earn a 2-2 draw.
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