With the 2018 FIFA World Cup days away now, let’s take a trip down memory lane! Reliving and counting down the top 10 goals from the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
10. Xherdan Shaqiri vs Honduras
2014: 🇨🇭Xherdan Shaqiri vs Honduras.
Shaqiri has a knack for scoring great goals, and seems to hit another level for his nation. What a screamer! pic.twitter.com/DxPfI7s3jZ
— Mahith Gamage (@BulletHeaderEN) May 27, 2018
The Swiss and most likely former Stoke City Player scored an absolute belter against Honduras, shot from outside the box and into the top corner! absolute Beauty!
9. Lionel Messi vs Nigeria
2014: 🇦🇷Lionel Messi vs Nigeria.
The first entry on this list for Messi, who won the golden ball in the 2014 edition of the tournament. He was exceptional in the group stages particularly, and this free-kick vs Nigeria was menacing. pic.twitter.com/yEGMjVw8zr
— Mahith Gamage (@BulletHeaderEN) May 27, 2018
Leo Messi’s Scintillating Free-kick against Nigeria was a clear indication of how good the magician was going to be in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Perfectly Hit nothing the Keeper could do.
8. Lionel Messi vs Bosnia Herzegovina
2014: 🇦🇷Lionel Messi vs Bosnia & Herzegovina.
We’ve seen so many goals like this from Messi over the years. Takes an extra touch or two to open up the perfect angle, when nobody else could have thought of it. What a goal. pic.twitter.com/GxhU93hG4T
— Mahith Gamage (@BulletHeaderEN) May 27, 2018
Second consecutive entry with Leo Messi! The Argentina Captain was sensational in the group stage in 2014! A brilliant run, good back pass from Higuain, cut in and Messi slots it in the back of the net. Take a bow Leo. More in 2018. Please.
7. David Villa vs Australia
2014: 🇪🇸David Villa vs Australia.
Spain became the 2nd consecutive defending champion to exit at the group stage. After losing to Netherlands and Chile, Spain knew their fate, but this goal from Villa ensured they ended their disappointing tournament in style. pic.twitter.com/Pnk7dl0vw7
— Mahith Gamage (@BulletHeaderEN) May 27, 2018
David Villa’s clever backheel goal off a Juanfran cross was definitely the highlight of Spain’s 2014 World Cup, A disappointing one for the Defending Champions.
6. Tim Cahill vs Netherlands
2014: 🇦🇺Tim Cahill vs Netherlands.
The ageless wonder Tim Cahill is still on Australia’s WC squad this year despite being 38 years old! This volley vs Netherlands in 2014 was certainly one of the goals of the tournament. pic.twitter.com/VF2UxteZc5
— Mahith Gamage (@BulletHeaderEN) May 27, 2018
At number 6 we have now 38 years old Tim Cahill, this volley was hit with Absolute perfection. Can the former Everton man recreate some of that magic in Russia?
5. David Luiz vs Columbia
The out of favour Chelsea Centre-back hit an absolute belter against Columbia in Quarterfinals of the Tournament. When Luiz gets a free kick right there is no Stopping him!
4. Mario Gotze vs Argentina
2014: 🇩🇪🏆Mario Götze vs Argentina.
Ah yes, we all remember it. Mario Götze sunk Argentina hearts in extra-time of the 2014 World Cup final with this well-taken goal. The composure in front of net in the most intimidating of occasions was exceptional from Götze! pic.twitter.com/6dxfmArF6t
— Mahith Gamage (@BulletHeaderEN) May 27, 2018
The biggest game of his career comes straight off the bench and goal! Mario Gotze’s ‘Super Sub’ goal sealed the World Cup for Germany!
3. James Rodriguez vs Japan
2014: 🇨🇴James Rodriguez vs Japan.
James burst onto the scene in the 2014 World Cup, scoring the most goals in the tournament. This wonderful twinkle-toe display caught the eyes of many. pic.twitter.com/6LIY5e64vJ
— Mahith Gamage (@BulletHeaderEN) May 27, 2018
The 2014 FIFA World Cup was a turning point in James Rodrigues’s Career and his Goal against Japan Certainly turned some heads!
2. Robin Van Persie vs Spain
2014: 🇳🇱Robin Van Persie vs Spain.
The 2014 World Cup would prove to be Van Persie’s final tournament appearance, and this goal earned him the nickname “Flying Dutchman”. pic.twitter.com/xIzfsH0ms9
— Mahith Gamage (@BulletHeaderEN) May 27, 2018
Headers always seem to get fans excited and I don’t think we’ve seen a Header greater than this one! Take a bow, Robin Van Persie
1. James Rodriguez vs Uruguay
ON THIS DAY: In 2014, James Rodríguez scored a goal vs. Uruguay that eventually won the 2014 FIFA Puskás award. pic.twitter.com/m0ygte1yG8
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) June 28, 2015
This beauty is not only the first on our list but also won the Puskas Award in 2014 for the Best Goal of the year. Received it on his chest, takes it on the turn and bam! easy as you like it. No wonder Real Madrid signed him up days after the World Cup.