The knockout stage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup was the second and final stage of the competition, following the group stage. It began on 28 June with the round of 16 and ended on 13 July with the final match of the tournament, held at Estádio do Maracanã, Rio de Janeiro. The top two teams from each group (16 in total) advanced to the knockout stage to compete in a single-elimination tournament. A third-place match was played between the two losing teams of the semi-finals.[1]
In all matches in the knockout stage, if the score was level at the end of 90 minutes, two 15-minute periods of extra time was played. If the score was still level after extra time, the match was decided by a penalty shoot-out.[2]
All times listed below are in Brasília official time (UTC–3).
- 3Round of 16
- 4Quarter-finals
- 5Semi-finals
Qualified teams[edit]
The top two placed teams from each of the eight groups qualified for the knockout stage.
Group | Winners | Runners-up |
---|---|---|
A | Brazil | Mexico |
B | Netherlands | Chile |
C | Colombia | Greece |
D | Costa Rica | Uruguay |
E | France | Switzerland |
F | Argentina | Nigeria |
G | Germany | United States |
H | Belgium | Algeria |
Bracket[edit]
Quarter-finals | Semi-finals | Final | |||
28 June – Belo Horizonte | |||||
Brazil (pen.) | 1 (3) | ||||
4 July – Fortaleza | |||||
Chile | 1 (2) | ||||
Brazil | 2 | ||||
28 June – Rio de Janeiro | |||||
Colombia | 1 | ||||
Colombia | 2 | ||||
8 July – Belo Horizonte | |||||
Uruguay | 0 | ||||
Brazil | 1 | ||||
30 June – Brasília | |||||
Germany | 7 | ||||
France | 2 | ||||
4 July – Rio de Janeiro | |||||
Nigeria | 0 | ||||
France | 0 | ||||
30 June – Porto Alegre | |||||
Germany | 1 | ||||
Germany (a.e.t.) | 2 | ||||
13 July – Rio de Janeiro | |||||
Algeria | 1 | ||||
Germany (a.e.t.) | 1 | ||||
29 June – Fortaleza | |||||
Argentina | 0 | ||||
Netherlands | 2 | ||||
5 July – Salvador | |||||
Mexico | 1 | ||||
Netherlands (pen.) | 0 (4) | ||||
29 June – Recife | |||||
Costa Rica | 0 (3) | ||||
Costa Rica (pen.) | 1 (5) | ||||
9 July – São Paulo | |||||
Greece | 1 (3) | ||||
Netherlands | 0 (2) | ||||
1 July – São Paulo | |||||
Argentina (pen.) | 0 (4) | Third place | |||
Argentina (a.e.t.) | 1 | ||||
5 July – Brasília | 12 July – Brasília | ||||
Switzerland | 0 | ||||
Argentina | 1 | Brazil | 0 | ||
1 July – Salvador | |||||
Belgium | 0 | Netherlands | 3 | ||
Belgium (a.e.t.) | 2 | ||||
United States | 1 |
Round of 16[edit]
Brazil vs Chile[edit]
The two teams had met in 68 previous matches,[3] including three times in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage, all won by Brazil (1962, semi-finals: 4–2; 1998, round of 16: 4–1; 2010, round of 16: 3–0).
Brazil opened the scoring when from a corner when David Luiz turned Thiago Silva's flick-on into the net with his thigh. While replays suggested that Chilean defender Gonzalo Jara may have had the last touch,[4] FIFA later confirmed that the goal was scored by Luiz, not Jara.[5] Chile equalised when Hulk lost possession after a throw-in in his own half, Eduardo Vargas stole the ball and passed to Alexis Sánchez to score.[6]
In the second half, Hulk's goal was disallowed as Howard Webb adjudged that the player used his arm in bringing down the ball and gave him a yellow card instead.[7] Chances were few after that with Brazil dominating possession with Hulk forcing Claudio Bravo into a decent save, and the match went to extra time. The best chance of extra time came in the last seconds as Mauricio Pinilla's shot hit the crossbar.[8] In the resulting penalty shootout, the score was tied 2–2 after four rounds, with Brazil goalkeeper Júlio César saving from Pinilla and Sánchez, while Willian missed and Hulk's shot was saved by Bravo. In the fifth round, Neymar scored his penalty, meaning Chile had to score, but Jara's shot hit the inside of the post.[9] Brazil advanced to the quarter-finals to face Colombia.
The result meant that in all four World Cups where Chile qualified for the knockout stage, they were eliminated by Brazil.
Brazil | 1–1 (a.e.t.) | Chile |
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3–2 |
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Colombia vs Uruguay[edit]
The two teams had met in 38 previous matches,[10] including in the 1962 FIFA World Cup group stage, won 2–1 by Uruguay. Their most recent meetings were in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with both teams winning at home, Colombia winning 4–0 and Uruguay winning 2–0. Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez was not in the line-up because of a nine-game ban imposed by FIFA due to a biting incident involving Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini during their final group stage match.[11]
Colombia won 2–0 with both goals from James Rodríguez, the first in the 28th minute, where he controlled Abel Aguilar's headed ball on his chest before volleying left-footed from 25 yards out with the ball going in off the underside of the crossbar,[12] which won the 2014 FIFA Puskás Award later in the year.[13]The second goal, in the 50th minute, was a close-range shot from six yards out after receiving the ball from a header by Juan Cuadrado on the right.[14]
Colombia progressed through to the quarter-finals for the first time in their history, where they would face Brazil.[15]
Colombia | 2–0 | Uruguay |
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Netherlands vs Mexico[edit]
The two teams had met in six previous matches,[16] including in the 1998 FIFA World Cup group stage, a 2–2 draw. Mexico midfielder José Juan Vázquez was suspended for the match due to accumulation of yellow cards.[17]
Giovani dos Santos opened the scoring for Mexico early in the second half with a left-footed volley from outside the box after gathering a Dutch clearance.[18] Enrique iglesias music download free. Mexico led until the 88th minute, when a Dutch corner was headed back by substitute Klaas-Jan Huntelaar for Wesley Sneijder to equalise with a hard shot from 16 yards. Only a few minutes later, with stoppage time coming to a close, Arjen Robben drew a penalty for the Netherlands after being fouled by Rafael Márquez on the right of the penalty area, which Huntelaar converted into the bottom left corner to win the match for the Netherlands.[19] Netherlands advanced to the quarter-finals to face Costa Rica, while Mexico were eliminated in the round of 16 for the sixth tournament in a row.[20]
The match was the first time in World Cup history where a cooling break was instituted, with temperatures at 32 °C (90 °F) and humidity levels at 68%.[21]
Netherlands | 2–1 | Mexico |
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Costa Rica vs Greece[edit]
The two teams had never met before.[22] This match was Greece's first ever in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage.
Bryan Ruiz opened the scoring in the 52nd minute when Christian Bolaños passed to him and he shot low left-footed from outside the penalty area to the right corner of the net with Greek goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis not moving on his line. Costa Rica were then reduced to 10 men with Óscar Duarte being sent off after picking up a second yellow card. Sokratis Papastathopoulos equalised in injury time shooting into the net from seven yards out after Costa Rica goalkeeper Keylor Navas had saved an initial shot from Theofanis Gekas.[23] No goals were scored in extra time, and the match went to a penalty shoot-out. During the intermission before the penalty shoot-out, the Greek coach Fernando Santos was sent off following a dispute with the referee.[24] In the penalty shoot-out, Navas saved Gekas' shot before Michael Umaña scored the winning penalty for Costa Rica hitting it high to the goalkeeper's right.[25]
This marked the first time that Costa Rica progressed to the quarter-finals in a FIFA World Cup, where they faced the Netherlands.
Costa Rica | 1–1 (a.e.t.) | Greece |
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5–3 |
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France vs Nigeria[edit]
The two teams had met in one previous match, in a friendly in 2009, won by Nigeria 1–0.[26]
Paul Pogba had the best chance in the first half but his right foot volley after a cross from the right was saved by Vincent Enyeama. In the second half Yohan Cabaye saw a shot come back off the bar.[27] The opening goal came with 11 minutes to play when Pogba headed into the net after a mistake by Enyeama where he failed to hold onto a corner kick from the left by Mathieu Valbuena. In injury time, France got a second when Joseph Yobo put into his own net under pressure from Antoine Griezmann after a cross from the right by Valbuena.[28]
France advanced to the quarter-finals to face Germany, while Nigeria were eliminated at the round of 16 in all three World Cups where they reached the knockout stage.
France | 2–0 | Nigeria |
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Germany vs Algeria[edit]
The two teams had met in two previous matches,[29] including in the 1982 FIFA World Cup group stage, where Algeria defeated West Germany 2–1. This match was Algeria's first ever in the FIFA World Cup knockout stage.
After a goalless 90 minutes, Germany opened the scoring two minutes into extra time, when half-time substitute André Schürrle scored with a left foot back-heel from Thomas Müller's cross from the left.[30] Germany extended the lead in the 120th minute when Mesut Özil converted with his left foot high into the net after Schürrle's shot was blocked on the line, but Algeria pulled one back in injury time when substitute Abdelmoumene Djabou scored with his left foot from six yards after a cross from the right by Sofiane Feghouli.[31]
Germany advanced to the quarter-finals to face France, continuing their streak of reaching the last eight in every World Cup since 1954.[32] Djabou's goal, timed at 120 minutes and 51 seconds, was the latest goal in World Cup history, surpassing Alessandro Del Piero's goal against Germany in 2006, timed at 120 minutes and 32 seconds.[33]
Germany | 2–1 (a.e.t.) | Algeria |
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Argentina vs Switzerland[edit]
The two teams had met in six previous matches,[34] including in the 1966 FIFA World Cup group stage, won by Argentina 2–0.
The match went to extra time with Ángel Di María scoring the only goal with two minutes remaining with a side-foot finish from the right of the penalty area after a run and pass from Lionel Messi.[35] Switzerland had a chance to equalise in injury time but Blerim Džemaili headed against the post then prodded the rebound wide.[36] Argentina advanced to the quarter-finals to face Belgium.
Argentina | 1–0 (a.e.t.) | Switzerland |
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Belgium vs United States[edit]
The two teams had met in five previous matches,[37] including one in the 1930 FIFA World Cup group stage won by United States 3–0 and which was one of the two first FIFA World Cup matches to be played. An unofficial friendly between the two teams was scheduled on 12 June 2014 in São Paulo,[38] but was cancelled because of traffic due to the opening ceremony and match.[39] Belgium midfielder Steven Defour was suspended for the match,[40] after being sent off in the last group stage match against South Korea.
In a game dominated by the Belgians, but still goalless through the first 90 minutes thanks to U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard, U.S. striker Chris Wondolowski missed a great chance in stoppage time from less than five yards out. Thus, the game went to extra time and Belgium took the lead within two minutes. Romelu Lukaku, who came off the bench at the start of extra time, crossed from the right into the penalty area, Matt Besler failed to clear the ball, and Kevin De Bruyne shot low into the far corner from the right of the penalty area. Near the end of extra time first half, De Bruyne's through ball from the right set up Lukaku to extend the lead with a left footed shot to the net.[41] The United States pulled one back early in extra time second half, when substitute Julian Green volleyed in Michael Bradley's lobbed pass with his right foot from near the penalty spot. Minutes later, the U.S. nearly equalised on a set piece routine that saw Clint Dempsey through on goal, but his first touch was too hard and the ball was corralled by Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. Belgium held on for the win, and advanced to the quarter-finals to face Argentina.[42]
With Belgium's victory, the 2014 World Cup became the first tournament where all the top teams of the group stage advanced to the quarter-finals.[43] U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard recorded 15 saves[44][note 3] in the match, which was the most saves recorded in a match since FIFA started to keep track of the number of saves in 1966.[45] Julian Green also became the youngest player to score a goal in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
Belgium | 2–1 (a.e.t.) | United States |
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Quarter-finals[edit]
France vs Germany[edit]
The two teams had met in 25 previous matches, including three times in the FIFA World Cup (1958, third place match: France 6–3 West Germany; 1982 semi-finals: France 3–3 (aet) West Germany, West Germany won 5–4 on penalties; 1986, semi-finals: France 0–2 West Germany).[46]
The only goal came in the 13th minute when Mats Hummels got ahead of his marker Raphaël Varane to head Germany into the lead from ten yards out after a free-kick from Toni Kroos on the left.[47]Karim Benzema had a shot in second half injury time from the left which he hit straight at Manuel Neuer.[48]
Germany advanced to the semi-finals where they would face Brazil. They became the first team to reach four straight World Cup semi-finals, breaking the record of three shared by their predecessor West Germany (1966–1974 and 1982–1990) and Brazil (1970–1978 and 1994–2002). Germany was also guaranteed their 13th top four finish, the most by any nation.[49]
France | 0–1 | Germany |
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Brazil vs Colombia[edit]
The two teams had met in 25 previous matches, but never in the FIFA World Cup.[50] This was the first time Colombia had reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Brazil midfielder Luiz Gustavo was suspended for the match due to accumulation of yellow cards.[51]
Brazil took the lead in the 7th minute, when Neymar's corner from the left was turned in from close range by Thiago Silva.[52] They doubled the lead in the 69th minute when David Luiz scored directly from a long-range free kick, side-footing the ball over the wall and into the top-right corner. Colombia reduced the deficit with 10 minutes to go, when James Rodríguez converted a penalty kick low into the left corner and sent the goalkeeper the wrong way. The penalty was awarded after substitute Carlos Bacca was fouled by Brazil goalkeeper Júlio César.[53] Neymar was kneed in the back by Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zúñiga in the 88th minute, which resulted in the striker's withdrawal from the match. Subsequent medical evaluation discovered a fracturedvertebra, forcing the Brazilian to miss the remainder of the tournament.[54] Brazil advanced to the semi-final, where they faced Germany.
James's sixth goal of the tournament was enough for him to win the Golden Boot award.[55] He also became the first player to score in his first five career World Cup matches since Peru's Teófilo Cubillas (across the 1970 and 1978 tournaments).[56]
Brazil | 2–1 | Colombia |
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Argentina vs Belgium[edit]
The two teams had met in three previous matches, including twice in the FIFA World Cup (1982, group stage: Argentina 0–1 Belgium; 1986, semi-finals: Argentina 2–0 Belgium).[57] Argentina defender Marcos Rojo was suspended for the match due to accumulation of yellow cards.[58]
The only goal of the match was scored by Argentina forward Gonzalo Higuaín in the eighth minute, a powerful shot with his right foot from just inside the penalty area after a pass from Di María was deflected to him by Belgium defender Jan Vertonghen.[59] Higuaín had a chance to extend the lead in the second half, but his shot hit the crossbar.[60] Argentina won 1–0 to advance to the semi-finals, where they would face the Netherlands.
Argentina | 1–0 | Belgium |
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Netherlands vs Costa Rica[edit]
The two teams had never met before.[61] This was the first time Costa Rica had reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup. Costa Rica defender Óscar Duarte was suspended for the match, after being sent off in the round of 16 match against Greece.[62]
After a goalless 90 minutes, which saw Wesley Sneijder's free kick hit the post and Robin van Persie's shot deflected onto the crossbar by Costa Rica defender Yeltsin Tejeda, the match headed to extra time. In the second period, substitute Marco Ureña had a shot saved by Netherlands goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen, while Sneijder had another shot hit the crossbar. In added time at the end of 120 minutes, Dutch manager Louis van Gaal brought on Tim Krul to replace Cillessen.[63] In the subsequent penalty shoot-out, Krul saved from Bryan Ruiz and Michael Umaña, while the Netherlands scored all four of their kicks to advance to the semi-finals, where they would face Argentina.[64]
Uzbek referee Ravshan Irmatov took charge of his ninth World Cup match, breaking the record of most World Cup games officiated, which he previously held jointly with Joël Quiniou of France, Benito Archundia of Mexico, and Jorge Larrionda of Uruguay.[65]
Netherlands | 0–0 (a.e.t.) | Costa Rica |
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4–3 |
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Semi-finals[edit]
Brazil vs Germany[edit]
The two teams had met in 21 previous matches, including in the final of the 2002 FIFA World Cup (their only previous encounter in the tournament's history), won by Brazil 2–0.[66]
While Germany kept the same starting line-up as their quarter-final against France, Brazil made two changes: defender and captain Thiago Silva was suspended for the match due to accumulation of yellow cards,[67] and was replaced by Dante, while forward Neymar was sidelined after suffering a fracturedvertebra in the quarter-final against Colombia,[54] and was replaced by Bernard.[68] Germany took the lead in the 11th minute, Thomas Müller volleying in Toni Kroos's corner. Miroslav Klose scored Germany's second goal, after a passing move saw him set up by Kroos, his first shot was saved by Brazil goalkeeper Júlio César, but he slotted in the rebound. Kroos then scored two quick goals in succession, the first one after Philipp Lahm's cross was missed by Müller, the second one after stealing the ball from Fernandinho and playing a quick one-two with Sami Khedira. Khedira then scored Germany's fourth goal in six minutes, after exchanging passes with Mesut Özil, to give Germany a 5–0 halftime lead. Substitute André Schürrle added two more goals in the second half, first slotting in from Lahm's cross, then scoring via the crossbar after a cut-back from Müller. Brazil scored a consolation goal in the 90th minute, as Oscar received a pass from Marcelo, dribbled inside and scored.[69] Germany reached their eighth World Cup final, a record by any nation, where they would face Argentina, while Brazil had to settle for the third-place play-off against the Netherlands.
The game equalled Brazil's biggest margin of defeat, a 6–0 loss to Uruguay in 1920, and it broke a 62-match home unbeaten streak in competitive matches going back to the 1975 Copa América, where they lost 3–1 to Peru in the same exact stadium of this match.[70] The match also broke many World Cup records: It was Brazil's biggest World Cup defeat (eclipsing their 1998 final loss to France), the biggest defeat by a World Cup host nation (previous record was by three goals), and the biggest margin of victory in a World Cup semi-final (three previous semi-finals ended in 6–1 scorelines).[71]
Klose's goal was his 16th overall throughout his World Cup appearances, allowing him to beat Ronaldo for the record of all-time top scorer in World Cup finals tournaments.[72] Germany's seven goals took their total tally in World Cup history to 223, surpassing Brazil's 221 goals to first place overall.[73]
Brazil | 1–7 | Germany |
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Man of the Match: Mar 27, 2018 - Project Igi 5 Game Free Download Full Version For Pc. Review: Project IGI 1 Pc Video Game Full & Final Setup In A Single Direct Link Works. Jan 17, 2018 - Tags: All Project IGI Games Download| Download Project IGI 1 I'M Going. Igi 3 The Plan Game Free Download For PC, project igi 5 game free download. You can easily download IGI 3 for free from the following link: Setup. Igi 5 game setup download for pc. Jan 26, 2018 - Look at most relevant Igi 5 game setup free download full version for pc websites out of 634 Thousand at KeyOptimize.com. Igi 5 game setup. Assistant referees: |
Netherlands vs Argentina[edit]
The two teams had met in eight previous matches, including four times in the FIFA World Cup: Netherlands won 4–0 in the second group stage of the 1974 FIFA World Cup and 2–1 in the quarter-finals of the 1998 FIFA World Cup, Argentina won 3–1 (after extra time) in the final of the 1978 FIFA World Cup, where as a group stage encounter of the 2006 FIFA World Cup ended in a 0–0 draw.[74]
The Netherlands made one change to their starting line-up from their quarter-final, with Nigel de Jong returning from injury to replace Memphis Depay, while Argentina made two changes, with Marcos Rojo returning from suspension to replace José María Basanta and Enzo Pérez replacing the injured Di María.[75] The match finished 0–0 after extra-time with very little chances as both sides cancelled each other out.[76] In the penalty shoot-out, Sergio Romero saved the first penalty from Ron Vlaar diving to his left and the fifth penalty of the shoot-out from Wesley Sneijder when he dived high to his right. Argentina scored all of their four penalties to win 4–2.[77]Maxi Rodríguez scored the decisive fourth penalty, shooting to Dutch goalkeeper Jasper Cillessen's right to send Argentina into the final, where they would face Germany, while the Netherlands had to settle for the third-place play-off against Brazil.
This was the first World Cup semi-final to end in a goalless draw.[78] Argentina won their fourth World Cup penalty shoot-out, tied with Germany for most wins, and were involved in their fifth World Cup shoot-out, a record for any nation.
Netherlands | 0–0 (a.e.t.) | Argentina |
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2–4 |
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Third place play-off[edit]
The two teams had met in 11 previous meetings, including four times in the FIFA World Cup: Netherlands won 2–0 in the second group stage of the 1974 FIFA World Cup and 2–1 in the quarter-finals of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, and Brazil won 3–2 in the quarter-finals of the 1994 FIFA World Cup and 4–2 on penalties after a 1–1 draw (after extra time) in the semi-finals of the 1998 FIFA World Cup.[79]
Brazil made six changes in their starting line-up from their semi-final, while the Netherlands made only two, with Wesley Sneijder, who was originally part of the Dutch starting line-up, replaced by Jonathan de Guzmán after an injury during the pre-match warm-up prevented him from playing.[80] The Netherlands opened the scoring within three minutes, after Robin van Persie converted a penalty kick awarded for a foul on Arjen Robben by Thiago Silva. Daley Blind extended the lead in the 17th minute, scoring after a David Luiz headed clearance fell to him inside the penalty area. Georginio Wijnaldum completed the scoring in second half injury time as he shot home from substitute Daryl Janmaat's cross from the right.[81][82]
The Netherlands finished third for the first time in their World Cup history.[83] With Michel Vorm's participation (who was substituted into the match in second half injury time), the Netherlands became the first team to use all of their 23 players in a World Cup since the finals squads were expanded from 22 to 23 players in 2002.[84] Brazil, who finished fourth for the second time in World Cup history, conceded a total of 14 goals in the tournament, the most they had ever allowed in a World Cup and also the most conceded by any World Cup hosts.[85] Brazil also became the second team to concede 100 World Cup goals, after Germany. Van Persie's goal was the 100th goal that Brazil have conceded in the FIFA World Cup and made him the 2nd highest Dutch goalscorer with 6 World Cup goals along with Wesley Sneijder, Arjen Robben, Dennis Bergkamp, and Rob Rensenbrink, all before Johnny Rep with 7 World Cup goals. Lastly, since the beginning of the 21st century of the World Cups (first one being in 2002), all four World Cups in 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014 involved the third-place victors all winning a third-place match with 3 goals.[86][87]
Brazil | 0–3 | Netherlands |
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Final[edit]
The two teams had met in 20 previous matches, including six times in the FIFA World Cup: 1958, group stage: West Germany 3–1 Argentina; 1966, group stage: West Germany 0–0 Argentina; 1986, final: West Germany 2–3 Argentina; 1990, final: West Germany 1–0 Argentina; 2006, quarter-finals: Germany 1–1 Argentina (after extra time, Germany won 4–2 on penalties); 2010 FIFA World Cup, quarter-finals: Germany 4–0 Argentina.[88] Their third final meeting is the most ever in World Cup history, and also tied the record for the most frequent fixture in tournament history, as Brazil vs Sweden and Germany vs Serbia (including Yugoslavia) had also been played seven times in the World Cup.[89]
Both teams initially named unchanged starting line-ups from their semi-finals,[90] but Germany had to make a late change as Sami Khedira injured his calf and was replaced by Christoph Kramer, who was himself substituted in the first half by André Schürrle after a blow to his head.[91] In the first half, Gonzalo Higuaín shot wide after a Toni Kroos's misplaced header fell to him, and also had a goal disallowed for offside. Later, Jérôme Boateng cleared off the line after a Lionel Messi run, and Benedikt Höwedes's header hit the post. In the second half, Argentina's best chance fell to Messi, whose shot went just wide, while Toni Kroos also had a chance for Germany but could not convert. For the third World Cup final in a row, the match went to extra time. In the first half, Schürrle had a shot saved by Sergio Romero, while Rodrigo Palacio's lobbed shot was also unsuccessful. Germany scored the only goal in the second half, as Schürrle ran down the left wing and crossed for substitute Mario Götze, who controlled the ball on his chest and volleyed past Romero.[92]
Germany won their fourth World Cup title, and their first title since German reunification (they won as West Germany in 1954, 1974, and 1990). It was the first time a European team won the tournament in the Americas. For the third tournament in a row, the World Cup was won by a European team, first time for any confederation. Argentina finished as the runners-up for the third time in their history.[93]
A total of 171 goals were scored in the tournament, a joint record along with the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Götze's goal was the 32nd by a substitute, a World Cup record. Including the final, a total of eight matches went to extra time, a joint record along with the 1990 FIFA World Cup.[94]
Germany | 1–0 (a.e.t.) | Argentina |
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Notes[edit]
- ^Despite not playing, Lugano received a yellow card on the bench.
- ^Despite not playing, Granados received a yellow card on the bench.
- ^FIFA's initial match statistics showed 16 saves, and many news sources continue to use this number. The official FIFA statistics were updated on 5 July 2014 to show 15 saves.
References[edit]
- ^'Groups & Schedule'. BBC Sport. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
- ^Regulations 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil FIFA, 2014.
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- ^'Brazil progress as Chile pay penalty'. ESPN. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
- ^'FIFA confirms Brazil's goal vs. Chile in Round of 16 was scored by David Luiz, not ruled an own goal by Gonzalo Jara'. New York Daily News. 29 June 2014.
- ^'Brazil struggle to recover from emotional shootout win over Chile'. Guardian. 29 June 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^Brewin, John. 'Hulk revels in supporting act'. ESPN. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
- ^'Brazil 1 Chile 1 (Brazil win 3–2 on penalties)'. BBC Sport. 28 June 2014.
- ^'Brazil through as Chile pay the penalty'. FIFA.com (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). Retrieved 28 June 2014.
- ^'Colombia – Uruguay'. FIFA.com (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). Retrieved 28 June 2014.
- ^'Luis Suárez suspended for nine matches and banned for four months from any football-related activity'. FIFA.com (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). 26 June 2014. Archived from the original on 3 July 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
- ^'Colombia's James Rodríguez seeks top honours and sends warning to Brazil'. Guardian. 29 June 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^'FIFA Puskás award 2014 – results'(PDF). FIFA.com (Fédération Internationale de Football Association).
- ^'Colombia 2 Uruguay 0'. BBC Sport. 29 June 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
- ^'James Rodríguez sizzle ends Uruguay's World Cup saga'. Guardian. 29 June 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
- ^'Netherlands – Mexico'. FIFA.com (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). Retrieved 28 June 2014.
- ^'José Vázquez Yellow Card: Mexico Midfielder Will Miss Next Game'. Epoch Times. 23 June 2014.
- ^'Holland come from behind to snatch last-gasp victory against Mexico'. Guardian. 29 June 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^'José Vázquez Yellow Card: Mexico Midfielder Will Miss Next Game'. Epoch Times. 23 June 2014.
- ^'Netherlands 2 Mexico 1'. BBC Sport. 29 June 2014.
- ^'A cool first and a historic triumph'. FIFA.com. 30 June 2014.
- ^'Costa Rica – Greece'. FIFA.com (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). Retrieved 28 June 2014.
- ^'Costa Rica 1 Greece 1 (Costa Rica win 5–3 on penalties)'. BBC Sport. 29 June 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
- ^'Greece Manager Fernando Santos Sent off Before Penalty Kicks vs. Costa Rica'. Bleacher Report. 29 June 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
- ^'Costa Rica beat Greece on penalties to meet Holland in quarter-finals'. Guardian. 29 June 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
- ^'France – Nigeria'. FIFA.com (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). Retrieved 28 June 2014.
- ^'France's Paul Pogba rises to occasion to end Nigeria's World Cup hopes'. Guardian. 30 June 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
- ^'France 2 Nigeria 0'. BBC Sport. 30 June 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
- ^'Germany – Algeria'. FIFA.com (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). Retrieved 28 June 2014.
- ^'Germany edge past Algeria as Schürrle and Özil end stalemate in extra time'. Guardian. 30 June 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^'Germany 2 Algeria 1'. BBC Sport. 30 June 2014.
- ^'Germany Have No Need to Panic Ahead of World Cup Quarter-Final with France'. Bleacher Report. 1 July 2014.
- ^'Djabou cancella il record di Alex Del Piero' (in Italian). Yahoo! Sport Italia. 1 July 2014.
- ^'Argentina – Switzerland'. FIFA.com (Fédération Internationale de Football Association). Retrieved 28 June 2014.
- ^'Argentina's Ángel di María breaks Switzerland's hearts at the death'. Guardian. 1 July 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
- ^'Argentina 1 Switzerland 0'. BBC Sport. 1 July 2014. Retrieved 2 July 2014.
- ^'Belgium – USA'. FIFA.com. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
- ^'Rode Duivels sparren op 12 juni tegen de VS' (in Dutch). Sporza. 9 May 2014. Retrieved 8 June 2014.
- ^'De Rode Duivels sparren niet tegen de VS' (in Dutch). Sporza. 11 June 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
- ^'Koreans crash to ten-man Belgium'. FIFA.com. 26 June 2014. Retrieved 27 June 2014.
- ^'Belgium edge into quarter-finals after De Bruyne and Lukaku sink USA'. Guardian. 2 July 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^'Belgium 2 USA 1'. BBC Sport. 1 July 2014.
- ^'Argentina and Belgium have completed the line-up for the World Cup quarter finals, following their last-16 wins over, respectively, Switzerland and USA'. The Football Association. 1 July 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2014.
- ^'Official FIFA statistics, updated July 5, 2014'(PDF). 5 July 2014. Archived from the original(PDF) on 1 July 2016. Retrieved 29 December 2014.
- ^'World Cup 2014: Tim Howard makes record number of saves'. BBC Sport (British Broadcasting Corporation). 2 July 2014. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
- ^'France – Germany'. FIFA.com. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
- ^'France 0 Germany 1'. BBC Sport. 4 July 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
- ^'Germany reach World Cup semi-finals as Mats Hummels header sinks France'. Guardian. 4 July 2014. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
- ^'Germany Beats France to Advance to Fourth Straight World Cup Semifinal'. Wall Street Journal. 4 July 2014.
- ^'Brazil – Colombia'. FIFA.com. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
- ^'Brazil sweat on Neymar, Luis Gustavo suspended'. Yahoo! Sports. 28 June 2014.
- ^'Brazil sink Colombia after David Luiz thunderbolt proves decisive'. Guardian. 4 July 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^'Brazil 2 Colombia 1'. BBC Sport. 4 July 2014. Archived from the original on 12 July 2014.
- ^ abDaly, Jim (4 July 2014). 'Neymar OUT of the World Cup with a 'fractured vertebrae' [sic] suffered in quarter-final win over Colombia'. Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 5 July 2014. Retrieved 5 July 2014.
- ^'James Rodriguez hangs on to win Golden Boot prize'. CBC.ca. 13 July 2014.
- ^'World Cup: All the best facts & figures from Brazil 2014'. Sky Sports. 14 July 2014.
- ^'Argentina – Belgium'. FIFA.com. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
- ^'Argentina's Rojo suspended for World Cup quarters'. Yahoo! Sports. 1 July 2014.
- ^'Argentina's confidence soars after teamwork triumphs over Belgium'. Guardian. 6 July 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^'Argentina 1 Belgium 0'. BBC Sport. 5 July 2014.
- ^'Netherlands – Costa Rica'. FIFA.com. Retrieved 3 July 2014.
- ^'Miller injury doubt for Costa Rica'. FIFA.com. 30 June 2014.
- ^'Louis van Gaal shows golden touch as Tim Krul antics spook Costa Rica'. Guardian. 6 July 2014. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^'Netherlands 0 Costa Rica (Netherlands win 4–3 on penalties)'. BBC Sport. 5 July 2014.
- ^'Uzbekistan referee Ravshan Irmatov sets World Cup record'. Goal.com. 5 July 2014.
- ^'Brazil – Germany'. FIFA.com. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
- ^'Brazil have Thiago Silva's suspension appeal rejected.. and Juan Zuniga won't face further action for Neymar challenge'. Daily Mail. 8 July 2014.
- ^'Bernard y Dante por Neymar y Thiago Silva; Low apuesta por Klose'. La Vanguardia. 8 July 2014.
- ^'Brazil 1 Germany 7'. BBC Sport. 8 July 2014.
- ^Klein, Jeff. 'World Cup 2014: Germany Defeats Brazil, 7–1'. New York Times. Retrieved 8 July 2014.
- ^'Germany Embarrasses Brazil In Worst Loss On Home Soil In World Cup History'. Forbes. 8 July 2014.
- ^'Hosts stunned as Thomas Muller and Co score four goals in SIX minutes to reach World Cup final'. Daily Mail. 8 July 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
- ^'The Mineirazo in numbers'. FIFA.com. 9 July 2014.
- ^'Netherlands – Argentina'. FIFA.com. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
- ^'Nigel de Jong returns for the Netherlands, Enzo Perez replaces Angel di María'. SB Nation. 9 July 2014.
- ^'Argentina win penalty prize to push past Holland and into World Cup final'. Guardian. 9 July 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
- ^'Netherlands 0 Argentina 0 (Argentina win 4–2 on penalties)'. BBC Sport. 9 July 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
- ^'Holland 0–0 Argentina (Pens: 2–4)'. Daily Mail. 9 July 2014. Retrieved 9 July 2014.
- ^'Brazil – Netherlands'. FIFA.com. Retrieved 11 July 2014.
- ^'Holland play first World Cup match without Wesley Sneijder since 2002 after former Real Madrid midfielder picks up hamstring injury in warm-up before Brazil game'. Daily Mail. 12 July 2014.
- ^'Brazil 0 Netherlands 3'. BBC Sport. 12 July 2014.
- ^'Brazil 0–3 Holland: World Cup 2014 hosts finish on losing note as Robin van Persie strikes and Dutch secure third place'. Daily Mail. 12 July 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- ^'Brazil vs. Netherlands: World Cup 3rd-Place Play-off Score, Grades and Reaction'. Bleacher Report. 12 July 2014.
- ^'Wissel Vorm zorgt voor record'. NOS.nl. 12 July 2014. Archived from the original on 15 July 2014.
- ^'Netherlands add to Brazil's misery, claim third place in World Cup'. Fox Sports. 12 July 2014.
- ^'World Cup – Brazil humiliated again as Dutch take third'. Yahoo! Sport. 12 July 2014. Archived from the original on 12 October 2014.
- ^'Holland heap misery on Brazil with World Cup third-place play-off win'. Guardian. 12 July 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- ^'Germany – Argentina'. FIFA.com. Retrieved 11 July 2014.
- ^'WORLD CUP FINAL: Argentina hopes for third win as Germany wants fourth'. The Sun. 13 July 2014.
- ^'World Cup 2014 final lineups: Both Germany and Argentina unchanged'. SB Nation. 13 July 2014.
- ^'Christoph Kramer replaces Sami Khedira in Germany lineup'. SB Nation. 13 July 2014.
- ^'Germany 1 Argentina 0'. 13 July 2014.
- ^'Germany 1–0 Argentina: Mario Gotze scores World Cup winner for Germans in extra-time'. Daily Mail. 13 July 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- ^'Pass, move and take your chances: how Stats Zone saw Germany 1–0 Argentina'. FourFourTwo. 13 July 2014.
External links[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to 2014 FIFA World Cup knockout stage. |
Copa do Mundo da FIFA Brasil 2014[nb 1] | |
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2014 FIFA World Cup official logo Juntos num só ritmo (Together in one rhythm) | |
Tournament details | |
Host country | Brazil |
Dates | 12 June – 13 July |
Teams | 32 (from 5 confederations) |
Venue(s) | 12 (in 12 host cities) |
Final positions | |
Champions | Germany (4th title) |
Runners-up | Argentina |
Third place | Netherlands |
Fourth place | Brazil |
Tournament statistics | |
Matches played | 64 |
Goals scored | 171 (2.67 per match) |
Attendance | 3,429,873 (53,592 per match) |
Top scorer(s) | James Rodríguez (6 goals)[1] |
Best player(s) | Lionel Messi[2] |
Best young player | Paul Pogba[3] |
Best goalkeeper | Manuel Neuer[4] |
Fair play award | Colombia[5] |
2018 → |
The 2014 FIFA World Cup was the 20th FIFA World Cup, the quadrennial world championship for men's nationalfootball teams organised by FIFA. It took place in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July 2014, after the country was awarded the hosting rights in 2007. It was the second time that Brazil staged the competition, the first being in 1950, and the fifth time that it was held in South America. It is considered one of the greatest World Cups ever.[6][7][8]
Thirty-one national teams advanced through qualification competitions to join the host nation in the final tournament (with Bosnia and Herzegovina as only debutant). A total of 64 matches were played in 12 venues located in as many host cities across Brazil. For the first time at a World Cup finals, match officials used goal-line technology, as well as vanishing spray for free kicks.[9]FIFA Fan Fests in each host city gathered a total of 5 million people, and the country received 1 million visitors from 202 countries.[10] Every World Cup-winning team since the first tournament in 1930 – Argentina, Brazil, England, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Uruguay – qualified for this tournament. Spain, the title holders, were eliminated at the group stage, along with England and Italy. Uruguay were eliminated in the round of 16, and France exited in the quarter-finals. Host nation Brazil, who had won the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup, lost to Germany 7–1 in the semi-finals and eventually finished in fourth place.
In the final, Germany defeated Argentina 1–0 to win the tournament and secure the country's fourth world title, the first after the German reunification in 1990, when as West Germany they also beat Argentina in the World Cup final. Germany became the first European team to win a World Cup staged in the Americas,[11] and this result marked the third consecutive title won by a European team, after Italy in 2006 and Spain in 2010.[12][13]
- 2Participating teams and officials
- 3Venues
- 4Innovations
- 7Group stage
- 8Knockout stage
- 9Statistics
- 14Controversies
Host selection[edit]
In March 2003, FIFA announced that the tournament would be held in South America for the first time since 1978, in line with its then-active policy of rotating the right to host the World Cup among different confederations.[14][15] With the 2010 FIFA World Cup hosted in South Africa, it would be the second consecutive World Cup outside Europe, which was a first for the tournament. It was also second in the Southern Hemisphere.[16] Only Brazil and Colombia formally declared their candidacy but, after the withdrawal of the latter from the process,[17] Brazil was officially elected as host nation unopposed on 30 October 2007.[18]
Participating teams and officials[edit]
Qualification[edit]
Following qualification matches played between June 2011 and November 2013, the following 32 teams – shown with their last pre-tournament FIFA world ranking[19] – qualified for the final tournament. Twenty-four of these teams were returning participants from the 2010 World Cup. Bosnia and Herzegovina were the only team with no previous appearance at the World Cup finals.[nb 2][20]Colombia qualified for the World Cup after 16 years of absence, while the 2018 World Cup hostsRussia and Belgium returned after 12 years. Paraguay failed to qualify for the first time since 1994. This was also the first World Cup for 32 years that did not feature a representative from the Nordic countries. The highest ranked team not to qualify was Ukraine (ranked 16th), while the lowest ranked team that did qualify was Australia (ranked 62nd).[19]
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Teams listed by FIFA ranking as of June 2014[19] | |||
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Country | Confederation | Rank | |
1 | Spain | UEFA | 1 |
2 | Germany | UEFA | 2 |
3 | Brazil (host) | CONMEBOL | 3 |
4 | Portugal | UEFA | 4 |
5 | Argentina | CONMEBOL | 5 |
6 | Switzerland | UEFA | 6 |
7 | Uruguay | CONMEBOL | 7 |
8 | Colombia | CONMEBOL | 8 |
9 | Italy | UEFA | 9 |
10 | England | UEFA | 10 |
11 | Belgium | UEFA | 11 |
12 | Greece | UEFA | 12 |
13 | United States | CONCACAF | 13 |
14 | Chile | CONMEBOL | 14 |
15 | Netherlands | UEFA | 15 |
16 | France | UEFA | 17 |
17 | Croatia | UEFA | 18 |
18 | Russia | UEFA | 19 |
19 | Mexico | CONCACAF | 20 |
20 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | UEFA | 21 |
21 | Algeria | CAF | 22 |
22 | Ivory Coast | CAF | 23 |
23 | Ecuador | CONMEBOL | 26 |
24 | Costa Rica | CONCACAF | 28 |
25 | Honduras | CONCACAF | 33 |
26 | Ghana | CAF | 37 |
27 | Iran | AFC | 43 |
28 | Nigeria | CAF | 44 |
29 | Japan | AFC | 46 |
30 | Cameroon | CAF | 56 |
31 | South Korea | AFC | 57 |
32 | Australia | AFC | 62 |
Final draw[edit]
The 32 participating teams were drawn into eight groups. In preparation for this, the teams were organised into four pots with the seven highest-ranked teams joining host nation Brazil in the seeded pot.[21] As with the previous tournaments, FIFA aimed to create groups which maximised geographic separation and therefore the unseeded teams were arranged into pots based on geographic considerations.[22][23] The draw took place on 6 December 2013 at the Costa do Sauípe resort in Bahia, during which the teams were drawn by various past World Cup-winning players.[24][25] Under the draw procedure, one randomly drawn team – Italy – was firstly relocated from Pot 4 to Pot 2 to create four equal pots of eight teams.[22]
Officials[edit]
In March 2013, FIFA published a list of 52 prospective referees, each paired, on the basis of nationality, with two assistant referees, from all six football confederations for the tournament. On 14 January 2014, the FIFA Referees Committee appointed 25 referee trios and eight support duos representing 43 countries for the tournament.[26][27]Yuichi Nishimura from Japan acted as referee in the opening match whereas Nicola Rizzoli from Italy acted as referee in the final.[28][29]
List of officials | ||||
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Confederation | Referee | Assistants | Support (referee/assist) | |
AFC | Ravshan Irmatov (Uzbekistan) | Abdukhamidullo Rasulov (Uzbekistan) | Bakhadyr Kochkarov (Kyrgyzstan) | Alireza Faghani (Iran) / Hassan Kamranifar (Iran) |
Yuichi Nishimura (Japan) | Toru Sagara (Japan) | Toshiyuki Nagi (Japan) | ||
Nawaf Shukralla (Bahrain) | Yaser Tulefat (Bahrain) | Ebrahim Saleh (Bahrain) | ||
Ben Williams (Australia) | Matthew Cream (Australia) | Hakan Anaz (Australia) | ||
CAF | Noumandiez Doué (Ivory Coast) | Songuifolo Yeo (Ivory Coast) | Jean-Claude Birumushahu (Burundi) | Néant Alioum (Cameroon) / Djibril Camara (Senegal) |
Bakary Gassama (Gambia) | Evarist Menkouande (Cameroon) | Félicien Kabanda (Rwanda) | ||
Djamel Haimoudi (Algeria) | Rédouane Achik (Morocco) | Abdelhalk Etchiali (Algeria) | ||
CONCACAF | Joel Aguilar (El Salvador) | William Torres (El Salvador) | Juan Zumba (El Salvador) | Roberto Moreno (Panama) / Eric Boria (United States) Walter López (Guatemala) / Leonel Leal (Costa Rica) |
Mark Geiger (United States) | Mark Hurd (United States) | Joe Fletcher (Canada) | ||
Marco Rodríguez (Mexico) | Marvin Torrentera (Mexico) | Marcos Quintero (Mexico) | ||
CONMEBOL | Néstor Pitana (Argentina) | Hernán Maidana (Argentina) | Juan Pablo Belatti (Argentina) | Víctor Hugo Carrillo (Peru) / Rodney Aquino (Paraguay) |
Sandro Ricci (Brazil) | Emerson De Carvalho (Brazil) | Marcelo Van Gasse (Brazil) | ||
Enrique Osses (Chile) | Carlos Astroza (Chile) | Sergio Román (Chile) | ||
Wilmar Roldán (Colombia) | Humberto Clavijo (Colombia) | Eduardo Díaz (Colombia) | ||
Carlos Vera (Ecuador) | Christian Lescano (Ecuador) | Byron Romero (Ecuador) | ||
OFC | Peter O'Leary (New Zealand) | Jan-Hendrik Hintz (New Zealand) | Mark Rule (New Zealand) | Norbert Hauata (Tahiti) / Aden Marwa (Kenya) |
UEFA | Felix Brych (Germany) | Stefan Lupp (Germany) | Mark Borsch (Germany) | Svein Oddvar Moen (Norway) / Kim Haglund (Norway) |
Cüneyt Çakır (Turkey) | Bahattin Duran (Turkey) | Tarık Ongun (Turkey) | ||
Jonas Eriksson (Sweden) | Mathias Klasenius (Sweden) | Daniel Wärnmark (Sweden) | ||
Björn Kuipers (Netherlands) | Sander van Roekel (Netherlands) | Erwin Zeinstra (Netherlands) | ||
Milorad Mažić (Serbia) | Milovan Ristić (Serbia) | Dalibor Đurđević (Serbia) | ||
Pedro Proença (Portugal) | Bertino Miranda (Portugal) | Tiago Trigo (Portugal) | ||
Nicola Rizzoli (Italy) | Renato Faverani (Italy) | Andrea Stefani (Italy) | ||
Carlos Velasco Carballo (Spain) | Roberto Alonso Fernández (Spain) | Juan Carlos Yuste Jiménez (Spain) | ||
Howard Webb (England) | Michael Mullarkey (England) | Darren Cann (England) |
Squads[edit]
As with the 2010 tournament, each team's squad consists of 23 players (three of whom must be goalkeepers). Each participating national association had to confirm their final 23-player squad no later than 10 days before the start of the tournament.[30] Teams were permitted to make late replacements in the event of serious injury, at any time up to 24 hours before their first game.[30] During a match, all remaining squad members not named in the starting team are available to be one of the three permitted substitutions (provided the player is not serving a suspension).[30]
Venues[edit]
12 venues (seven new and five renovated) in twelve cities were selected for the tournament. The venues covered all the main regions of Brazil and created more evenly distributed hosting than the 1950 finals in Brazil.[31] Consequently, the tournament required long-distance travel for teams.[32] During the World Cup, Brazilian cities were also home to the participating teams at 32 separate base camps,[33] as well as staging official fan fests where supporters could view the games.[34]
The most used stadiums were the Maracana and Brasilia, which hosted seven matches each. The least-used venues were in Cuiaba, Manaus, Natal and Curitiba, which hosted four matches each; as the four smallest stadiums in use at the tournament, they did not host any knockout round matches.[35]
Rio de Janeiro | Brasília | São Paulo | Fortaleza |
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Estádio do Maracanã | Estádio Nacional | Arena de São Paulo | Estádio Castelão |
Capacity: 74,738[35] | Capacity: 69,432[35] | Capacity: 63,321[35] | Capacity: 60,348[35] |
Belo Horizonte | Salvador | ||
Estádio Mineirão | Arena Fonte Nova | ||
Capacity: 58,259[35] | Capacity: 51,708[35] | ||
Porto Alegre | Recife[nb 3] | ||
Estádio Beira-Rio | Arena Pernambuco | ||
Capacity: 43,394[35] | Capacity: 42,583[35] | ||
Cuiabá | Manaus | Natal | Curitiba |
Arena Pantanal | Arena da Amazônia | Arena das Dunas | Arena da Baixada |
Capacity: 41,112[35] | Capacity: 40,549[35] | Capacity: 39,971[35] | Capacity: 39,631[35] |
Team base camps[edit]
Base camps were used by the 32 national squads to stay and train before and during the World Cup tournament. On 31 January 2014, FIFA announced the base camps for each participating team,[33] having earlier circulated a brochure of 84 prospective locations.[36] Most teams opted to stay in the Southeast Region of Brazil, with only eight teams choosing other regions; five teams (Croatia, Germany, Ghana, Greece and Switzerland) opted to stay in the Northeast Region and three teams (Ecuador, South Korea and Spain) opted to stay in the South Region. None opted to stay in the North Region or the Central-West Region.[37]
National squads' base camps | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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FIFA Fan Fests[edit]
For a third consecutive World Cup tournament, FIFA staged FIFA Fan Fests in each of the 12 host cities throughout the competition. Prominent examples were the Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro, which already held a Fan Fest in 2010, and São Paulo's Vale do Anhangabaú.[38][39] The first official event took place on Iracema Beach, in Fortaleza, on 8 June 2014.[40]
Innovations[edit]
Technologies[edit]
To avoid ghost goals the 2014 World Cup introduced goal-line technology following successful trials at among others 2013 Confederations Cup. The chosen Goal Control system featured 14 high speed cameras, 7 directed to each of the goals. Data were sent to the central image-processing centre, where a virtual representation of the ball was output on a widescreen to confirm the goal. The referee was equipped with a watch which vibrated and displayed a signal upon a goal.[41][42][43] France's second goal in their group game against Honduras was the first time goal-line technology was needed to confirm that a goal should be given.[44]
Following successful trials,[nb 4] FIFA approved the use of vanishing spray by the referees for the first time at a World Cup Finals. The water-based spray, which disappears within minutes of application, can be used to mark a ten-yard line for the defending team during a free kick and also to draw where the ball is to be placed for a free kick.[45]
The AdidasBrazuca was the official match ball of the 2014 FIFA World Cup[46][47][48][49] and was supplied by Forward Sports of Sialkot, Pakistan.[46] Adidas created a new design of ball after criticisms of the Adidas Jabulani used in the previous World Cup. The number of panels was reduced to six, with the panels being thermally bonded. This created a ball with increased consistency and aerodynamics compared to its predecessor. Furthermore, Adidas underwent an extensive testing process lasting more than two years to produce a ball that would meet the approval of football professionals.
Cooling breaks[edit]
Because of the relatively high ambient temperatures in Brazil, particularly at the northern venues, cooling breaks for the players were introduced.[50] Breaks could take place at the referee's discretion after the 30th minute of each half if the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature exceeded 32 °C (90 °F).
The first cooling break in World Cup play took place during the 32nd minute of the match between the Netherlands and Mexico in the round of 16.[51][52][53][54] At the start of the match, FIFA listed the temperature at 32 °C (90 °F) with 68% humidity.[55]
Anti-doping[edit]
The biological passport was introduced in the FIFA World Cup starting in 2014. Blood and urine samples from all players before the competition, and from two players per team per match, are analysed by the Swiss Laboratory for Doping Analyses.[56] FIFA reported that 91.5% of the players taking part in the tournament were tested before the start of the competition and none tested positive.[57] However, FIFA was criticised for how it conducted doping tests.[58][59]
Format[edit]
The first round, or group stage, was a competition between the 32 teams divided among eight groups of four, where each group engaged in a round-robin tournament within itself. The two highest ranked teams in each group advanced to the knockout stage.[30] Teams were awarded three points for a win and one for a draw. When comparing teams in a group over-all result came before head-to-head.
Tie-breaking criteria for group play |
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The ranking of teams in each group was based on the following criteria:
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In the knockout stage there were four rounds (round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final), with each eliminating the losers. The two semi-final losers competed in a third place play-off. For any match in the knockout stage, a draw after 90 minutes of regulation time was followed by two 15 minute periods of extra time to determine a winner. If the teams were still tied, a penalty shoot-out was held to determine a winner.[30]
The match schedule was announced on 20 October 2011[60] with the kick-off times being confirmed on 27 September 2012;[61] after the final draw, the kick-off times of seven matches were adjusted by FIFA.[62] The competition was organised so that teams that played each other in the group stage could not meet again during the knockout phase until the final (or the 3rd place match).[30]The group stage began on 12 June, with the host nation competing in the opening game as has been the format since the 2006 tournament. The opening game was preceded by an opening ceremony that began at 15:15 local time.[63]
Opening ceremony[edit]
Espn World Cup Bracket
On 12 June 2014, the 20th addition of the FIFA World Cup got underway with the opening ceremony at Arena de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil. The event saw 660 dancers take to the stadium and perform in a ceremony which celebrated the nature of the country and its love of football. Following the dancers native singer Claudia Leitte emerged on cetre stage to perform to the crowd. She was later joined by Cuban, American rapper Pitbull, and American singer Jennifer Lopez to perform the tournament's official song 'We Are One (Ole Ola)' which saw official single release on 8 April 2014. Following the ceremony the opening match was played which saw the hosts come from behind to beat Croatia 3-1.[64][65][66]
Group stage[edit]
The group stage of the cup took place in Brazil from 12 June 2014 to 26 June 2014: each team played three games. The group stage was notable for a scarcity of draws and a large number of goals. The first drawn (and goalless) match did not occur until the 13th match of the tournament, between Iran and Nigeria: a drought longer than any World Cup since 1930.[67] The group stage produced a total of 136 goals (an average of 2.83 goals per match), nine fewer than were scored during the entire 2010 tournament.[68] This is the largest number of goals in the group stage since the 32-team system was implemented in 1998[69] and the largest average in a group stage since 1958.[70] World Cup holders Spain were eliminated after only two games, the quickest exit for the defending champions since Italy's from the 1950 tournament.[71] Spain also became the fourth nation to be eliminated in the first round while holding the World Cup crown, the first one being Italy in 1950 (and again in 2010), the second Brazil in 1966, and the third France in 2002.[72]
Group A[edit]
Pos | Team [ ] | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
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1 | Brazil(H) | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 2 | +5 | 7 | Advance to knockout stage |
2 | Mexico | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 7 | |
3 | Croatia | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 3 | |
4 | Cameroon | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 9 | −8 | 0 |
Brazil | 3–1 | Croatia |
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| Report |
Mexico | 1–0 | Cameroon |
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| Report |
Brazil | 0–0 | Mexico |
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Report |
Cameroon | 0–4 | Croatia |
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Report |
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Cameroon | 1–4 | Brazil |
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| Report |
Croatia | 1–3 | Mexico |
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| Report |
Group B[edit]
Pos | Team [ ] | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
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1 | Netherlands | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 3 | +7 | 9 | Advance to knockout stage |
2 | Chile | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5 | 3 | +2 | 6 | |
3 | Spain | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 7 | −3 | 3 | |
4 | Australia | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 9 | −6 | 0 |
Spain | 1–5 | Netherlands |
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| Report |
Chile | 3–1 | Australia |
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| Report |
Australia | 2–3 | Netherlands |
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| Report |
Spain | 0–2 | Chile |
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Report |
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Australia | 0–3 | Spain |
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Report |
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Netherlands | 2–0 | Chile |
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| Report |
Group C[edit]
Pos | Team [ ] | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Colombia | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 2 | +7 | 9 | Advance to knockout stage |
2 | Greece | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | −2 | 4 | |
3 | Ivory Coast | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 5 | −1 | 3 | |
4 | Japan | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 6 | −4 | 1 |
Colombia | 3–0 | Greece |
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| Report |
Ivory Coast | 2–1 | Japan |
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| Report |
Colombia | 2–1 | Ivory Coast |
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| Report |
Japan | 0–0 | Greece |
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Report |
Japan | 1–4 | Colombia |
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| Report |
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Greece | 2–1 | Ivory Coast |
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| Report |
Group D[edit]
Pos | Team [ ] | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
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1 | Costa Rica | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 7 | Advance to knockout stage |
2 | Uruguay | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 6 | |
3 | Italy | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | −1 | 3 | |
4 | England | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 | −2 | 1 |
Uruguay | 1–3 | Costa Rica |
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| Report |
England | 1–2 | Italy |
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| Report |
Uruguay | 2–1 | England |
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Italy | 0–1 | Costa Rica |
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Italy | 0–1 | Uruguay |
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Report |
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Costa Rica | 0–0 | England |
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Group E[edit]
Pos | Team [ ] | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | France | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 2 | +6 | 7 | Advance to knockout stage |
2 | Switzerland | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 6 | +1 | 6 | |
3 | Ecuador | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 | |
4 | Honduras | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 8 | −7 | 0 |
Switzerland | 2–1 | Ecuador |
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| Report |
France | 3–0 | Honduras |
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| Report |
Switzerland | 2–5 | France |
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| Report |
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Honduras | 1–2 | Ecuador |
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| Report |
Honduras | 0–3 | Switzerland |
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Report |
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Ecuador | 0–0 | France |
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Report |
Group F[edit]
Pos | Team [ ] | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Argentina | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 3 | +3 | 9 | Advance to knockout stage |
2 | Nigeria | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 4 | |
3 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 3 | |
4 | Iran | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | −3 | 1 |
Argentina | 2–1 | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
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| Report |
Iran | 0–0 | Nigeria |
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Report |
Argentina | 1–0 | Iran |
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| Report |
Nigeria | 1–0 | Bosnia and Herzegovina |
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| Report |
Nigeria | 2–3 | Argentina |
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| Report |
Bosnia and Herzegovina | 3–1 | Iran |
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Džeko23' Pjanić59' Vršajević83' | Report | Ghoochannejhad82' |
Group G[edit]
Pos | Team [ ] | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Germany | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7 | 2 | +5 | 7 | Advance to knockout stage |
2 | United States | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
3 | Portugal | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 7 | −3 | 4 | |
4 | Ghana | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | −2 | 1 |
Germany | 4–0 | Portugal |
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| Report |
Ghana | 1–2 | United States |
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| Report |
Germany | 2–2 | Ghana |
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| Report |
United States | 2–2 | Portugal |
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| Report |
United States | 0–1 | Germany |
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Report |
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Portugal | 2–1 | Ghana |
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| Report |
Group H[edit]
Pos | Team [ ] | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Belgium | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | +3 | 9 | Advance to knockout stage |
2 | Algeria | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 5 | +1 | 4 | |
3 | Russia | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | −1 | 2 | |
4 | South Korea | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | −3 | 1 |
Belgium | 2–1 | Algeria |
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| Report |
Russia | 1–1 | South Korea |
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| Report |
Belgium | 1–0 | Russia |
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| Report |
South Korea | 2–4 | Algeria |
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| Report |
South Korea | 0–1 | Belgium |
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Report |
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Algeria | 1–1 | Russia |
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| Report |
Knockout stage[edit]
Quarter-finals | Semi-finals | Final | |||
28 June – Belo Horizonte | |||||
Brazil (pen.) | 1 (3) | ||||
4 July – Fortaleza | |||||
Chile | 1 (2) | ||||
Brazil | 2 | ||||
28 June – Rio de Janeiro | |||||
Colombia | 1 | ||||
Colombia | 2 | ||||
8 July – Belo Horizonte | |||||
Uruguay | 0 | ||||
Brazil | 1 | ||||
30 June – Brasília | |||||
Germany | 7 | ||||
France | 2 | ||||
4 July – Rio de Janeiro | |||||
Nigeria | 0 | ||||
France | 0 | ||||
30 June – Porto Alegre | |||||
Germany | 1 | ||||
Germany (a.e.t.) | 2 | ||||
13 July – Rio de Janeiro | |||||
Algeria | 1 | ||||
Germany (a.e.t.) | 1 | ||||
29 June – Fortaleza | |||||
Argentina | 0 | ||||
Netherlands | 2 | ||||
5 July – Salvador | |||||
Mexico | 1 | ||||
Netherlands (pen.) | 0 (4) | ||||
29 June – Recife | |||||
Costa Rica | 0 (3) | ||||
Costa Rica (pen.) | 1 (5) | ||||
9 July – São Paulo | |||||
Greece | 1 (3) | ||||
Netherlands | 0 (2) | ||||
1 July – São Paulo | |||||
Argentina (pen.) | 0 (4) | Third place | |||
Argentina (a.e.t.) | 1 | ||||
5 July – Brasília | 12 July – Brasília | ||||
Switzerland | 0 | ||||
Argentina | 1 | Brazil | 0 | ||
1 July – Salvador | |||||
Belgium | 0 | Netherlands | 3 | ||
Belgium (a.e.t.) | 2 | ||||
United States | 1 |
Scores after extra time are indicated by (aet), and penalty shoot-outs are indicated by (pen.).
Round of 16[edit]
For the first time since the introduction of a round of 16 after the group stage in 1986, all the group winners advanced into the quarter-finals.[78] They included four teams from UEFA, three from CONMEBOL, and one from CONCACAF. Of the eight matches, five required extra-time, and two of these required penalty shoot-outs; this was the first time penalty shoot-outs occurred in more than one game in a round of 16.[nb 5] The goal average per game in the round of 16 was 2.25, a drop of 0.58 goals per game from the group stage.[79] The eight teams to win in the round of 16 included four former champions (Brazil, Germany, Argentina and France), a three-time runner-up (Netherlands), and two first-time quarter-finalists (Colombia and Costa Rica).[80][81] Belgium reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 1986.[82]
All times listed below are at local time (UTC−3)
Brazil | 1–1 (a.e.t.) | Chile |
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| Report | |
Penalties | ||
3–2 |
Colombia | 2–0 | Uruguay |
---|---|---|
| Report |
Netherlands | 2–1 | Mexico |
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| Report |
Costa Rica | 1–1 (a.e.t.) | Greece |
---|---|---|
| Report | |
Penalties | ||
5–3 |
France | 2–0 | Nigeria |
---|---|---|
| Report |
Germany | 2–1 (a.e.t.) | Algeria |
---|---|---|
| Report |
Argentina | 1–0 (a.e.t.) | Switzerland |
---|---|---|
| Report |
Belgium | 2–1 (a.e.t.) | United States |
---|---|---|
| Report |
Quarter-finals[edit]
With a 1–0 victory over France, Germany set a World Cup record with four consecutive semi-final appearances. Brazil beat Colombia 2–1, but Brazil's Neymar was injured and missed the rest of the competition. Argentina reached the final four for the first time since 1990 after a 1–0 win over Belgium. The Netherlands reached the semi-finals for the second consecutive tournament, after overcoming Costa Rica in a penalty shoot-out following a 0–0 draw at the end of extra time.
France | 0–1 | Germany |
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Report |
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Brazil | 2–1 | Colombia |
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| Report |
Argentina | 1–0 | Belgium |
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| Report |
Netherlands | 0–0 (a.e.t.) | Costa Rica |
---|---|---|
Report | ||
Penalties | ||
4–3 |
Semi-finals[edit]
Germany qualified for the final for the eighth time with a historic 7–1 win over Brazil – the biggest defeat in Brazilian football since 1920. Miroslav Klose's goal in this match was his 16th throughout all World Cups, breaking the record he had previously shared with Ronaldo.[83] Klose set another record by becoming the first player to appear in four World Cup semi-finals.[84] Argentina reached their first final since 1990, and the fifth overall after overcoming the Netherlands in a penalty shoot-out following a 0–0 draw at the end of extra time.
Brazil | 1–7 | Germany |
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| Report |
|
Netherlands | 0–0 (a.e.t.) | Argentina |
---|---|---|
Report | ||
Penalties | ||
2–4 |
Third place play-off[edit]
The Netherlands defeated Brazil 3–0 to secure third place, the first for the Dutch team in their history. Overall, Brazil conceded 14 goals in the tournament; this was the most by a team at any single World Cup since 1986, and the most by a host nation in history, although their fourth-place finish still represented Brazil's best result in a World Cup since their last win in 2002.[85]
Brazil | 0–3 | Netherlands |
---|---|---|
Report |
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Final[edit]
The final featured Germany against Argentina for a record third time after 1986 and 1990.
Germany | 1–0 (a.e.t.) | Argentina |
---|---|---|
| Report |
This marked the first time that teams from the same continent had won three consecutive World Cups (following Italy in 2006 and Spain in 2010). It was also the first time that a European nation had won the World Cup in the Americas. On aggregate Europe then had 11 victories, compared to South America's 9 victories.
Statistics[edit]
Goalscorers[edit]
In total, 171 goals were scored by a record 121 players, with five credited as own goals. Goals scored from penalty shoot-outs are not counted.James Rodríguez was awarded the Golden Boot for scoring six goals, the first time that a Colombian player received the award.[86]
- 6 goals
- James Rodríguez
- 5 goals
- Thomas Müller
- 4 goals
- Lionel Messi
- Neymar
- Robin van Persie
- 3 goals
- Enner Valencia
- Karim Benzema
- André Schürrle
- Arjen Robben
- Xherdan Shaqiri
- 2 goals
- Abdelmoumene Djabou
- Islam Slimani
- Tim Cahill
- David Luiz
- Oscar
- Alexis Sánchez
- Jackson Martínez
- Bryan Ruiz
- Mario Mandžukić
- Ivan Perišić
- Mario Götze
- Mats Hummels
- Miroslav Klose
- Toni Kroos
- André Ayew
- Asamoah Gyan
- Wilfried Bony
- Gervinho
- Memphis Depay
- Ahmed Musa
- Clint Dempsey
- Luis Suárez
- 1 goal
- Yacine Brahimi
- Sofiane Feghouli
- Rafik Halliche
- Ángel Di María
- Gonzalo Higuaín
- Marcos Rojo
- Mile Jedinak
- Kevin De Bruyne
- Marouane Fellaini
- Romelu Lukaku
- Dries Mertens
- Divock Origi
- Jan Vertonghen
- Edin Džeko
- Vedad Ibišević
- Miralem Pjanić
- Avdija Vršajević
- Fernandinho
- Fred
- Thiago Silva
- Joël Matip
- Charles Aránguiz
- Jean Beausejour
- Jorge Valdivia
- Eduardo Vargas
- Pablo Armero
- Juan Cuadrado
- Teófilo Gutiérrez
- Juan Quintero
- Joel Campbell
- Óscar Duarte
- Marco Ureña
- Ivica Olić
- Wayne Rooney
- Daniel Sturridge
- Olivier Giroud
- Blaise Matuidi
- Paul Pogba
- Moussa Sissoko
- Mathieu Valbuena
- Sami Khedira
- Mesut Özil
- Sokratis Papastathopoulos
- Georgios Samaras
- Andreas Samaris
- Carlo Costly
- Reza Ghoochannejhad
- Mario Balotelli
- Claudio Marchisio
- Keisuke Honda
- Shinji Okazaki
- Giovani dos Santos
- Andrés Guardado
- Javier Hernández
- Rafael Márquez
- Oribe Peralta
- Daley Blind
- Stefan de Vrij
- Leroy Fer
- Klaas-Jan Huntelaar
- Wesley Sneijder
- Georginio Wijnaldum
- Peter Odemwingie
- Cristiano Ronaldo
- Nani
- Silvestre Varela
- Aleksandr Kerzhakov
- Aleksandr Kokorin
- Koo Ja-cheol
- Lee Keun-ho
- Son Heung-min
- Xabi Alonso
- Juan Mata
- Fernando Torres
- David Villa
- Blerim Džemaili
- Admir Mehmedi
- Haris Seferović
- Granit Xhaka
- John Brooks
- Julian Green
- Jermaine Jones
- Edinson Cavani
- Diego Godín
- Own goals
- Sead Kolašinac (against Argentina)
- Marcelo (against Croatia)
- John Boye (against Portugal)
- Noel Valladares (against France)
- Joseph Yobo (against France)
Source: FIFA[87]
Discipline[edit]
The most notable disciplinary case was that of Uruguayan striker Luis Suárez, who was suspended for nine international matches and banned from taking part in any football-related activity (including entering any stadium) for four months, following a biting incident on Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini. He was also fined CHF100,000.[88][89][90] After an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, Suárez was later allowed to participate in training and friendly matches with new club Barcelona.[91]
Awards[edit]
The following awards were given at the conclusion of the tournament:[92][93]
Award | Winner | Other nominees |
---|---|---|
Golden Ball | Lionel Messi | Ángel Di María |
Golden Boot | James Rodríguez (6 goals, 2 assists) | |
Golden Glove | Manuel Neuer | Keylor Navas |
Best Young Player | Paul Pogba | Memphis Depay |
FIFA Fair Play Trophy | Colombia |
- Technical Study Group
The members of the Technical Study Group, the committee that decided which players won the awards, were led by FIFA's head of the Technical Division Jean-Paul Brigger and featured:[98]
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There were changes to the voting procedure for awards for the 2014 edition: while in 2010 accredited media were allowed to vote for the Golden Ball award,[99] in 2014 only the Technical Study Group could select the outcome.[100]
Dream Team[edit]
As was the case during the 2010 edition, FIFA did not release an official All-Star Team, but instead invited users of FIFA.com to elect their Dream Team.[101][102]
Goalkeepers | Defenders | Midfielders | Forwards | Manager |
---|---|---|---|---|
Manuel Neuer (Germany) | Marcelo (Brazil) | Ángel Di María (Argentina) | Neymar (Brazil) | Joachim Löw (Germany) |
Castrol, the official sponsor of the tournament, released a team of the tournament based on their Castrol Performance Index, which evaluates player performances through statistical data. The team consisted of the players leading each position, with midfielder Toni Kroos ranked as the overall leader.[103]Lionel Messi, the Golden Ball recipient, finished fifth among forwards and was thus not included in the team.[104]
Goalkeepers | Defenders | Midfielders | Forwards |
---|---|---|---|
Manuel Neuer (Germany) | Marcos Rojo (Argentina) | Oscar (Brazil) | Arjen Robben (Netherlands) |
Prize money[edit]
The total prize money on offer for the tournament was confirmed by FIFA as US$576 million (including payments of $70 million to domestic clubs and $100 million as player insurances), a 37 percent increase from the amount allocated in the 2010 tournament. Before the tournament, each of the 32 entrants received $1.5 million for preparation costs. At the tournament, the prize money was distributed as follows:[105]
- $8 million – To each team eliminated at the group stage (16 teams)
- $9 million – To each team eliminated in the round of 16 (8 teams)
- $14 million – To each team eliminated in the quarter-finals (4 teams)
- $20 million – Fourth placed team
- $22 million – Third placed team
- $25 million – Runner-up
- $35 million – Winner
Final standings[edit]
Per statistical convention in football, matches decided in extra time are counted as wins and losses, while matches decided by penalty shoot-outs are counted as draws.[106]
Result of countries participating in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Runner-up | Fourth place | Round of 16 |
Pos. | Team | G | Pld | W | D | L | Pts | GF | GA | GD |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Germany | G | 7 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 19 | 18 | 4 | +14 |
2 | Argentina | F | 7 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 16 | 8 | 4 | +4 |
3 | Netherlands | B | 7 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 17 | 15 | 4 | +11 |
4 | Brazil | A | 7 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 11 | 14 | -3 |
Eliminated in the quarter-finals | ||||||||||
5 | Colombia | C | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 12 | 4 | +8 |
6 | Belgium | H | 5 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 12 | 6 | 3 | +3 |
7 | France | E | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 10 | 3 | +7 |
8 | Costa Rica | D | 5 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 5 | 2 | +3 |
Eliminated in the round of 16 | ||||||||||
9 | Chile | B | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 6 | 4 | +2 |
10 | Mexico | A | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 5 | 3 | +2 |
11 | Switzerland | E | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
12 | Uruguay | D | 4 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 6 | -2 |
13 | Greece | C | 4 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 5 | -2 |
14 | Algeria | H | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
15 | United States | G | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 5 | 6 | -1 |
16 | Nigeria | F | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 3 | 5 | -2 |
Eliminated in the group stage | ||||||||||
17 | Ecuador | E | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
18 | Portugal | G | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 7 | -3 |
19 | Croatia | A | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
20 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | F | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
21 | Ivory Coast | C | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | -1 |
22 | Italy | D | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 2 | 3 | -1 |
23 | Spain | B | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 7 | -3 |
24 | Russia | H | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 3 | -1 |
25 | Ghana | G | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 6 | -2 |
26 | England | D | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 |
27 | South Korea | H | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 6 | -3 |
28 | Iran | F | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 | -3 |
29 | Japan | C | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 6 | -4 |
30 | Australia | B | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 9 | -6 |
31 | Honduras | E | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 8 | -7 |
32 | Cameroon | A | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 9 | -8 |
Preparations and costs[edit]
Costs of the tournament totalled $11.6 billion,[107] making it the most expensive World Cup to date,[108] until surpassed by 2018 FIFA World Cup which cost an estimated $14.2 billion.[109] FIFA was expected to spend US$2 billion on staging the finals,[110] with its greatest single expense being the US$576 million prize money pot.[105]
Although organisers originally estimated costs of US$1.1 billion,[111] a reported US$3.6 billion was ultimately spent on stadium works.[112][113] Five of the chosen host cities had brand new venues built specifically for the World Cup, while the Estádio Nacional Mané Garrincha in the capital Brasília was demolished and rebuilt, with the remaining six being extensively renovated.[114]
An additional R$3 billion (US$1.3 billion, €960 million, £780 million at June 2014 rates) was earmarked by the Brazilian government for investment in infrastructure works and projects for use during the 2014 World Cup and beyond.[115] However, the failed completion of many of the proposed works provoked discontent among some Brazilians.[116][117][118]
The Brazilian government pledged US$900 million to be invested into security forces and that the tournament would be 'one of the most protected sports events in history.'[119]
Marketing[edit]
The marketing of the 2014 FIFA World Cup included sale of tickets, support from sponsors and promotion through events that utilise the symbols and songs of the tournament. Popular merchandise included items featuring the official mascot as well as an official video game that has been developed by EA Sports.[120] The official song of the tournament was 'We Are One (Ole Ola)' with vocals from Pitbull, Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte.[121] As a partner of the German Football Association, the German airline Lufthansa renamed itself 'Fanhansa' on some of its planes that flew the German national team, media representatives and football fans to Brazil.[122]
Sponsorship[edit]
The sponsors of the 2014 World Cup are divided into three categories: FIFA Partners, FIFA World Cup Sponsors and National Supporters.[123]
FIFA partners | FIFA World Cup sponsors | National supporters |
---|---|---|
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Media[edit]
For a fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup Finals, the coverage was provided by HBS (Host Broadcast Services), a subsidiary of Infront Sports & Media.[124]Sony was selected as the official equipment provider and built 12 bespoke high definition production 40-foot-long containers, one for each tournament venue, to house the extensive amount of equipment required.[125][126] Each match utilised 37 standard camera plans, including Aerial and Cablecam, two Ultramotion cameras and dedicated cameras for interviews.[126]The official tournament film, as well as three matches,[nb 6] will be filmed with ultra high definition technology (4K resolution), following a successful trial at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.[127]
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The broadcasting rights – covering television, radio, internet and mobile coverage – for the tournament were sold to media companies in each individual territory either directly by FIFA, or through licensed companies or organisations such as the European Broadcasting Union, Organización de Televisión Iberoamericana, International Media Content, Dentsu and RS International Broadcasting & Sports Management.[128] The sale of these rights accounted for an estimated 60% of FIFA's income from staging a World Cup.[129] The International Broadcast Centre was situated at the Riocentro in the Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood of Rio de Janeiro.[130][131]
Worldwide, several games qualified as the most-watched sporting events in their country in 2014, including 42.9 million people in Brazil for the opening game between Brazil and Croatia, the 34.1 million in Japan who saw their team play Ivory Coast, and 34.7 million in Germany who saw their national team win the World Cup against Argentina,[132] while the 24.7 million viewers during the game between the USA and Portugal is joint with the 2010 final as the most-watched football game in the United States.[133] According to FIFA, over one billion people tuned in worldwide to watch the final between Germany and Argentina.[134]
Controversies[edit]
The 2014 FIFA World Cup generated various controversies, including demonstrations, some of which took place even before the tournament started. Furthermore, there were various issues with safety, including eight deaths of workers and a fire during construction, breaches into stadiums, an unstable makeshift staircase at the Maracanã Stadium, a monorail collapse, and the collapse of an unfinished overpass in Belo Horizonte.[135][136][137][138][139] The houses of thousands of families living in Rio de Janeiro’s slums were cleared for redevelopments for the World Cup in spite of protests and resistance. Favela do Metrô, near the Maracanã Stadium, was completely destroyed as a result, having previously housed 700 families in 2010.[140][141][142]
Protests[edit]
Prior to the opening ceremony of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup staged in Brazil, demonstrations took place outside the venue, organised by people unhappy with the amount of public money spent to enable the hosting of the FIFA World Cup.[143] Both the Brazilian presidentDilma Rousseff and FIFA president Sepp Blatter were heavily booed as they were announced to give their speeches at the 2013 tournament's opening,[144] which resulted in FIFA announcing that the 2014 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony would not feature any speeches.[145] Further protests took place during the Confederations Cup as well as prior to and during the World Cup.[146][147][148][149][150]
Breaches into stadiums[edit]
At the Group B match between Spain and Chile, around 100 Chilean supporters who had gathered outside Maracanã Stadium forced their way into the stadium and caused damage to the media centre. Military police reported that 85 Chileans were detained during the events, while others reached the stands. Earlier, about 20 Argentinians made a similar breach during Argentina's Group F game against Bosnia and Herzegovina at the same stadium.[151][152]
Bridge collapse[edit]
On 3 July 2014, an overpass under construction in Belo Horizonte as part of the World Cup infrastructure projects collapsed onto a busy carriageway below, leaving two people dead and 22 others injured.[153][154]
Head injuries[edit]
During the tournament, FIFA received significant criticism for the way head injuries are handled during matches. Two incidents in particular attracted the most attention. First, in a group stage match, after Uruguayan defender Álvaro Pereira received a blow to the head, he lay unconscious.[155] The Uruguayan doctor signaled for the player to be substituted, but he returned to the match. The incident drew criticism from the professional players' union FIFPro, and from Michel D'Hooghe, a member of the FIFA executive board and chairman of its medical committee.[156]
Second, in the Final, German midfielder Christoph Kramer received a blow to the head from a collision in the 14th minute, but returned to the match before collapsing in the 31st minute. During that time, Kramer was disoriented and confused, and asked the referee Nicola Rizzoli whether the match he was playing in was the World Cup Final.[157]
See also[edit]
Notes[edit]
- ^The Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation is [ˈkɔpɐ du ˈmũdu da ˈfifɐ bɾaˈziw ˈdojz ˈmiw i kaˈtoʁzi], in Brazil's standard pronunciation.
- ^Bosnia and Herzegovina was until 1992 part of Yugoslavia, which competed at eight World Cup tournaments.
- ^The Arena Pernambuco is located in São Lourenço da Mata, Recife.
- ^The spray was trialled at the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup, 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup and 2013 FIFA Club World Cup
- ^In 1938's round of 16, two games were also tied after extra-time, but those were replayed instead.
- ^Those matches scheduled to be filmed in ultra high definition were one match from the round of 16 (on 28 June), one quarter-final (on 4 July) and the final
References[edit]
- ^'Players – Top goals'. FIFA.com.
- ^Mason, Peter (13 July 2014). 'Lionel Messi wins Golden Ball award for best player of World Cup'. The Guardian.
- ^'Pogba wins Hyundai Young Player Award'. FIFA.com.
- ^'Manuel Neuer wins golden glove award'. NDTV Sports. Agence France-Presse. 14 July 2014. Archived from the original on 16 July 2014. Retrieved 6 January 2019.
- ^'Colombia national team wins FIFA's Fair Play award at 2014 World Cup'. Colombia Reports.
- ^'25 Reasons Why 2014 World Cup Was the Best Ever'. Bleacher Report. 15 July 2014. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
- ^'World Cup 2014: Was this the greatest tournament of all? Yes'. The Telegraph. 12 July 2014. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
- ^'Which is the best World Cup ever? Rating contenders from 1954 to 2014'. 13 July 2018. Retrieved 24 April 2019.
- ^'FIFA launch GLT tender for Brazil 2013/14'. FIFA.com. 19 February 2013.
- ^Passarinho, Nathalia; Matoso, Filipe (14 July 2014). 'Em balanço da Copa, Dilma diz que Brasil derrotou prognósticos 'terríveis''. G1 (in Portuguese). Grupo Globo.
- ^'If the World Cup started tomorrow'. ESPN FC. 12 June 2013.
- ^Owen, David (14 July 2014). 'Battle of the Brands: Adidas lifts the World Cup, but Nike scores most goals'. Inside World Football. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- ^'Numbers Game: All the stats from Germany's fourth World Cup triumph'. Firstpost. 14 July 2014. Retrieved 14 July 2014.
- ^'2014 FIFA World Cup to be held in South America'. FIFA.com. 7 March 2003.
- ^'Rotation ends in 2018'. FIFA.com. 29 October 2007.
- ^'Brazil may lose the right to hold World Cup 2014'. Pravda.Ru. Retrieved 25 June 2014.
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External links[edit]
- 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil ™, FIFA.com
- 2014 FIFA World Cup at UEFA.com
2018 FIFA World Cup - Odds To Win
Country | Odds |
Brazil | +400 |
Germany | +405 |
Spain | +600 |
France | +600 |
Argentina | +850 |
Belgium | +900 |
England | +1615 |
Portugal | +2350 |
Uruguay | +2850 |
Croatia | +3000 |
Colombia | +3500 |
Russia | +5000 |
Poland | +7500 |
Denmark | +9000 |
Switzerland | +10500 |
Mexico | +11000 |
Egypt | +11500 |
Peru | +13500 |
Sweden | +18000 |
Serbia | +18000 |
Nigeria | +23000 |
Senegal | +24550 |
Iceland | +25000 |
Costa Rica | +34000 |
Australia | +34550 |
Japan | +35000 |
Morocco | +40250 |
South Korea | +45000 |
Saudi Arabia | +45000 |
Iran | +52500 |
Panama | +55000 |
Tunisia | +65000 |
2018 FIFA World Cup Groups
Group | Teams |
Group A | Russia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Uruguay |
Group B | Portugal, Spain, Morocco, Iran |
Group C | France, Australia, Peru, Denmark |
Group D | Argentina, Iceland, Croatia, Nigeria |
Group E | Brazil, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia |
Group F | Germany, Mexico, Sweden, South Korea |
Group G | Belgium, Panama, Tunisia, England |
Group H | Poland, Senegal, Colombia, Japan |
2018 FIFA World Cup Bracket
2018 FIFA World Cup Group Stage Schedule, Viewing Guide And Game Odds
Matchup | Group | Time (ET) | TV | Odds |
Thursday, June 14 | ||||
Russia vs. Saudi Arabia | Group A | 11 a.m. | FOX | RUS -225, KSA +750 |
Friday, June 15 | ||||
Egypt vs. Uruguay | Group A | 8 a.m. | FS1 | URU -165, EGY +550 |
Morocco vs. Iran | Group B | 11 a.m. | FOX | MAR +125, IRN +275 |
Portugal vs. Spain | Group B | 2 p.m. | FOX | ESP -110, POR +345 |
Saturday, June 16 | ||||
France vs. Australia | Group C | 6 a.m. | FS1 | FRA -400, AUS +1300 |
Argentina vs. Iceland | Group D | 9 a.m. | FOX | ARG -285, ISL +950 |
Peru vs. Denmark | Group C | 12 p.m. | FS1 | DEN +135, PER +220 |
Croatia vs. Nigeria | Group D | 3 p.m. | FS1 | CRO -145, NGA +450 |
Sunday, June 17 | ||||
Costa Rica vs. Serbia | Group E | 8 a.m. | FOX | SRB -115, CRC +370 |
Germany vs. Mexico | Group F | 11 a.m. | FS1 | GER -205, MEX -205 |
Brazil vs. Switzerland | Group E | 2 p.m. | FS1 | BRA -245, SUI +700 |
Monday, June 18 | ||||
Sweden vs. South Korea | Group F | 8 a.m. | FS1 | SWE +105, KOR +300 |
Belgium vs. Panama | Group G | 11 a.m. | FS1 | BEL -575, PAN +2000 |
Tunisia vs. England | Group G | 2 p.m. | FS1 | ENG -240, TUN +800 |
Tuesday, June 19 | ||||
Colombia vs. Japan | Group H | 8 a.m. | FS1 | COL -150, JPN +475 |
Poland vs. Senegal | Group H | 11 a.m. | FOX | POL +130, SEN +225 |
Russia vs. Egypt | Group A | 2 p.m. | FOX | RUS +105, EGY +290 |
Wednesday, June 20 | ||||
Portugal vs. Morocco | Group B | 8 a.m. | FS1 | POR -155, MAR +475 |
Uruguay vs. Saudi Arabia | Group A | 11 a.m. | FOX | URU -450, KSA +1400 |
Iran vs. Spain | Group B | 2 p.m. | FOX | ESP -475, IRN +1600 |
Thursday, June 21 | ||||
Denmark vs. Australia | Group C | 8 a.m. | FS1 | DEN -150, AUS +450 |
France vs. Peru | Group C | 11 a.m. | FOX | FRA -230, PER +650 |
Argentina vs. Croatia | Group D | 2 p.m. | FOX | ARG -105, CRO +310 |
Friday, June 22 | ||||
Brazil vs. Costa Rica | Group E | 8 a.m. | FS1 | BRA -500, CRC +1600 |
Nigeria vs. Iceland | Group D | 11 a.m. | FOX | NGA +155, ISL +200 |
Serbia vs. Switzerland | Group E | 2 p.m. | FOX | SUI +155, SRB +205 |
Saturday, June 23 | ||||
Belgium vs. Tunisia | Group G | 8 a.m. | FOX | BEL -305, TUN +850 |
South Korea vs. Mexico | Group F | 11 a.m. | FOX | MEX -125, KOR +380 |
Germany vs. Sweden | Group F | 2 p.m. | FOX | GER -235, SWE +700 |
Sunday, June 24 | ||||
England vs. Panama | Group G | 8 a.m. | FS1 | ENG -450, PAN +1400 |
Japan vs. Senegal | Group H | 11 a.m. | FOX | SEN +115, JPN +265 |
Poland vs. Colombia | Group H | 2 p.m. | FOX | COL +125, POL +240 |
Monday, June 25 | ||||
Uruguay vs. Russia | Group A | 10 a.m. | FOX | URU +125, RUS +245 |
Saudi Arabia vs. Egypt | Group A | 10 a.m. | FS1 | EGY -135, KSA +400 |
Spain vs. Morocco | Group B | 2 p.m. | FS1 | ESP -265, MAR +850 |
Iran vs. Portugal | Group B | 2 p.m. | FOX | POR -265, IRN +800 |
Tuesday, June 26 | ||||
Denmark vs. France | Group C | 10 a.m. | FOX | FRA -155, DEN +450 |
Australia vs. Peru | Group C | 10 a.m. | FS1 | PER +110, AUS +270 |
Nigeria vs. Argentina | Group D | 2 p.m. | FOX | ARG -220, NGA +600 |
Iceland vs. Croatia | Group D | 2 p.m. | FS1 | CRO -125, ISL +385 |
Wednesday, June 27 | ||||
South Korea vs. Germany | Group F | 10 a.m. | FS1 | GER -350, KOR +1000 |
Mexico vs. Sweden | Group F | 10 a.m. | FOX | MEX +150, SWE +200 |
Serbia vs. Brazil | Group E | 2 p.m. | FOX | BRA -270, SRB +800 |
Switzerland vs. Costa Rica | Group E | 2 p.m. | FS1 | SUI -115, CRC +355 |
Thursday, June 28 | ||||
Japan vs. Poland | Group H | 10 a.m. | FS1 | POL -115, JPN +335 |
Senegal vs. Colombia | Group H | 10 a.m. | FOX | COL +100, SNG +300 |
England vs. Belgium | Group G | 2 p.m. | FOX | BEL +145, ENG +195 |
Panama vs. Tunisia | Group G | 2 p.m. | FS1 | TUN +115, PAN +270 |
All World Cup matches can be live streamed via FOX Sports GO
2018 FIFA World Cup Knockout Stage Schedule And Matchups
Match # | Matchup | Time (ET) |
Round of 16 | ||
Saturday, June 30 | ||
50 | Group C winner vs. Group D runner-up | 10 a.m. |
49 | Group A winner vs. Group B runner-up | 2 p.m. |
Sunday, July 1 | ||
51 | Group B winner vs. Group A runner-up | 10 a.m. |
52 | Group D winner vs. Group C runner-up | 2 p.m. |
Monday, July 2 | ||
53 | Group E winner vs. Group F runner-up | 10 a.m. |
54 | Group G winner vs. Group H runner-up | 2 p.m. |
Tuesday, July 3 | ||
55 | Group F winner vs. Group E runner-up | 10 a.m. |
56 | Group H winner vs. Group G runner-up | 2 p.m. |
Quarterfinals | ||
Friday, July 6 | ||
57 | 49 Winner vs. 50 Winner | 10 a.m. |
58 | 53 Winner vs. 54 Winner | 2 p.m. |
Saturday, July 7 | ||
60 | 55 Winner vs. 56 Winner | 10 a.m. |
59 | 51 Winner vs. 52 Winner | 2 p.m. |
Semifinals | ||
Tuesday, July 10 | ||
61 | 57 Winner vs. 58 Winner | 10 a.m. |
Wednesday, July 11 | ||
62 | 59 Winner vs. 60 Winner | 2 p.m. |
Third Place Play-off | ||
Saturday, July 14 | ||
63 | 61 Loser vs. 62 Loser | 10 a.m. |
Final | ||
Sunday, July 15 | ||
64 | 61 Winner vs. 62 Winner | 3 p.m. |
2018 FIFA World Cup Betting Breakdown
The Favorites
Oddsmakers believe that Brazil is the side to beat in 2018, opening the squad as the favorite to bring home a title for a record-extending sixth time. The Brazilians are currently +400 chalk, meaning bettors would return $4 for every $1 risked should they win. The Selecao will be playing with a chip on their shoulder as they seek to avenge their heartbreaking exit from the 2014 World Cup. As the host nation, Brazil was stunned in a 7-1 loss in the semifinals to eventual champion Germany. With star player Neymar looking fully recovered from a foot injury that threatened his chances of participating in this tournament, the Brazilians should have little resistance waltzing through a Group E field that includes Switzerland—the team Brazil will start its run against on Sunday--as well as Costa Rica and Serbia. With expectations higher than ever, the Brazilians should and will be disappointed with any result other than bringing back a trophy from Russia.
UEFA Champions League noted that Gabriel Jesus, Neymar and Coutinho all scored in Brazil’s last tune-up before Russia:
#UCL stars Gabriel Jesus, Neymar and Philippe Coutinho score the goals as Brazil defeat Austria 3-0 in their final friendly before the FIFA World Cup.
2014 World Cup Brackets
Which #UCL players will make the biggest splash in Russia? pic.twitter.com/YZkquO5fg3
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) June 10, 2018
As for the aforementioned Germans, there may be no more skilled and experienced squad in this year’s field. The 2014 Cup winners are aiming to become the first back-to-back World Cup champions since Brazil won consecutively in 1958 and 1962. According to sportsbooks, Die Nationalmannschaft’s chances of doing so are just a hair behind Brazil’s, as the team opened at +405 to repeat as victors. The side returned many of its key players from four years ago—including standouts such as midfielder Tony Kroos, keeper Manuel Neuer—and sports a promising group of youthful talent to boot. None is more notable than Timo Werner, the 22-year-old forward that is poised to shine on the grand stage. If Germany’s young players can stay composed, this is going to be arguably the most difficult nation in the field to defeat.
German coach Joachim Low says that his squad has a target on it's back but remains focused on winning another title (via the Daily Nation):
If you are world champion, Confederations Cup winner and number three in the world for three or four years, then you will be especially hunted. Every team wants to overthrow the defending champion..To be world champion once again means a lot to me, of course. That would be something historical. But I also feel some humility over the seriousness of the task. Everything has to be right to win a title, and at a certain point other factors will play their part as well, because the teams are similar in their quality. Little things can have a huge effect.
OptaJoe is giving the Germans the second best shot at winning the World Cup with a better than 10% chance:
13.2% - Based on our World Cup predictor, Opta give Brazil the highest chance of winning the 2018 World Cup (13.2%), followed by Germany (10.7%) & Argentina (10.1%). Probability.
For more info on the how the Opta Predictor is calculated, click here: https://t.co/O5yVz0Y0Zlpic.twitter.com/MOjnESld6Z
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) June 12, 2018
The Stars
While both Brazil and Germany are stacked with stars, the best player of the 2018 World Cup is likely to hail from Argentina. Lionel Messi opened as oddsmakers’ top choice to claim both the coveted Golden Boot as the tournament’s leading goal scorer, as well as defend his Golden Ball award that he earned as the 2014 World Cup’s best overall player. Messi would surely pass up both individual honors to bring Argentina its first World Cup victory since 1986, but the Group D squad has its work cut out for them. The Argentinians are currently getting +850 odds to win the trophy, meaning that they have the fifth-best shot according to the sportsbooks, which placed them behind Brazil, Germany, France (+600) and Spain (+600). This group is capable of pushing back into the championship game and even win it this year, but will need to support Messi with great play across the pitch for this to happen.
Messi stated that criticism from his country's media will impact his national team future after this World Cup (via Sport.es):
I don't know. It will depend how we do, how it ends. The fact we've lost three finals now has led to some complicated moments with the Argentine press due to the differences in seeing what it means to reach a final. It is not easy and [reaching three finals] has to be appreciated. It's true that winning them is important, but getting there is not easy.
Forbes found that Messi is now the highest paid soccer player in the world:
Lionel Messi tops Cristiano Ronaldo as the highest-paid soccer player in the worldhttps://t.co/hGdudeHV5Upic.twitter.com/H0AztESn2c
— Forbes (@Forbes) June 12, 2018
The other big name to watch in Russia will be Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar was instrumental in guiding his side to an improbable title at Euro 2016 and will need to step up once again if the Selecao das Quinas are to overcome their +2350 odds of winning. Ronaldo is coming off a Champions League victory with Real Madrid at the club level, but despite his trophies and prowess, has struggled to perform to his standards in this international event. The 33-year-old has 13 World Cup caps, but has only scored three total goals since his first appearance in 2006. Ronaldo will need to find a way to finish more consistently if his side is going to advance past the Round of 16, something it has only accomplished one other time since a country-best third-place showing at the 1966 World Cup. Portugal certainly won’t have it easy in Group B and will face perhaps it’s toughest test of the entire tourney right out of the gate, taking on Spain—a veteran squad with a handful of 2010 World Cup champs still on the roster—in the opener on Friday.
DaveOCKOP tweeted a quote from Ronaldo discussing Egyptian striker Mo Salah, the Liverpool sensation that the Portuguese forward feels could rival him as one of the best:
Ronaldo: 'Mo Salah has been one of the revelations of the year. I hope his injury in the final in Kiev doesn’t keep him out. Many people talk about the Cristiano Ronaldo-Messi battle but there are other players who have chances to enter the race. The Egyptian is one of them.”
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) June 11, 2018
The Underdogs
Due to the absence of the USA, many domestic fans will be looking for a new team to support for the next month. There are a handful of scrappy underdog squads in the field this year, perhaps none more likable and exciting than Iceland. The country, the smallest to ever clinch a World Cup berth, is one of two nations making its debut in Russia—Panama is the other first-timer in 2018—but has a lot of momentum coming into this event and could make some serious noise. The Strakarnir Okkar put themselves on the map with a run to the quarterfinals at Euro 2016, besting a heavily favored England squad to reach that point. These giant slayers now find themselves in Group D, also known as the 'Group of Death', where they will once again seek to shock the world. They can start by besting Messi’s Argentina squad in their opener on Saturday. There’s a decent chance that they can still advance even with a loss in this contest, as they have a good shot at defeating Nigeria and aren’t that heavy of an underdog against Croatia. Despite their +25000 odds, Iceland could be quite a competitive side and won’t be a pleasant draw if they manage to make the knockout rounds.
Iceland center back Ragnar Sigurdsson said his team has a plan to shut down Messi and the rest of the Argentinians (via The Daily Star):
It's football, anything can happen .. we know it will be complicated, but we are confident in being able to continue taking the steps we took in recent years, we know that Argentina are one of the best teams in the World Cup, but we will see.It's exciting to play against Messi, I never faced him and I do not know if anyone on the team ever did, but it's not just him, Argentina has many good players. We have to prepare for anything. We all know he's the best in the world, when we have the ball we'll have to be more focused and be more careful than ever, but we're 11, we'll have to play as a team.
Bleacher Report found that Iceland’s coach used to be a dentist:
There’s no professional soccer league in Iceland. Their coach used to be a dentist. And they're the World Cup's most exciting underdog. https://t.co/KrCe70N3pepic.twitter.com/QkUrOaIRov
2014 World Cup Brackets
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 12, 2018
Another unheralded country to keep an eye on is Poland. While the team’s odds to win (+7500) aren’t as long as some of the others in the field, there isn’t much fanfare around the Bialo-Czerwoni. This squad hasn’t made a World Cup since 2006, but has a legitimate weapon in veteran striker Robert Lewandowski. The Bayern Munich star was an absolute force during qualification, racking up 16 goals to secure a spot in the field. He’s left a lot to be desired during his Euro campaigns, but Lewandowski—now 29 years old—must be keenly aware that there aren’t many opportunities left to make an impact for his home country. He’s surrounded by hardworking, tough teammates that can clamp down defensively and gum up the offensive production of the opposition. Poland’s games may not be the prettiest or most exciting, but Lewandowski’s brilliance alone makes the country worth watching this month.
Bill Simmons thinks that Colombia is another great longshot bet at 35-1:
Needed a World Cup team b/c USA crapped the bed so I bet on Colombia at 35-1. Also got a complimentary ticket on the James Rodriguez bandwagon.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) June 12, 2018
2018 FIFA World Cup Pro Picks
Courtesy of Jon Price of SportsInformationTraders.com
To Win: Brazil (+400)
Value: Belgium (+900)
Dark Horse: Poland (+7500)
Long Shot: Iceland (+25000)