Student 24/7 Jul 2014 | Page 31

Brazil 2014: Johannes Masiteng Since day one of the 2014 FIFA World Cup, we have seen surprises, astonishing results, an avalanche of goals, spectacular saves and surprise eliminations... in two words, we have seen a ‘great tournament.’ From Marcelo’s own-goal on day one to Luis Suarez’s bite on Chiellini and the Dutch’s demolition of Spain to Mario Goetze’s final extra-time winner for Germany on the last day, the 2014 FIFA World Cup is one of the greatest World Cups ever! Goals galore! It was raining goals at the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The first game produced 4 goals as the host nation, Brazil, came from behind to overcome Croatia 3-1. The tournament continued to produce more goals as the rampant Dutchmen demolished Spain 5-1 on day 2. Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal suffered a 4-0 defeat in the hands of Germany who also ripped hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals. We also witnessed astonishing results in the first round as Costa Rica stunned Uruguay 3-1. Several teams such as France, Brazil, Croatia and debutants Bosnia and Herzegovina won their respective first round games with 3 goals or more. 171 goals were scored at France ’98 and the average goal per game was 2.67 and also in this year’s edition 171 goals were netted. In Brazil 2014, a total of 14 braces and 2 hat-tricks were scored. James Rodriguez clinched the Golden Boot with 6 goals and Germany’s Thomas Mueller was not far behind with just 5 goals. The first round of this year’s tournament produced 136 goals, 9 goals fewer than t