The 2014 World Cup exploded with the second most goals per game in the group stage in World Cup history. The knockout stage slowed down (aside from Germany's beat down on Brazil) but the 2014 World Cup still tied the 1998 record of 171 tournament goals. We here at the18 sifted through every one of the 171 goals of the World Cup and compiled a list of what we think are the best 10 from the tournament. What do you think was the best goal of the tournament? Let us know!
Honorable Mentions:
- Clint Dempsey vs Ghana
- Giovani Dos Santos vs Netherlands
- James Rodriguez vs Japan
- André Schürrle vs Algeria in Round of 16
10: David Villa vs Australia in Group Stage- Despite Spain’s dreadful performance at the World Cup this year, David Villa of course found his way onto our list. A great cut by Villa towards the ball put him in good position and a his creative back heel flip was brilliant. He executed it perfectly and starts our countdown off nicely.
9: Lionel Messi vs Nigeria in Group Stage- It almost looks too easy for him. But this perfectly located free kick from Leo Messi is a perfect example of how dangerous he can be at any time. I’m sure he wishes his free kick from distance in the Final was just a tad closer to the distance of this free kick, but nonetheless, a lovely strike from The Flea.
8: Xherdan Shaqiri vs Honduras in Group Stage-This is just one of the three goals Shaqiri’s had in this match, howevert this one was the best, of course. Xherdan somehow finds space for this left-footed rocket which bounces off the crossbar and in. Pure class from the current Bayern Munich man who may be on the move to the EPL.
7: Jermaine Jones vs Portugal in Group Stage-Another wonder strike comes in at number seven. Jermaine Jones Jr ripped a right-footed bender from distance that froze Portuguese goalkeeper Beto. If you look at JJJ’s strike from this angle, you’ll see that this isn't homerism - it without a doubt deserves a place in our top 10.
6: Lionel Messi vs Iran in Group Stage- Leo Messi makes his second appearance in our top ten, not only once again showing off his signature left-footed rips from atop the box, but the ice in his veins. Against a gritty Iran team, the Albiceleste offense struggled mightily to find the back of the net, that is until La Pulga took matters into his own hands in stoppage time...or in this case, feet.
5: David Luiz vs Colombia in Quarterfinals-Probably the deepest goal of the tournament, David Luiz dropped this bomb from distance against Colombia in a testy quarterfinal matchup. It was a superb strike and celebration. Unfortunately for him and Brazilian supporters, this was the last positive thing to happen to the Selecao. A Neymar injury and a 7-1 rout to Germany were all that was left in Brazil’s World Cup run. (Oh, did we forget that the 3rd place game even happened?)
4: Tim Cahill vs Netherlands in Group Stage-The degree of difficulty on this goal is unreal. Tim Cahill, MLS and Socceroo star made his imprint on the tournament with this wonder volley from close range that he smashed into the crossbar and passed Dutch keeper Jasper Cillessen. The cross from distance was handled and timed beautifully by Cahill who had secured himself in our top 3…until July 13th.
3: Robin van Persie vs Spain in Group Stage-It only took Robin van Persie 24 hours into his World Cup to solidify himself in the argument for one of the best goals of the tournament. The Manchester United man started the rout against Spain by cashing in on an unreal header from distance. The 16-foot header from a spectacular Daley Blind cross teardropped pasta frozen Iker Casillas with ease - and started the first of this year's World Cup memes.
2: Mario Götze vs Argentina in World Cup Final- Some think it could be too high, some could think it doesn’t belong anywhere but number 1. Nonetheless, Mario Gotze’s brilliance comes in at number two for us here at The18. First the cross by André Schürrle is the definition of perfect. With two defenders coming his way, Schürrle lightly flicks a perfect ball over the out-of-position Martin Demichelis, to find a wide open Gotze. Super Mario does the rest with a sublime touch off his chest that he finishes with the left foot. Oh yeah, it was to win the World Cup in extra time. #Clutchgene.
1: James Rodriguez vs Uruguay in Round of 16- Just as Schürrle cross was the definition of perfect, this goal was the definition of golazo. The Golden Boot winner had his back to the end line when he makes his first touch on this ball. The perfect chest down to his left foot along with the ability to completely turn his body to get the shot on frame is insane. The volley from distance off the crossbar gave the Cafeteros the first goal of the game and they never looked back.
