5 inspired substitutions at the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Substitutesare the aces in a football managers pack of cards. They very often change the very course of the game, and alter the momentum in such a way, that if used effectively, they are a managers best friend.But, if substitutionsare not used as effectively, they might come back to bite the team hard, as Mexicos manager Miguel Herrera found out in the Round of 16 game against the Netherlands, when he took off Giovani dos Santos with half an hour to go.But, as the likes of Louis van Gaal have shown, substitutes play a huge role. And that is accentuated in conditions like the ones in Brazil, where the heat often got to the players, and fresh legs would be crucial against a tiring opposition.Heres a look at 5 of themost inspired substitutions at the 2014 World Cup.

#5 Didier Drogba vs Japan

Drogba didnt get a goal, nor did he assist any after coming on in the 62ndminute when Ivory Coast were traling 1-0 against Japan. But, immediately after hecame on, there seemed to be a catalytic effect on the entire team.

Drogba attracted defenders towards him, was his usual powerful selfand created space for the likes of Wilfried Bony and Gervinho. In the end, it was those two who ended up scoring from two crosses by Serge Aurier, a mere two minutes after Drogba came on.

#4 Dries Mertens and Marouane Fellaini vs Algeria

Belgium were having an afternoon to forget in their first World Cup game in 12 years, as a Sofiane Feghouli penalty had given Algeria the lead. But, that is when Marc Wilmots decided to throw on Mertens and Fellaini. Mertens came on earlier than Fellaini.

The big Manchester United man scored from a header off a Kevin de Bruyne free kick, and Mertens showed great pace, in keeping up with Eden Hazard on a Belgian counter-attack, as hepowereda fierce shot past Rais Mbolhi.

It was only the eighth time in the history of the competition that two substitutes from the same team had come on and scored.

#3 Klaas Jan Huntelaar vs Mexico

Another masterstroke pulled off by Louis van Gaal. 68 minutes gone. The Dutch were trailing to a Giovani dos Santos goal. What did van Gaal do?

He tookoff his captain, who had had a downright poor game until then, and brought on Huntelaar for his first taste of the World Cup. And how did Huntelaar respond?

He set up the goal for Wesley Sneijder in the 88thminute, and then calmly dispatched a penalty in injury time to send the Dutch through to the quarterfinals.

What made this an inspired substitution the fact that van Gaal was brave enough to take off Robinvan Persie, after realizing he was having a poor game and that team needed fresh legs in extremely hot conditions in Fortaleza.

#2 Mario Gotze vs Argentina

It seemed a routine substitution as Gotze came on in the 88thminute for the 36 year old Miroslav Klose. Butin about half an hour, Gotze ensuredthat soon he would be the most talked about man on the planet, as he put away his chance with aplomb to give Germany their fourth World Cup.

Gotzes goal typified the German performance at this World Cup. Calm, composed and efficient. Andre Schurrle made a powerful run, and put in a cross with his left foot that Gotze controlled beuatifully on his chest before unleashing a left footed drive past an advancing Sergio Romero.

Of course, Joachim Low will take credit for bringing on Gotze (and for giving him a pep talk before the second period of extra time), but this was more one of those things that was just meant to be.

#1 Tim Krul v Costa Rica

Possibly, the most shocking substitution at this World Cup. Tim Krul was brought on in the final minute of extra time, just so that he could give the Netherlands the advantage in the enalty shootout. Krul had saved only 2 of thelast 20penalties he had faced in the last 5 years. So, it didnt seem like the move would make much of a difference.

But, one look at Jasper Cillessens record, and onewould know why Louis van Gaal was forced to take the adverse step of subbing him off. Cillessen has not saved a single penalty in senior football, and that record stayed intact after the semifinal shootout against Argentina.

Krul saved two penalties in the shootout, as the Dutch prevailed 4-3 on penalties.

The very fact that van Gaal paid great attention to thesesmall detailsepitomize his strengthsas a manager, and that is why he is so highly revered all over the world.What also helped was the psychological impact made by bringing Krul on was massive, as it put doubts in the minds of the Costa Rican penalty takers.