'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAHAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFQABAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAX/2gAIAQEAAAAALG//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAE/9oACAECEAAAAD//xAAUAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA/9oACAEDEAAAAH//xAAeEAADAQACAgMAAAAAAAAAAAABAgMEAAYFERNBcf/aAAgBAQABPwDwnXfhntFovAY5K75kZHFA4czBP7JweZetQ15o6UyhUsgoFeKlgCPv1Tn/xAAZEQACAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAACAwABERP/2gAIAQIBAT8AeziWDU//xAAWEQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABABL/2gAIAQMBAT8A2oN//9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
One word would be enough to sum up the first week of the FIFA World Cup 2014 - Historic.From faltering champions, magical goals, miserable howlers, moments of madness to acts of greatness, humility and sheer passion, Brazil 2014 hasntfailed to live upto theexpectations so far.Here are ten of the most unforgettable moments from the first week (12-19 June)
#10 Uruguays Central American disaster
Group D or the ‘Group of Death’ was always about the fight between Italy, England and Uruguay, so much so that the fourth country in the group was hardly talked about.
That changed quickly as Costa Rica, bereft of any international superstars, hogged the world’s attention when they trounced Suarez-less Uruguay in the opening game of the group.
Stupid excuses from the Uruguayan camp of not having enough caramel for the players certainly left a bad taste in the mouth!
#9 Russian butter fingers
Igor Akinfeev is considered to be one of the most underrated goalkeepers in Europe these days.
The CSKA Moscow man didn’t do his reputation any good when he fumbled a regulation shot from Lee Keun-Ho and let it scoop out of his grasp and bounce across the goal line.
World Cup finals have been no stranger to goalkeeping howlers and this was a fine addition to the illustrious list.
#8 Mullers World Cup love-affair
The reigning World Cup Golden Boot holder continued his magical vein of form at the World Cup finals with a clinical hat-trick that destroyed Ronaldo’s Portugal.
It was a defining statement by Muller and his German side who have arrived at yet another World Cup as contenders for the crown.
Muller’s third goal, which resulted from a spectacularly anticipated block off a defender’s clearance, embodied the technicality and commitment of the 24-year old, who already has 8 goals in 7 World Cup appearances to his name.
#7 Neymars passionate outburst
Most players in the young Brazilian squad are playing in their first ever World Cup and with the surreal expectations of the fervent home support, it’s not unusual to see players showcase their passion and pride for their country.
Neymar, carrying the hopes of an entire nation on his shoulders, couldn’t control his emotions as he broke down when Brazil’s national anthem was played before the match against Mexico.
#6 Typically Pepe
As they say, there’s no taming the lion.
Having gained immense notoriety for his on-field antics, bursts of anger, stamps on opposition players and moments of madness with Real Madrid, Pepe reproduced his club heroics with his national team at the grandest of stages.
An innocuous coming-together with Muller didn’t go down well with the Portuguese as he gave the striker a piece of his head (literally) and was duly sent off, spoiling Ronaldo’s return from injury at Brazil 2014.
#5 Switzerlands eleventh hour winner
Haris Seferovic became an overnight national hero with a winner with the last kick of Switzerland’s opening game against Ecuador.
The Real Sociedad man broke the deadlock in the final seconds of added time, sending a large contingent of travelling Swiss fans into frenzy.
With both Ecuador and Switzerland expected to get the better of Honduras, Seferovic’s momentous goal might prove to be the difference in the final Group E standings.
#4 Tim Cahills incredible volley
Playing probably his last World Cup for the Socceroos, Cahill conjured a magnificent van Basten-esque volley out of the blue against the Netherlands which sent waves of shock and awe across the entire global football community.
It was to be Cahill’s crowning glory as he picked up a suspension that will keep him out of Australia’s final match in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
#3 Tiki Tata
No goal, no save, no howler can ever supersede the enormity of Spain’s disintegration at the FIFA World Cup 2014. The writing was on the wall for the world champions after the embarrassing FIFA Confederations Cup final defeat to Brazil but the injection of some prodigious young talent into the squad had raised hopes and expectations.
But two humiliating and uninspiring defeats to Netherlands and Chile have sent La Roja packing.
Barcelona’s downfall and Bayern’s ignominy at the hands of Madrid this year is pointing towards the demise of possession based football and the end of a glorious era for the Spanish national team.
#2 The Great Wall of Mexico
Guillermo Ochoa became a worldwide sensation as his Herculean shot-stopping against hosts Brazil earned a goalless draw for Mexico.
One particular save, off a powerful Neymar header, was a reincarnation of the famous save made by Gordon Banks off a Pele header in the 1970 World Cup.
Rumours of Ochoa having an extra finger started doing the rounds but all talks aside, this performance has been etched in World Cup folklore till the end of time.
#1 The Flying Dutchman
Robin van Persie is known for producing moments of brilliance in front of the goal but the Manchester United striker’s wheneccentricity rose to a whole new level with this jaw-dropping header as he scored when he was in mid-air.
He landed as gracefully as he took flight and the flurry of internet memes that followed this goal was no less sumptuous. More importantly, this wonder strike inspired the Oranje to a phenomenal 5-1 humbling of the world champions Spain.
