Overall this World Cup has not been an exciting one. Dull matches, drab score lines and very few goals ensured not much drama on the football field. But there are always exceptions. So as you start pondering on the matches which made you fall in love with football again, I share with you my list of memorable matches at this World Cup.
1) USA VS SLOVENIA (2-2): It was one of the most exciting football matches. The game came to life in the second half when USA with 2 goals down came back strongly to level the match at 2-2. The Americans would have won the game had the Mali referee not rule out the decisive goal for reasons still unknown. This match made heroes out of Landon Donovan and Michael Bradley who were absolutely awesome. Slovenia would look back at this match as a golden opportunity lost.
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Cameroon vs Denmark: Cameroon kept on attacking with as many as 23 shots on goal, but were found wanting at the back
2) CAMEROON VS DENMARK (1-2): This game has been voted by many as one of the most exciting World Cup matches. With no defensive play whatsoever and with both teams having to win the match to remain in the World Cup, the teams engaged themselves in some fine attacking game throughout the 90 minutes. The manner in which the Danish team came back from a goal down to win against Cameroon was a treat to watch.
3) GERMANY VS ENGLAND (4-1): Probably half the excitement and half the controversies of this year’s World Cup were present in this match. Deemed by many as the clash of the round, it can compete for the match of the World Cup category. The ruthlessness of the Germans in the initial minutes and the coming back of England strongly ensured that the match would be an exciting one. The disallowed goal of Frank Lampard sent shockwaves throughout the soccer world. Overall, it was a game which provided box to box attack and some sublime passing and skills.
4) GERMANY VS URUGUAY (3-2): The third place match always proves to be an entertainer. This year’s World Cup was no other. The Germans took the lead and thought the match to be over but the Uruguayans led by Diego Forlan came back strongly to take the lead before two quick goals ensured victory for the Germans. Diego Forlan hit the crossbar with the last kick of the game thus proving to be an entertainer till the last minute of the match.
5) SLOVAKIA VS ITALY (3-2): My choice for the match of the World Cup. Although the first half was dominated by the Slovaks and the Azzuris hardly looking like defending champions, the entire dose of excitement and thrill probably came in the last 15 minutes. The Slovaks took a 2-0 lead before Di Natale struck to bring down the deficit. The Slovaks struck again to almost end the hopes of the Italians but they showed what champions are made up of. A fantastic chip over the keeper brought down the score line again and a last minute miss from Pepe doomed the Italians.
