FIFA WORLD CUP

2015

BRAZIL DOWNFALL

The hosts were originally considered the main front runner of the

tournament. Their performances, however, were far away from meeting

the expectations of Brazilian fans. The ultimate disgrace came in the

semi-final against Germany. Brazil lost 1:7 and their golden dream

was mercilessly torn to pieces.

POLITE JAPANESE FANS

Soccer fans do not always have a good reputation for their behaviour.

Supporters of the Japanese team, however, became a shining example

for others when they started cleaning up the stadium after their

country´s matches. Way to go guys.

ZUNIGA AND NEYMAR COLLISION

Colombia´s defender Zuniga hit Neymar so hard that he broke his

vertebra. Consequently, Neymar; the biggest Brazil star and the top scorer

of the team, was out of the game. This might have been one of the reasons

why Brazil was so harmless in the following matches.

RECORD–BREAKING SEMI-FINAL

Without Silva and Neymar, Brazil went in as underdogs into the semi-final

against Germany, yet they still hoped to keep their golden dream alive.

Instead, they seemingly forgot how to play as Germany absolutely tore

them to shreds in a 7-1 obliteration. It was the highest semi-final

victory in World Cup history.

VAN PERSIE´S BREATHTAKING HEADER

His goal against Spain in the group stage was one of the most

spectacular goals of the tournament.

He was literally the Flying Dutchman.

THE GERMANS

The Germans left no doubt that their team was the best. They breezed

through the group stage, beat Algeria on round 16, France in the

quarterfinal, they hammered Brazil in the semi and finally they were

crowned world champions (for the fourth time) after their stunning

extra-time victory over Argentina. It was their tournament indeed.

COLOMBIA´S GOAL CELEBRATION

Every player has his own way of celebrating goals but Colombia

was really original. After scoring a goal, their whole team started dancing.

BRILLIANT NETHERLANDS´ GOALKEEPERS CHANGE

With less than 60 seconds of 120 scoreless minutes remaining,

Netherlands´ coach Van Gaal decided to change his goalkeeper,

replacing Jasper Cillessen with Krul. This remarkable decision proved

to be the coach´s masterstroke as Krul caught 2 penalties and got

his team into the semi-final.