The 2014 World Cup came to an end on Sunday, when Germany beat Argentina in extra time 1–0. Argentina and star Lionel Messi came up just short after Germany’s substitute Mario Goetze scored in the 113th minute.
Germany was among the favorites from the first game in Brazil, even though they were in one of the toughest starting groups, which included the United States. But Germany’s dominance showed when it mattered, especially against the host nation Brazil in a semi final matchup that saw the Germans score seven goals against a beat-up Brazil side.
For Argentina, the final was full of opportunities that they couldn’t capitalize on. Messi was part of a number of those chances that would have given the Argentines a lead in regulation. But Germany’s defense held strong, led by goalkeeper Manuel Neuer who ended the World Cup winning the Golden Glove award as the tournament’s best goalkeeper.
Despite the loss, Messi still won the award for the tournament’s best player. The forward, who is considered the best player in the world by many, scored four goals. Messi trailed Colombia’s James Rodriguez, who scored six goals, the most of the tournament.
In spite of a World Cup final that wasn’t filled with goals, Sunday’s game ended a very exciting tournament that was, in fact, filled with scoring and exciting moments from young and old players. History was made by Germany’s Miroslav Klose, who now holds the record for the most goals scored in World Cup history.
Even teams that normally aren’t known for international soccer success came up big in the World Cup, including Costa Rica and the United States. Most American teams played better than their expectations, which hasn’t been the case on an international stage. Costa Rica made it to the knockout stage out of a group that had a historic three World Cup winners in it. The United States made it out of a tough group as well, playing the likes of the eventual world champions and Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal.
The USA’s journey started with a game against Ghana, in which Clint Dempsey scored within the first minute, and John Brooks later tied the game on a header. That win was the only result that the United States could have going into two difficult games to finish the group stage. An exciting tie with Portugal and a 1–0 loss to Germany was all the USA needed to get out of the “Group of Death,” surprising soccer fans around the world, especially in Portugal and Ghana.
The USA eventually lost a heartbreaker to a strong Belgium side that outplayed them for 120 minutes. But because of an incredible performance from Tim Howard, the United States still had a chance late in the game. It wasn’t enough, however, ending an exciting World Cup journey for the Americans.
What isn’t important about the Americans’ performance in Brazil isn’t how they won or lost, but how inspiring their play was to a country that is by no means soccer crazy. The number of viewers for United States games showed a growing love for the world’s most popular sport, and a lot of potential for the USA in 2018 and beyond. The next World Cup will take place in Russia four years from now. Start the anticipation now.
