The 2014 FIFA World Cup was the 20th edition of the FIFA World Cup, quadrennial international men's football championship contested by the member associations of FIFA, the sport's global governing body. The tournament was held in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July 2014, after the country was selected as host nation by FIFA in 2007.
Brazil became the fifth country to host the World Cup twice, following Mexico, Italy, France, and Germany. As host nation, Brazil automatically qualified for the tournament, while the other 31 teams were determined through continental qualification tournaments held between 2011 and 2013. Thirty-two teams, including 13 debutants, competed in the tournament, tying the record for most teams in a World Cup set in France 1998. The teams were divided into eight groups of four, with each group playing a round-robin format.
In a thrilling and closely contested final, the German national football team defeated Argentina by a score of 1-0 to claim their fourth World Cup title. It was a hard-fought match that went down to extra time, with Mario Götze scoring the winning goal in the 113th minute.
Who Won the World Cup in 2014
The 2014 FIFA World Cup was held in Brazil and culminated in a thrilling final match between Germany and Argentina.
- Host nation: Brazil
- Number of teams: 32
- Champion: Germany
- Runner-up: Argentina
- Final score: 1-0
- Winning goal scorer: Mario Götze
- Most goals scored: James Rodríguez (6)
- Best player: Lionel Messi
- Most assists: Juan Cuadrado (4)
The tournament was filled with excitement, drama, and memorable moments, and Germany's victory was a testament to their skill, determination, and teamwork.
Host nation: Brazil
Brazil, the land of football, was chosen to host the 2014 FIFA World Cup, becoming the fifth country to host the tournament twice after Mexico, Italy, France, and Germany.
As the host nation, Brazil automatically qualified for the tournament, and they were determined to make the most of this opportunity to win their sixth World Cup title and become the first nation to win the trophy on home soil since France in 1998.
Brazil invested heavily in preparing for the World Cup, building or renovating stadiums, improving infrastructure, and investing in security measures. The country was eager to showcase its rich footballing history and culture to the world, and the tournament was seen as a chance to unite the nation and boost its economy.
However, the lead-up to the World Cup was not without its challenges. There were concerns about the readiness of stadiums and infrastructure, protests and demonstrations over the cost of the tournament, and a general sense of unease about Brazil's ability to host such a large-scale event.
Despite these challenges, Brazil ultimately delivered a successful World Cup. The stadiums were ready on time, the infrastructure held up, and the security measures were effective. The tournament was a celebration of football and Brazilian culture, and it left a lasting legacy for the country.
Number of teams: 32
The 2014 FIFA World Cup featured 32 teams, tying the record for the most teams in a World Cup set in France 1998.
The 32 teams were divided into eight groups of four, with each group playing a round-robin format. The top two teams from each group advanced to the knockout stage, which consisted of 16 teams competing in a single-elimination tournament.
The 32 teams that competed in the 2014 World Cup were:
- Africa: Algeria, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria
- Asia: Australia, Iran, Japan, South Korea
- Europe: Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Russia, Spain, Switzerland
- North and Central America and Caribbean: Costa Rica, Honduras, Mexico, United States
- South America: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Uruguay
The qualification process for the 2014 World Cup began in June 2011 and concluded in November 2013. A total of 204 teams from FIFA's six continental confederations entered the qualification process, with the host nation Brazil receiving an automatic berth.
The expansion of the World Cup to 32 teams in 1998 was a controversial decision, with some arguing that it diluted the quality of the competition. However, the 2014 World Cup proved to be one of the most exciting and entertaining tournaments in history, with several memorable matches and unexpected results.
Champion: Germany
Germany's victory in the 2014 World Cup was their fourth World Cup title, moving them into a tie with Italy for second-most World Cup titles behind Brazil's five.
Germany's path to the final was not easy. They were drawn into a tough group with Portugal, Ghana, and the United States, and they only advanced to the knockout stage as group winners on goal difference.
In the knockout stage, Germany faced Algeria in the Round of 16, France in the quarterfinals, and Brazil in the semifinals. They won all three matches, including a 7-1 thrashing of Brazil in the semifinals, which is considered one of the most shocking results in World Cup history.
In the final, Germany faced Argentina, who were looking to win their third World Cup title. The match was a close and tense affair, and it went into extra time after a 0-0 draw in regulation time.
In extra time, Mario Götze scored the winning goal for Germany in the 113th minute, securing a 1-0 victory and Germany's fourth World Cup title. The victory was a culmination of years of hard work and dedication for the German team, and it was a moment of national pride and celebration for Germany.
Runner-up: Argentina
Argentina reached the final of the 2014 World Cup, their fifth World Cup final appearance, but ultimately fell short against Germany, losing 1-0 in extra time.
- Strong team performance: Argentina had a talented and experienced team, led by Lionel Messi, who was named the FIFA Player of the Year four times between 2009 and 2012.
- Impressive run to the final: Argentina won four of their seven matches in the tournament, including a 4-3 win over Nigeria in the Round of 16, a 1-0 win over Belgium in the quarterfinals, and a penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in the semifinals.
- Resilience and determination: Argentina showed great resilience and determination throughout the tournament, coming from behind to win against Nigeria and the Netherlands, and playing with 10 men for over an hour in the final against Germany.
- Unfortunate loss in the final: Despite their best efforts, Argentina were unable to overcome Germany in the final. Mario Götze's goal in extra time proved to be the difference between the two teams, and Argentina had to settle for second place.
Although they did not win the World Cup, Argentina's performance in the 2014 tournament was a source of pride for the country and their fans. The team played with passion and skill, and they came close to achieving their ultimate goal. The experience gained in Brazil will undoubtedly be valuable for Argentina as they look to challenge for the World Cup title again in the future.
Final score: 1-0
The final score of the 2014 World Cup final was 1-0 in favor of Germany, with Mario Götze scoring the winning goal in extra time.
The match was a close and tense affair, with both teams having chances to win the game in regulation time. Germany had the better of the chances in the first half, but Argentina grew into the game in the second half and had several good opportunities to score.
The match went into extra time, and it was in the 113th minute that Götze scored the winning goal. André Schürrle made a run down the left flank and crossed the ball into the center of the box, where Götze controlled the ball with his chest and then volleyed it past Sergio Romero into the net.
Götze's goal sparked wild celebrations among the German players and fans, while the Argentinian players and fans were left heartbroken. It was a dramatic and emotional end to a thrilling World Cup tournament.
Winning goal scorer: Mario Götze
Mario Götze was the hero for Germany in the 2014 World Cup final, scoring the winning goal in extra time to secure a 1-0 victory over Argentina.
Götze's goal was a moment of pure brilliance. He received the ball from André Schürrle on the left side of the box, controlled it with his chest, and then volleyed it past Sergio Romero into the net. It was a perfectly executed goal, and it sent the German fans into raptures.
Götze's goal was all the more remarkable considering that he had only been on the pitch for a few minutes. He had replaced Miroslav Klose in the 88th minute, and he made an immediate impact.
Götze's goal was the culmination of a long and difficult journey for the young player. He had been plagued by injuries in the years leading up to the World Cup, but he had fought his way back to fitness and was determined to make a difference for his country. His goal in the final was a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Most goals scored: James Rodríguez (6)
James Rodríguez of Colombia won the Golden Boot award for scoring the most goals at the 2014 World Cup, with a total of six goals.
Rodríguez's goalscoring exploits began in the group stage, where he scored a stunning volley against Uruguay and a penalty against Ivory Coast. He then scored two more goals in the Round of 16 against Japan, including a free-kick goal from over 25 yards out.
Rodríguez's most memorable goal came in the quarterfinal match against Brazil, where he scored a spectacular left-footed volley from outside the box. This goal, which put Colombia 1-0 up in the match, is widely considered to be one of the greatest goals in World Cup history.
Although Colombia eventually lost to Brazil in the quarterfinals, Rodríguez's performances at the World Cup made him a global star. He was praised for his skill, creativity, and goalscoring ability, and he was named the FIFA Man of the Match in three of Colombia's four matches.
Best player: Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi of Argentina was awarded the Golden Ball award for being the best player at the 2014 World Cup.
Messi was in scintillating form throughout the tournament, leading Argentina to the final with his goals and assists.
In the group stage, Messi scored two goals and provided one assist in Argentina's 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. He then scored another goal and provided two assists in Argentina's 2-1 win over Iran. In the Round of 16, Messi scored the winning goal in Argentina's 1-0 victory over Switzerland.
Messi continued his impressive form in the quarterfinals, scoring a stunning goal in Argentina's 4-2 win over Belgium. He then provided two assists in Argentina's penalty shootout victory over the Netherlands in the semifinals.
Although Argentina ultimately lost to Germany in the final, Messi's performances throughout the tournament were nothing short of spectacular. He was a constant threat to opposing defenses, and he created numerous chances for his teammates. He was also a leader on and off the pitch, and he was a key factor in Argentina's run to the final.
Most assists: Juan Cuadrado (4)
Juan Cuadrado of Colombia won the Silver Ball award for being the second-best player at the 2014 World Cup, and he also led the tournament in assists with four.
Cuadrado's creativity and vision were a major factor in Colombia's success at the World Cup. He was constantly creating chances for his teammates, and he was also a threat to score goals himself.
Cuadrado provided two assists in Colombia's 3-0 win over Greece in the group stage, and he also provided an assist in Colombia's 2-1 win over Ivory Coast. In the Round of 16, Cuadrado provided the assist for Colombia's winning goal in their 2-0 victory over Uruguay.
Cuadrado's most memorable assist came in the quarterfinal match against Brazil, where he set up James Rodríguez for Colombia's opening goal in a 2-1 victory. This assist was a perfectly weighted through ball that split the Brazilian defense and allowed Rodríguez to score.
Cuadrado's performances at the World Cup earned him a move to Chelsea in the summer of 2015, and he has since established himself as one of the best wingers in the Premier League.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 2014 FIFA World Cup:
Question 1: Who won the 2014 World Cup?
Answer: Germany
Question 2: Who was the runner-up in the 2014 World Cup?
Answer: Argentina
Question 3: What was the final score of the 2014 World Cup final?
Answer: 1-0
Question 4: Who scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final?
Answer: Mario Götze
Question 5: Who was the best player at the 2014 World Cup?
Answer: Lionel Messi
Question 6: Who had the most assists at the 2014 World Cup?
Answer: Juan Cuadrado
Question 7: How many teams participated in the 2014 World Cup?
Answer: 32
Question 8: Which country hosted the 2014 World Cup?
Answer: Brazil
Question 9: Who was the top goalscorer at the 2014 World Cup?
Answer: James Rodríguez
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These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about the 2014 FIFA World Cup. For more information, please visit the official FIFA website.
In addition to the FAQ section above, here are some additional tips for learning more about the 2014 FIFA World Cup:
Tips
Here are four tips for learning more about the 2014 FIFA World Cup:
Tip 1: Watch the matches
The best way to learn about the World Cup is to watch the matches. You can watch the matches on TV, online, or even in person if you're lucky enough to be in Brazil. Pay attention to the players, the teams, and the strategies. You'll learn a lot just by watching the games.
Tip 2: Read about the World Cup
There are many books, articles, and websites that cover the World Cup. You can find information about the history of the World Cup, the teams and players involved, and the strategies and tactics used by the teams. Reading about the World Cup will help you understand the tournament better.
Tip 3: Play a World Cup fantasy game
Fantasy games are a great way to learn about the World Cup and have some fun at the same time. You can create a team of players from different countries and compete against other people's teams. This is a great way to learn about the different players and teams involved in the tournament.
Tip 4: Attend a World Cup watch party
If you're looking for a more social way to experience the World Cup, you can attend a watch party. Watch parties are held in bars, restaurants, and even public spaces, and they're a great way to meet other people who are interested in the World Cup. You can watch the matches together and cheer on your favorite teams.
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These are just a few tips for learning more about the 2014 FIFA World Cup. By following these tips, you'll be able to enjoy the tournament to the fullest.
Now that you know more about the 2014 FIFA World Cup, you're ready to enjoy the tournament. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the beautiful game.
Conclusion
The 2014 FIFA World Cup was a thrilling and memorable tournament that captured the attention of fans around the world. Germany's victory was a testament to their skill, determination, and teamwork, and they deserve to be crowned as world champions.
The tournament also saw some incredible individual performances. Lionel Messi, James Rodríguez, and Juan Cuadrado were all outstanding, and they played a major role in their teams' success.
Overall, the 2014 World Cup was a resounding success. It was a celebration of football and Brazilian culture, and it left a lasting legacy for the country.
Closing Message
Thank you for reading this article about the 2014 FIFA World Cup. We hope you enjoyed learning more about this historic tournament. We encourage you to continue following the World Cup and to support your favorite teams in the years to come.