What if: The crucial moments from the last 3 World Cup finals were a little different?

Brazil 2014: Higuain fluffs his chance against Neuer

FIFA World Cup 2014 - FINAL - Germany v Argentina

The reaction of Higuain when, a few minutes later, he thought he had scored a goal (ruled out for offside) definitely showed how much he needed that to redeem himself. However, it was not to be and the game went into extra time.It was the 21st minute of the game and Kroos inexplicably headed the ball perfectly into Higuain's path. It could be argued that the Argentinian forward's eyes certainly lit up for a moment or too but unfortunately he lacked the composure so very much needed at that moment. The fact that he dragged his shot and failed to even hit the target is a testament to that. Much like his former Real Madrid teammate, Higuain has also often been criticized for his lack of finishing ability in the so-called big games. Nothing gets bigger than the World Cup Final and Higuain was definitely the scapegoat of the recurring habit of fans to constantly over exaggerate moments in such games.

Although the moment arrived in a relatively early stage in the match, in a game with chances coming few and far in between, it may have given a different direction altogether. Unlike the 2018 World Cup squad, the Argentinian defence then was definitely more solid and would have believed to defend that 1-0 lead. They had not conceded a goal in the knock out stage till then.

The fact that their next best chance fell to Palacio in extra time shows how they were at a premium for the South American nation.

In fact, in the 22nd minute of extra time, it was the 22-year-old Mario Gotze that scored the winning goal after finishing a good move started by the then Chelsea winger Schurrle. Argentina missed their chance and Lionel Messi only had the consolation of a Golden Ball winner.