10 Memorable Matches in World Cup 2014

The 2014 FIFA World Cup is over, and all we are left with are memories. Some performed well, whereas others failed miserably. The tournament propelled many young talents to the forefront, but at the same time, exposed the weakness of others. Here is a look at the most memorable matches of the World Cup.

#1 Nigeria 2-3 Argentina, 25 June

Argentina went into the game after the hard fought 1-0 victory against Iran, where Messi scored the winner deep into extra time. However, the South Americans entered this game guns blazing with a quick goal after just three minutes, and a wonderful free kick by Messi just before half time (45').

The Nigerians, surprisingly, were up to the task as they equalized twice, Ahmed Musa on the scorer sheet both times, as Nigeria were behind for less than 3 minutes in total after the second equalizer.

However, full back Marcos Rojo eventually got a goal soon thereafter (50'), and Argentina held on the to the lead to advance top of the group! Nigeria qualified too, but eventually lost to France in the round of 16.

#2 Uruguay 2-1 England, June 19

Any mention of Uruguay is incomplete without their striker Luis Suarez. Although he eventually gained popularity for all the wrong reasons, he had a perfect game against England.

In spite of an injury, Suarez started the game and the gamble paid off – as he scored twice. He was subbed soon after his second goal as he felt the effects of his injury, but the damage had been done and there wasn't enough time for England to hunt for an equalizer.

The following day, Italy lost to Costa Rica, which ruled out all possibilities of England's qualification.

#3 Switzerland 2-5 France, June 20

This was perhaps the most entertaining match of the entire tournament, since all other drubbings were mostly one sided. Although France had scored five times before Switzerland could strike back with two consolation goals, it was never about Switzerland's inability but France's excellence that led to the scoreline.

This included a penalty miss from Karim Benzema, whose right footed shot was saved at the bottom left corner. He went on to score one, though, as the game registered seven different goalscorers.

#4 Belgium 2-1 USA, July 1

This match would perhaps be remembered for the heroics of USA goalkeeper Tim Howard. Belgium registered 39 attempts on goal, with 17 on target – yet the match remained scoreless until after the end of normal time.

The introduction of Romelu Lukaku at the start of extra time sparked it off for the Reds, as he ended the game with a goal and an assist – his best time during the world cup campaign.

Howard made the highest number of saves in world cup history – yet, that wasn't enough for USA to proceed.

#5 Germany 1-0 Argentina, July 13

The World Cup final went into extra time after a scoreless normal time – for the second time in a row. We got to see a winner in the second half of extra time – for the second time in a row.

Even though the scoreline suggests otherwise, this game was full of opportunities. Higuain missed a golden opportunity as Kroos misjudged a backpass and Messi was inches wide as he beautifully cut through the German defense.

Deep into extra time, Germany's super sub Schurrle found an inch perfect cross to Goetze, who ensured the match didn't have to go through to the penalties by controlling it skillfully and hitting it on the volley as Romero could only watch!

#6 Germany 4-0 Portugal, June 16

Before the Germans caused heartbreak for Lionel Messi, arguably the best player, they halted the progress of the next best, Christiano Ronaldo.

Pepe made a fool of himself after getting red carded for a soft headbutt, which, needless to say was totally unnecessary. That was followed by German ruthlessness, which ensured Portugal had a tough task ahead to qualify to the knockout stages.

Portugal eventually drew the next match against USA and won against Ghana, but the goal difference ensured USA went through.

#7 Brazil 1-1 Chile (3-2), June 28

Brazil faced Croatia, Mexico and Cameroon in the group stages, qualifying by topping their group. The closest the came to a defeat was against Mexico, thanks to some brave goalkeeping by Mexican keeper Ochoa.

The first real test of Brazil's defense was against Chile, and the back four never looked safe. Brazil scored first, but Chile equalized before a Hulk goal was disallowed wrongly as the referee though Hulk handled the ball.

Chilean substitute Pinilla hit the bar just before the penalty shootout, which Brazil eventually won after some nervous misses from both sides.

#8 Brazil 2-1 Colombia, July 4

After a nervous match against Chile, as Brazil held on with the skin of their teeth, they were up against a Colombia side without their talismanic striker Radamel Falcao, but they had found inspiration in an unlikely player, the young James Rodriguez.

The Colombians were impressive throughout the match, but Brazil drew first blood through Thiago Silva. They eventually doubled the lead with a breathtaking freekick by David Luiz.

James Rodriguez continued his scoring, as he scored a late penalty – but it wasn't enough as Brazil held on to win the match 2-1.

#9 Spain 1-5 Netherlands, June 13

What more could you ask, if the second day of the World Cup featured the rematch of the final of the previous world cup?

This match ended the 6-year dominance of Spain, and shockingly too. Spain lead the match 1-0, before Netherlands scored five passed a helpless Spanish defense, as Casillas went haywire.

The final blow to Spain was the 2-0 loss to Chile, but this was the match that sparked the downfall of the giants.

#10 Brazil 1-7 Germany, July 8

Although this world cup had already had its fair share of downfalls with Spain, Portugal, England and Italy failing to qualify for the knockout stages, it was time for a South American nation to feel the heat.

The Germans opened the scoring through Muller, before Klose broke Brazilian Ronaldo's world record of the higest goals in world cups – and that started a period that saw the Brazil defense, without captain Thiago Silva, leak four goals in six minutes!

Brazil got an eventual consolation goal, but not before the Germans had scored two more. The hosts then lost the third place play off to 0-3 Netherlands, in similar circumstances.

The hosts will surely want to forget that night soon, but it will remain etched in the minds of the rest of the world for a long time to come.