The 2014 FIFA World Cup put the world’s best players on show, and they did not disappoint. With the pressure of national pride on the line, countless players stepped up, providing some truly timeless strikes.
Tim Cahill gave Australia a reason to believe after his quick-fire response against the high-flying Netherlands levelled the match at 1-1. His left-footed volley off a long, high entry ball made one of the most difficult kicks in football look effortless.
With the Dutch a goal down in their opening match against Spain, Robin van Persie launched himself into World Cup history with a creative diving header, opening the floodgates for the Netherlands who went on to win the match 5-1.
Although Brazil stumbled in the knock-out stage, David Luiz’s free kick to open the scoring against Colombia gave the host nation something truly inspiring to cheer about.
Colombian young-gun James Rodriguez took home the Golden Boot, and also a potential claim for goal of the tournament for his stunning volley against Uruguay.
After losing the final is devastating fashion, it will take some time for ‘player of the tournament’ Lionel Messi to look back and draw enjoyment from his World Cup highlight reel. This doesn’t change the fact that his last-gasp winner against Iran will go down as one of the most memorable strikes of the tournament.
Then there is Mario Gotze’s well controlled effort in the 113th minute of the World Cup final. His enterprise, chesting the ball down to a tight angled volley, caused heartbreak for Argentina and elation for Germany.
All of these goals have their place in World Cup history. But which was the best?
Watch the video and vote for the best goal of the 2014 FIFA World Cup.
NaBUru38
Guest
James Rodríguez against us is too good to be ignored.
Tom from Perth
Guest
Cahill
Bondy
Guest
Check this out (http://www.foxsports.com.au/video?v=flippin-good-world-cup-goals_1226990518111&vc=-1) ..
TheCunningLinguistic
Guest
I think Timmy Cahill's strike was magnificent, but for sheer technical mastery, it's a tie between Rodriguez & RVP for me.
Bondy
Guest
The best goals are ones where the player can't see where the goal is and has to visualise in his head such as Tim's, RVP's and James Rodriguez but I think overall Rodriguez's strike was the best goal of the tournament ...
Darwin Stubbie
Guest
For impact it has to be Gotze - top finish .. .. but for overall quality it's Rodriguez by the length of the straight and then RVP and Cahill in the same bracket ..
Adam
Guest
That's it, the relative uniqueness of RVP's goal sets it apart from the others
yoyo
Guest
How could you forget Shaqiri's first goal against Honduras...
Brick Tamland of the pants party
Guest
There have been some absolute beauties that's for sure.I won't even try to hide my bias in saying Cahill was my favourite but the RVP header and Rodriguez against Uruguay are also right there.I think those 3 goals stand out because they are such a rarity, every week when you watch football at the highest level you see brilliant free kicks and long range crackers but theres something about a volley or a diving header that sets them apart.
AZ_RBB
Guest
He didn't but the strike was still magnificent. and re his technique. it's the 'relax' part that is by far the most difficult.
Kyle Stewart
Roar Pro
yeah but pirlo didnt score did he
pete4
Guest
Yes I saw some parts of Andrea Pirlo's autobiography. On his free kicks how he actually does it is amazing: "The ball needs to be struck from underneath using your first three toes. Keep your foot straight and then relax it in one fell swoop"
AZ_RBB
Guest
Pirlo's strike vs England was even more incredible imo. The effortless nature of the strike made it all the more impressive.
pete4
Guest
Luiz's free kick was ridiculous! To strike the football dead with your in-step from distance and get top spin like that was incredible
The Minister
Guest
I'd love it to be Cahill but me thinks it's gonna be Jimbo Rodriguez. :-)
AZ_RBB
Guest
Cahill and RVP are a close call for first. But I would put Gervinho's individual effort in 3rd.