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TBT: Everything to remember about the 2014 World Cup

By Orri Benatar

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany pose with the World Cup trophy after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JULY 13: Lukas Podolski and Bastian Schweinsteiger of Germany pose with the World Cup trophy after defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final match between Germany and Argentina at Maracana on July 13, 2014 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images) /
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We are exactly one week away from the 21st World Cup getting started. Let’s refresh our memory about the last tournament, which was a long four years ago.

It’s easy to forget what happened four years ago. In 2014, Brazil was ready to host the World Cup and we got ourselves quite an exciting tournament. Some things don’t change over a four-year span. Man City still won the league and LeBron James was making the NBA Finals.

Some of you might have forgotten the exciting details and moments of the 2014 World Cup. If you did, here is a refresher to show you the excitement and drama the tournament brings every time it comes around. 20 of the 32 teams in Brazil in 2014 are also in Russia this year.

Group A: Brazil, Mexico, Croatia, Cameroon

The tournament began with a Neymar brace in Brazil’s 3-1 win over Croatia in Sao Paulo. Brazil then had a tough second match against Mexico, which ended 0-0. Neymar scored two more times in a 4-1 win over Cameroon in Brasilia. Second place was taken by Mexico when they beat Croatia 3-0 in the final group game. Cameroon was the team of drama in the tournament, with players fighting each other during matches.

Group B: Netherlands, Chile, Spain, Australia

The opening game of Group B was a re-match of the final from 2010. The result was much different as Holland crushed Spain 5-1 to begin a chain of blowouts. Holland cruised with nine points behind goals from Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie. Spain was eliminated after a 2-0 loss to Chile at the Maracana. La Roja and the Oranje were through and Spain’s reign came crumbling down.

Group C: Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan

Colombia was the most surprising top seed in the draw, but they performed like a number-one seed. Without star striker, Radamel Falcao, Porto youngster James Rodriguez stepped in and scored in all three of Colombia’s group stage wins. Second-place was determined in the last game between Greece and the Ivory Coast. The Ivorians conceded a penalty in stoppage time, allowing Georgios Samaras to convert the spot kick and sail Greece to the Round of 16.

Group D: Costa Rica, Uruguay, Italy, England

The first-ever World Cup group with three world champions was won by Costa Rica. Los Ticos beat Uruguay, Italy, and drew England to achieve the most shocking standings in a World Cup group ever. Uruguay finished second after a 1-0 win over the Italians, meaning the Azzurri went home after three games for a second straight World Cup. Luis Suarez also bit someone and was suspended for the Round of 16. England was terrible. Nuff said.

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