2014 FIFA World Cup: Best goals

The 2014 FIFA World Cup featured plenty of goals. Here is a pick of the best.

Tim Cahill (AUSTRALIA v Netherlands)
More renowned for what he does with his head, Cahill produced a stunning equaliser in Australia’s 3-2 loss to the Dutch. With his side having just gone behind, Cahill lashed a Ryan McGowan pass – which came over his right shoulder – in off the crossbar with a thunderous left-footed volley.

James Rodriguez (COLOMBIA v Uruguay)
Rodriguez, arguably the best player at the tournament, delivered with a special goal at the right time for Colombia. The Monaco attacking midfielder took down a headed pass with his chest before scoring with a stunning volley on the turn from 30 yards.

Robin van Persie (NETHERLANDS v Spain)
The Manchester United striker produced a moment of magic as his side thrashed Spain 5-1 in the group stages. On the end of a long Daley Blind pass, Van Persie surprisingly decided to header, beating Iker Casillas from 15 yards with a flying leap.

David Luiz (BRAZIL v Colombia)
As capable of the spectacular as he is the silly, it was the former for Luiz against Colombia. The Paris Saint-Germain defender stepped up to side-foot a swerving and dipping, 35-yard free-kick past a helpless David Ospina.

Lionel Messi (ARGENTINA v Iran)
Messi may have scored four times in the group stages, but this was arguably his most important. Just as Iran looked as though they had frustrated Argentina into a 0-0 draw, Messi stepped up to curl in a delightful 25-yard winner.

Gervinho (IVORY COAST v Colombia)
The Roma attacker showed some of the form he had in the Serie A with a fine individual goal. Gervinho cut in from the left, beating three markers, before composing himself and finishing to Ospina’s right, although the goalkeeper could have done better.

Arjen Robben (NETHERLANDS v Spain)
Given a chance to showcase his blistering pace, Robben started well behind Sergio Ramos in the chase of Ron Vlaar’s pace from defence. The Bayern Munich star got clear, left Casillas on the ground before hitting the top corner.

Xherdan Shaqiri (SWITZERLAND v Honduras)
It was the start of what would be a fine hat-trick from Shaqiri, and it was the pick of his three goals. The Bayern Munich attacker brushed off a couple of markers before firing in off goalkeeper Noel Valladares’ crossbar from 20 yards.

James Rodriguez (COLOMBIA v Japan)
Not quite as spectacular as his goal against Uruguay, but Rodriguez showed off his talent with the clincher in his team’s 4-1 thrashing of Japan. Played in behind, he took the last defender out of the game with quick feet before a delicate chipped finish.

Mario Gotze (GERMANY v Argentina)
He did not start the final, but Mario Gotze had the decisive say in winning it for Germany. The Bayern Munich man – on as an 88th-minute substitute – conjoured up a strike worthy of settling the showpiece when he volleyed home deep into the second period of extra time to score the goal that gave his country a fourth World Cup.