The ongoing FIFA World Cup has been full of surprises. Teams that are expected to win and progress to the knockout stage are finding it tough. The likes of Spain and England have already seen their World Cup campaign come to an end. But in many games teams have managed to salvage a point with a draw or even go on to win from a losing situation. This has been possible because of the impact of substitutions. The coach makes the call to bring on a player to try and change the game. And then they get what they hoping for, a goal. From losing the game to winning it, a substitution can change the course of the match. These players are the super subs who make a major impact in the game.
John Brooks (USA) vs Ghana
John Brooks probably scored the most important goal for his country during their opening match against Ghana. After taking the lead in the 1st minute USA were soaking in all the pressure from Ghana until the 82nd minute, when Ghana equalised. It looked like the match was heading for a draw, when substitute John Brooks popped up with a dramatic winner to give USA the win and the vital 3 points. It was his 1st goal for his country.
Marouanne Fellani (Belgium) vs Algeria
Belgium found themselves trailing to Algeria in their opening game of the tournament. Having taken the lead Algeria were proving hard to break down. So in the 2nd half the manager decided to make a substitution, in the form of Mrouanne Fellani. With his help the Algerian defence was finally broken down. He went on to score with a towering header to draw his team level. Due to his goal Belgium were back in the game.
Dries Mertens (Belgium) vs Algeria
Belgium had drawn level with Algeria having trailed for most of the game. The game looked like it will end as a draw. But Belgium were determined to win and find the elusive goal. Their persistence paid off when a Belgium counter attack allowed substitute Dries Mertens to score the winner with a powerful strike. The goal ensured Belgium started their World Cup Campaign with all 3 points.
Aleksandr Kerzhakov (Russia) vs Korea Republic
Russia found themselves trailing to the Korean Republic due to a mistake made by their own Goal keeper. The Russian coach made a substitution in the 71st minute by bringing on striker Aleksandr Kerzhakov. It turned out to be a game changer as Kerzhakov scored the equaliser just minutes after he was brought on. With the help of his goal Russia managed to salvage a point from the game.
Miroslav Klose (Germany) vs Ghana
Germany had taken an early lead in the game. After opening their account most people expected them to score more goals and finish the game. But Ghana were no push overs. They played with great determination and shocked Germany with two goals in the 2nd half to take the lead. The manager was desperate to draw level and made a double substitution which included Miroslav Klose. This particular substitution turned out to be a master stroke as Klose went on to score the equaliser for Germany. With this goal he helped salvage a point for his country and also became the joint top scorer in the World Cup with his 15th strike.
Time and again it has been proven in the World Cup that the right substitution can help give the right result. The decision to make a substitution is taken by the manager hoping that it will have an impact. And many of these substitutions have turned out to be game changers. These players have come up with the goods at the right time. Their contributions have helped in deciding if their team will stay in the hunt for the World Cup or not. As the tournament progresses we might get to see many more of these super subs.
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