Top 5 Goals of World cup 2014 Group Stage

5.       Lionel Messi vs Iran – 21st June

This match was a killer with Iran playing a purely defensive game, but Leo Messi was able to break the deadlock in the first minute of the stoppage time (90+1’). He very deliberately cuts in with his left foot about 25 yards from the goal and shoots straight into the top-left corner of the goal, making it impossible for super-saver Haghighi to block.  Killer score for Argentina after what seemed like a hopeless 90 minutes!

4.       Gervinho vs Columbia – 19th June

The winger began his journey on the left wing and danced past two Columbian defeders, after which he used his heel to send the ball back, tricking Zapata. He then uses his right foot to send the ball smashing past the goalkeeper and into the left side of the net at the 73rd minute of the game. It was a one-man effort and a very fast one at that!

3.       Robin van Persie vs Spain – 14th June

Dubbed the Flying Dutchman after this fantastic header, van Perdie brought pride and joy to his team by picking up Daley Blind’s fantastic assist. He managed to push his way past Casillas and heads the ball between the penalty box and the 20-yard mark, sending the ball flying over Casillas and smoothly into the net.

2.       Jermaine Jones vs Portugal – 22nd June

The midfielder found a beautiful way to shoot a long-range. His speed and determination paid off – he didn’t hesitate to shoot despite the considerable distance between him and the goal and he curled the ball into the far side of the goalpost. It was scored in the 64th minute of the match and served as an equaliser to Nani’s goal for Portugal in the 5th minute.

1.       Tim Cahill vs Netherlands – 18th June

It was heart-breaking that Australia lost that match, because Australia’s Tim Cahill scored a beautiful goal in the 21st minute of the game, equalising Arjen Robben’s goal for Netherlands within 69 seconds. Escaping from the clutches of the Netherlands defence, Cahill quickly seizes the opportunity to score by shooting in a smashing left volley that smashes against the cross-bar and finds its way into the net.