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.
