A look back at how Argentina reached the World Cup final in 2014

A look back at how Argentina reached the World Cup final in 2014

The 2022 World Cup is ready for kick-off. But while it’s the beginning of a new era for the Middle East as Qatar become the first nation in the region to host football’s greatest tournament, it also marks the beginning of the end of one the sport’s greatest periods — as it is the last time we will see greats Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo represent their countries in the competition.

There’s no doubt that both will want to sign off on a high. However, it’s the Paris Saint-Germain forward who looks the more likely to get one over on his old Manchester United rival — as the in-form Argentina are on a 35-game unbeaten streak going into the World Cup and are now the second favourites in the World Cup bets to lift the title for a third time behind their fierce foes Brazil.

La Albiceleste have gone close to getting their hands on the title in the last decade, but Messi and co. were beaten by Germany in the final of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil — a young Mario Gotze coming off the bench to score the winner deep into extra-time and crush the hearts of the Argentines inside the iconic Maracana Stadium.

With a great chance of winning their first World Cup since the Maradona days in 1986, let’s take a look back at what was a case of so close, yet so far 12 years ago.

Group stage

Drawn in Group F with Nigeria, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iran, Argentina advantaged to the round of 16 unscathed with three wins from three. A Sead Kolasinac own goal in the third minute and a Messi strike in the second half gave La Albiceleste a 2-0 lead over Bosnia, but Vedad Ibisevic pulled one back late on. Argentina left it late against Iran, with Messi breaking the deadlock in the 91st minute, before a 3-2 thriller against Nigeria.

The Africans wouldn’t lie down to the South Americans, with Messi’s third minute opener cancelled out by Ahmed Musa 60 seconds later. The little magician struck again in 45+1, but Musa drew the teams level again just two minutes after the stoppage. Marcos Rojo fired Argentina back in front in the 50th minute, and this time Nigeria had no reply.

Round of 16

Held by Switzerland for the majority of the game at Arena Corinthians in Sao Paulo, Angel Di Maria ensured there was no need for a nervy penalty shootout in the round of 16 as he found the back of the net with just two minutes to spare of 120 — slotting a pass from Messi into the far bottom corner to send the Argentina fans behind the goal crazy.

Quarter-final

Another European opponent in the last eight, Argentina faced Belgium at the Estadio Nacional Mane Garrincha in Brasilia — and Gonzalo Higuain’s early goal was all that separated the two sides. The ball deflected into the path of the forward after Di Maria initially tried to pick out Pablo Zabaleta bursting down the wing, and Higuain hit it first time on the swivel from the edge of the area to leave Thibaut Courtois with no chance.

Semi-final

Keeping up the trend, Argentina went head-to-head with the Netherlands back at Arena Corinthians in the semi-final. The game ended goalless after 120 minutes, with the Dutch registering just one shot on target to Argentina’s four despite boasting 56% possession and largely dominating the ball.

Ron Vlaar missed the Netherlands’ opening penalty and when Wesley Sneijder failed to convert a couple of spot kicks later it was all but over, with Messi, Ezequiel Garay and Sergio Aguero converting before Maxi Rodriguez sealed the deal.

Final

Don’t let France’s 4-2 win over Croatia in 2018 fool you, as World Cup finals can be dull affairs with so much at stake. In fact, this was the third showpiece match in a row to go to extra-time — and the second in a row to not see a goal scored in the regulation 90 minutes.

Germany deserved their late victory though, as Argentina failed to even register a single shot on target in the 120 minutes, and it was two unlikely heroes for Die Mannschaft — with substitutes Andre Schurrle and Gotze linking up, the former crossing in from the left for Gotze to bring the ball down fantastically with his chest before a diving finish with such finesse.

We hope you enjoyed the article ‘A look back at how Argentina reached the World Cup final in 2014.’ What was your favourite memory from the 2014 World Cup? Let us know!

Read more sports news below:

• Qatar 2022: The dark horses to progress to the Round of 16?
• Top 5 UFC heavyweights of 2022
• Breeders’ Cup World Championships 2022