Joy and despair: Germany lift their fourth World Cup trophy in Brazil while the host nation processes the shock of a lifetime. Photo: AFP
Brazil had last hosted the FIFA World Cup in 1950, which was won by Uruguay. Having last won the cup in 2002, there was a sense – as hosts – that Brazil were in prime position to claim a sixth world championship.
After a relatively successful group stage, that was the script the Seleção followed, and very few football pundits and fans could predict the carnage that would be witnessed at the Mineirão, which would become the defining moment and memory of this edition of the showpiece event.
Goal-line technology was introduced for the first time at this World Cup, following successful trials a year earlier.
The first goal to be confirmed with this technology occurred in the Group E clash between France and Honduras, after a shot at goal by Les Bleus’ Karim Benzema rebounded off the post and hit goalkeeper Noel Valladares. Before the keeper could scoop up the ball, it was confirmed that the ball had crossed the line for France’s second goal in a 3-1 victory.
