Argentina – 2014 World Cup Season Overview
The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil saw Argentina come agonizingly close to glory, finishing as runners-up after a dramatic and tightly contested final against Germany. Led by Lionel Messi, who won the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, Argentina’s campaign was marked by tactical discipline, moments of brilliance, and heartbreak in the final.
🏆 Argentina’s 2014 World Cup Journey
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Group F
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✅ 2-1 vs Bosnia and Herzegovina (Messi ⚽)
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✅ 1-0 vs Iran (Messi ⚽ 90′)
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✅ 3-2 vs Nigeria (Messi ⚽⚽)
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🔝 Topped group with 9 points
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Knockout Stage
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✅ 1-0 vs Switzerland (Round of 16 – Di María 118′)
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✅ 1-0 vs Belgium (Quarterfinal – Higuaín 8′)
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✅ 0-0 vs Netherlands, won 4-2 on penalties (Semifinal – Romero heroic)
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❌ 0-1 vs Germany (Final) – Lost in extra time (Götze 113′)
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⚽ Key Players & Contributions
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Lionel Messi (#10)
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4 goals (Group Stage)
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Golden Ball winner (Best Player of the Tournament)
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Carried the team creatively and emotionally
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Javier Mascherano
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Arguably Argentina’s best overall performer in knockout rounds
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Iconic tackle vs Robben in the semifinal
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Gonzalo Higuaín
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Scored the winner vs Belgium
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Ángel Di María
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Match-winning goal vs Switzerland
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Injured in quarterfinal and missed the final
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Sergio Romero
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Saved two penalties vs the Netherlands in the semifinal shootout
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2014 Argentina Key Squad
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Coach: Alejandro Sabella
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Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero, Mariano Andújar, Agustín Orión
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Defenders: Pablo Zabaleta, Ezequiel Garay, Marcos Rojo, Martín Demichelis, José Basanta, Hugo Campagnaro, Federico Fernández
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Midfielders: Javier Mascherano, Lucas Biglia, Fernando Gago, Enzo Pérez, Maxi Rodríguez, Ricardo Álvarez, Augusto Fernández
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Forwards: Lionel Messi, Ángel Di María, Gonzalo Higuaín, Sergio Agüero, Ezequiel Lavezzi, Rodrigo Palacio
Argentina’s run to the final in Brazil was their deepest World Cup run since 1990, and though they fell short, the team’s gritty performances, Messi’s magic, and Mascherano’s heart earned them admiration and pride back home
