World Cup 2014: Best Goals of the Group Stage

136 total goals were scored in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup. That’s a lot. Enough for 2.83 per match. Perhaps enough to change some attitudes about soccer being boring. Yeah, on second thought, probably not.

Since everyone who frequents this site loves two things above all (GIFs and soccer) let’s look back at some of the best goals so far through the Group Stage.

Best Goal by an American: Jermaine Jones vs. Portugal

Best Volley by a guy playing in MLS: Tim Cahill vs. the Netherlands

Best dribbling and finish: Gervinho vs. Colombia

Best Goal by Arjen Robben (so far): Arjen Robben vs. Spain

Best cheeky chip: James Rodriguez vs. Japan

Best header 1a: Andrew Ayew vs. Germany

Best header 1b: Shinji Okazaki vs. Colombia

Best cross to set up a goal: Cristiano Ronaldo to Silvestre Varela vs. United States (sorry, but it’s a nice cross.)

Best goal for short, stocky people: Xherdan Shaqiri vs. Honduras

Best goal to cap an International career: David Villa vs. Australia

Best Goal from Thomas Müller that didn’t cost the United States: Thomas Muller vs. the United States

Best Goal from a tight angle: Karim Benzema vs. Honduras

Best important goal by Lionel Messi: Lionel Messi vs. Iran

Best of the bunch: Robin van Persie vs. Spain