James Rodriguez’s volley, Arturo Vidal’s crazy hair and Danny Murphy’s jumper… it’s time for Rio Ferdinand’s World Cup awards!
By Rio Ferdinand for the Daily Mail
Published: 01:34 BST, 13 July 2014 | Updated: 16:53 BST, 13 July 2014
13
View comments
James Rodriguez’s superb volley, Arturo Vidal’s crazy hair and Danny Murphy’s jumper have been just a few of the stand-out moments of the 2014 World Cup, but what else?
Here, Sportsmail‘s Rio Ferdinand picks his World Cup awards as the tournament comes to a close.
Best player: James Rodriguez of Colombia
I picked him out from the start as being someone who would shine but he has surpassed that — he was the star of the World Cup.
He scored six goals and made two assists, as well as being the team’s talisman — all this and he’s only 23 years old. He is a national treasure and I predict that he will be the best player in the world within three years.
Best goal: James Rodriguez
His chest-and-volley in the game against Uruguay was a goal of wonder and delight.
Contact: James Rodriguez connects with the ball brilliantly on the volley after letting it drop from his chest
Volley: Diego Godin tries in vain to stop Rodriguez’s rocket as it flies towards goal
Helpless: Fernando Muslera can do nothing to stop Rodriguez’s goal-bound strike
Ecstatic: Rodriguez peels away after seeing the ball bounce down and into the net after hitting the crossbar
Best coach: Joachim Low
Germany have been the ultimate team in Brazil and have always looked strong and as if they know what they’re doing. This has to be in large part due to the contribution of their manager.
Best match: Brazil 1 Germany 7
This wins the award because it was a devastating, clinical, precise and well-organised performance by Germany.
Standing alone: Miroslav Klose became the tournament’s leading scorer with 16 goals
Unhappy ending: Brazil conceded seven goals – five during the first-half – to end their World Cup dream
Best moment: Brazil and Colombia (shared)
Brazil for applauding Rodriguez after their game. Colombia for their incredible celebration dances.
Biggest mistake I made on TV: When I told everyone that we were at the Maracana when we weren’t
That wasn’t my greatest moment.
Greatest contribution to football hairstyles: Arturo Vidal of Chile
This wasn’t a vintage year for ridiculous hairstyles like some World Cups in the past but my award goes to Vidal for having such a lot going on on his head. He has a long way to go to match the king of bonkers football hairstyles, though: Taribo West is still the man.
The lucky winner: Arturo Vidal had a lot going on on his head at the World Cup with Chile
Favourite food in Brazil: Rice and beans
Very simple but very tasty and I grew up on rice and beans so this was like coming home!
Best contribution to footballing fashions: Danny Murphy’s jumper
What on earth was that all about? It was four sizes too big and hanging off him. Buy one that fits, Murph!
What I will miss most about Brazil: The friendly people
As well as waking up on the beach every day — not literally you understand, but waking up with the beach outside my window. Working with great people has also been brilliant as has meeting great people in Brazil.
I haven’t experienced any animosity or trouble at all. So I’d like to give a special award to the people of Brazil for making the World Cup so special.
The fans: Brazil’s friendly people have made the World Cup special for its visitors and teams
RELATED ARTICLES
Previous 1 2 Next Angel Di Maria doubtful for World Cup final 2014 after… Louis van Gaal asks Arjen Robben to sign for Manchester… World Cup final 2014 sees Manchester City trio Pablo… BBC vs ITV: Who’ll win the big TV shoot-out of 2014 World… Alejandro Sabella won’t be in the middle of the post-match… Rio Ferdinand: What Argentina and Germany must do to win the…
Share this article
Share