Brazil has always had a special relationship with football. From the great teams of the past who made the game look so easy, winning multiple World Cups, to more modern stars like Ronaldo, Ronaldinho and Neymar, Brazil has a unique patch stitched into football’s forever unfurling tapestry.
That’s why the 2014 World Cup was viewed as such a historic occasion. Brazil hadn’t hosted the tournament since 1950, so you could understand the feeling of expectation gripping the nation in the weeks leading up to the event. Little did Brazil’s fervent football fans know that this tournament, held as an opportunity for celebration, would end in the most devastating way imaginable.
Indeed, the 2014 tournament was one of contrasting emotions, of highs and lows with little in between. As football fans analyse the World Cup betting at SkyBet.com for the 2024 edition in Qatar, it’s worth looking back at the 2014 tournament and paying homage to a month of football like no other.
A carnival atmosphere on the Copacabana
On the eve of the tournament, there was a sense that this was a seismic moment for football. The World Cup was back in Brazil, the nation with the most special romance with the famous old competition, and the party was just beginning.
A 3-1 win for Brazil in the opening game against Croatia served to heighten the feeling that Luis Felipe Scolari’s team were destined for great things at this tournament on home soil. With Neymar producing some dazzling performances, Brazil cruised through the group stage with a draw against Mexico and another win against Cameroon.
Elsewhere in the tournament, teams were feeling inspired by the carnival atmosphere at the tournament. Costa Rica sprang a surprise by beating Uruguay and Italy, Chile produced a stunning performance to eliminate defending champions Spain, and Colombia strolled through their group with three wins from three.
Agony follows ecstasy
After edging past Chile and Colombia to reach the semi-finals, it felt as though this World Cup was Brazil’s to lose. But there were cracks beginning to appear for the hosts, not least the injury to Neymar in the quarter-final against the Colombians. A poor challenge from Juan Zúñiga meant Neymar left Fortaleza in a wheelchair, and suddenly Scolari’s team had lost their talisman.
Even still, no one could have predicted what would happen next. Brazil’s semi-final against Germany was predicted to be a tight affair, but after a complete capitulation in the first half, the hosts found themselves 5-0 down at half time.
Germany continued to bully their opponents after the break, with the 7-1 full-time scoreline sending shockwaves through the sporting world. Brazil’s joyous World Cup campaign had come crashing down in a raging fireball.
Messi’s missed opportunity
The only team then standing in Germany’s way were Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, who was looking to cement his legacy by winning the world’s biggest prize for his nation. It would have added insult to injury for Brazil if South American rivals Argentina had ended up winning the World Cup in Rio de Janeiro, but as it happened the Germans had their way, and lifted their fourth title thanks to Mario Götze’s extra-time strike.
And so, there was heartbreak for Messi and Argentina, just as there was for Brazil days earlier. While Germany were triumphant in Rio, this was a World Cup defined by heartbreak as much as it was by glory.
2024 World Cup
As the host country of the 2024 Qatar World Cup, there is a lot of anticipation surrounding this tournament.
Qatar World Cup Stadiums
Qatar is hosting the World Cup in 2024, and there are a number of new stadiums being built to accommodate the event. Here’s everything you need to know about the stadiums:
The first World Cup stadium to be completed will be the Khalifa International Stadium in Doha. This stadium will host all of the group stage matches and the final. It has a capacity of 44,000 spectators.
Another new stadium that is being built is the Al Wakrah Stadium. This stadium will accommodate up to 50,000 spectators and will be used for group stage matches and the semi-finals.
The Al Sadd Stadium will also be used for group stage matches and the semi-finals. This stadium has a capacity of 45,000 spectators.
The Qatar National Museum will also host some World Cup matches. This museum has a capacity of 10,000 spectators and will be used for kick-off and half-time ceremonies.
How much does it cost to go to the Qatar World Cup?
Tickets for the event are not cheap, obviously. Prices range from USD 226 to 3,217 (AED 830 – 11,816). However, there are a number of ways to get discounted tickets. For example, if you are a fan of a team from your country, you can get tickets through sports sponsorships. Additionally, fans who purchase tickets before the general public can get up to 50% off their tickets.
Overall, the World Cup is going to be expensive. But if you’re a fan of one of the teams playing in the tournament, it may be worth it to purchase a ticket.
Ticketing Options
There are a number of different ticketing options available for the World Cup.
Tickets for the Qatar World Cup can be bought online or at the stadium on match days. The online ticketing process is very simple and can be completed in minutes. There are a number of different ticketing options available, including single tickets, group tickets, and VIP tickets.
Group tickets are perfect for groups of friends who want to watch the same game together. Group travel is the best way to experience the Qatar World Cup. You can book your trip with a group of friends, family members, or coworkers. This will save you money on airfare and hotels. You will also have more fun together!
VIP tickets give fans access to exclusive areas at the stadium and offer other benefits such as free food and drink.
If you cannot find the perfect ticket option for you on the website, don’t worry. The Qatar World Cup Ticket Office is open daily from 9 am to 8 pm. They will be able to help you find the perfect ticket no matter what your budget is.
Conclusion
Football is one of the most popular sports in the world and for good reason. The World Cup is one of the most watched events in the world, and people across the world feel very passionate about it. However, it is important to keep your head cool, and simply enjoy the game.
