2014 saw the world game somewhat redeem itself on the field, if not off it - Rudi Garcia's report into corruption at the highest levels in FIFA did little to change people's opinions about Sepp Blatter and the governing body, particularly with Qatar further confirmed as hosts of the 2022 World Cup to the dismay of many.
The 2014 World Cup was a commercial and footballing success even if the hosts, Brazil didn't quite deliver in front of their home fans.
Indeed, 2014 might very well be the year that Brazil lost its title as the best footballing nation in the world.
Their replacements could very well be the team that thrashed them so convincingly in Belo Horizonte, i.e. Germany, the new world champions.
After years of promising to deliver, yet failing when it mattered, Joachim Loew's men finally won the biggest prize on offer with some of the best football you'll ever see, played by the best footballers in the world - Kroos, Mueller, Neuer can all claim to be amongst football's elite.
Meanwhile, their fellow Europeans, Spain suffered an alarming if not surprising, fall from grace. For so long, Los Rojas dominated the world game with their tikka-takka football. But like all good sides, players age and the age of the likes of Casillas, Xavi, Fernando Torres and David Villa was evident and once they were beaten 5-1 by the Dutch in their first World Cup game, Spain never really recovered. Just as well that Del Bosque is staying around as he guides the next generation of great Spanish footballers to continue their recent dominance in the European championships.
On the bright side, Spain continue to dominate in club football, with Real Madrid winning their first European title in 12 years and then winning the World Club Cup ahead of San Lorenzo and Auckland City (yes I kid you not). Atletico Madrid sprung a surprise by upsetting the Real Madrid and Barcelona duoply to win the title this season - and they look like they want to be challengers for a while yet based on their current form.
As for New Zealand, club football raised its profile this season what with the rise of Auckland City in the Club World Cup to a shock 3rd place. The Wellington Phoenix are also doing extremely well in the A-League and flying the flag for NZ football albeit on the back of Aussie Nathan Burns.
So without further ado, here's a look back at the world of football for 2014.
Team of the Year (4-3-3 formation) -
GK - Manuel Neuer, Germany
DF - Philipp Lahm, Germany
DF - Mats Hummels, Germany
DF - Vincent Kompany, Belgium
DF - Pablo Zabaleta, Argentina
MF - Toni Kroos, Germany
MF - Angel di Maria, Argentina
MF - James Rodriguez, Colombia
FW - Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
FW - Lionel Messi, Argentina
FW - Arjen Robben, Netherlands
Goal of the Year -
Stephanie Roche, Peamount United v Wexford Youths - there have been some smashing goals this season including James Rodriguez's pearler against Uruguay and Robin van Persie doing things with his head that you didn't thing were possible, but a late shock contender has emerged from the other gender. To be honest, I would not be surprised if Irishwoman, Stephanie Roche's wins the goal of the year comp this year.
Game of the Year -
Brazil 1 Germany 7 -
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