World Cup 2014: 25 Most Memorable Moments
19. Messi's Goal Vs Iran
We saw many games in this tournament where the smaller nations gave the traditonal heavyweights a scare, and the group game between Argentina and Iran was no different. On paper this game looked like a routine victory for the South Americans, but Iran had other ideas and if it wasnt for some less than clinical finishing from the likes of Ashkan Dejagh and Reza Ghoochannelijhad they very well could have taken something from the game.
However Iran didnt take their chances and when the ball fell to Messi he didnt have to think twice before hitting the ball past the Iranian keeper, stealing a victory when a disappointing draw was on the cards.
This was the moment when it first looked like this was going to be Messis tournament, however he couldnt recreate this as Argentina progressed deeper into the tournament and quality of the opposition improved.
18. Pepe's Red Card vs Germany
Pepe getting a red card is hardly a surprising event, given that the Portuguese defender has been sent of many times in his career, but never before has he been shown red for something so needless.
Portugal were already 2-0 down in their group game against Germany when Pepe and Thomas Muller both ran for the ball and an out-stretched arm from Pepe caused the German to fall to the floor. Pepe was fuming at the reaction of the German, and in a moment of rash indiscipline he head-butted him, leaving the referee no choice but to send him off.