The Sunday Mail
With 50 of the 64 games at the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil now in the rear-view mirror, FIFA.com takes a moment to look back over some of the most memorable quotes from the group stage.
Group A
“I don’t think Neymar has even started his World Cup yet.” — Brazil midfielder Willian after A Seleçao swept Cameroon aside 4-1.
“That was just frustration as a result of how the game was going. They’re not bad guys — on the contrary, they’re friends. They’re always having fun together.” — Cameroon defender Stephane Mbia gives his insight into the altercation between Benjamin Moukandjo and Benoit Assou-Ekotto at the end of Cameroon’s 4-0 loss to Croatia
Group B
“It was a crazy game. We could have scored five . . . Oh right, we did score five, but we could have scored six, seven or eight.” — Robin van Persie following the Netherlands’ 5-1 dismantling of Spain.
“We’ve seen that we’re capable of hurting any opponent. I think we’re the best Chile team of all time.” —Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal.
Group C
“The group is standing by them and I think that with the choice they made, Yaya and Kolo have shown that they are doing the same for us.” — Sabri Lamouchi on the decision of Yaya and Kolo Toure to stay with the Côte d’Ivoire squad after the death of their younger brother.
“I think the culture of Japanese football and the special characteristics and technique of the players can cut it on the world stage, but physical strength is what is lacking.” — Japan coach Alberto Zaccheroni.
Group D
“If we beat Costa Rica I want a kiss, obviously on the cheek, from the UK Queen.” — Italy striker Mario Balotelli.
“When that vital goal went in, I felt something explode within my chest. Uruguayan players never forget the passion they had in their childhood and the feeling of being a supporter.
“They did what they’ve all dreamed about.” — Uruguay coach Oscar Tabarez after his team progressed by downing Italy 1-0.
Group E
“I love myself all the time. It’s a little arrogant, but even in difficult moments and moments of joy I don’t like to criticise myself. There are things I could maybe have done differently, but the ‘Pat’ of 2010 and the ‘Pat’ of 2014 — I love them both.” France defender Patrice Evra.
“This is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid, when I was out in the countryside selling milk to buy football boots. Luckily for me, now it’s coming true.” Ecuador forward Enner Valencia.
Group F
“Thank God El Enano (the Dwarf) rubbed the lamp at the end. It was a difficult, hard-fought match, but we knew it would be.” — Argentina goalkeeper Sergio Romero lauds Lionel Messi after the latter struck late to see off Iran 1-0.
“We have waited so long for this victory. I’m so happy for the country, our fans, the team. It was maybe one of the hardest three points in my career.” — Nigeria striker Peter Odemwingie reflects on the Super Eagles’ 1-0 success against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Group G
“For me, it’s the easiest game ever. Regardless of what happens, I can only win.
“My only wish is that nobody gets hurt.” — Prince Boateng, father of the Boateng brothers ahead of the match between Jerome’s Germany and Kevin-Prince’s Ghana.
“I would like to be 110 percent fit, but I am 100 percent fit and that should be enough to help the national team.” — Portugal talisman Cristiano Ronaldo.
Group H
“The Belgium defence – they’re not all Ferraris there, you know. They have some Skodas too.
“If we can play an exceptional game, anything is possible in modern football.” — Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic.
“If Belgium win the World Cup, I will cut my hair.” — Belgium midfielder Marouane Fellaini. — Fifa.com.
