July 9: World Cup Diary... What the favela?!

Magic Moment

The dignified exit of underdogs Costa Rica after the semi-final penalty shootout exit to Holland. Proud manager Jorge Luis Pinto said: “People didn’t believe in us but we’ve achieved wonderful things. We go home unbeaten and that’s very important for us.” 

What the favela?!

Alejandro Sabella’s mock faint at a missed chance. Closing his eyes and leaning back, Sabella — lost in the helplessness of the moment — overdid it and fell back too far, losing his balance and falling into the arms of a staff member.

Beach bum

Eden Hazard appears to have been at this World Cup in body alone. Much-hyped and undoubtedly gifted, after a disappointing end of the season with Chelsea, too, the Belgian has work to do after his summer break. 

They said what?

“The future is bright for this Belgium side. But we were not impressed by the Argentinians. They are just an ordinary team. It’s not a missed opportunity. Do you think Argentina played a good match? People complained about our performances in our first three matches but this is what football is all about.” — Marc Wilmots after his team were beaten 1-0 by Argentina. Catty?

Stat attack

3 times Holland hit the woodwork against Costa Rica; they had 15 shots on target overall.

24  years — the last time Argentina were in a World Cup semi-final.

52,762 The average attendance at 2014 World Cup. It is now the second highest of all time, overtaking the 52,491 at the 2006 tournament.