If this is a World Cup of goals — scored at a record rate and by record-setting players like Lionel Messi (overtook Miroslav Klose’s tally for the most World Cup goals by an individual) and Cristiano Ronaldo (only player to score in six editions) — it is also a World Cup of defensive masterclasses.
Where Ghana’s phalanx wouldn’t admit England’s hyped attackers the pleasure of even a single breach. Where Cape Verde’s unyielding wall withstood a Spanish hurricane, and matched Uruguay in footballing nous. Where Congo held Portugal, Belgium was run aground by Iran, Curacao gave no joy to Ecuador, and there was nothing to choose between dark horses Japan and one of the tournament’s favourites, the Netherlands.
