Football fans will get the chance to relive all the memorable moments from the extraordinary 2014 World Cup in Brazil in a special programme airing this Christmas on ITV4.
Hosted by ITV football presenter Matt Smith, Brazil Brazil: World Cup Revisited, will encapsulate all the outstanding highlights from the tournament, which featured a feast of attacking football and drama, culminating in Germany’s triumph in the final against Argentina.
From the plethora of sensational goals to some of the competition’s more colourful and controversial moments, the Brazil 2014 was regarded as the best World Cup for a generation and ITV4’s one-hour review show, airing at 8.00pm on Wednesday, December 17, will pick out all the best bits from a tournament that will live long in the memory.
Some of those many memorable moments include wonder strikes from Tim Cahill and James Rodriguez, Luis Suarez being sent home in disgrace after biting Giorgio Chiellini, Lionel Messi’s sensational goals, Germany’s semi-final thrashing of hosts Brazil and the extra-time World Cup-winning goal from Mario Gotze.
England’s presence in Brazil was fleeting to say the least, as Roy Hodgson’s men exited after two defeats, but the most memorable match is likely to be the incredible semi-final between eventual champions Germany and the host nation, which ended in humiliating 7-1 defeat for Brazil, shattering the dreams of an entire nation.
Despite their nightmare exit from their own tournament, coupled with the troubled build-up, violent protests in pockets of the country and delays in stadia construction work, Brazil managed to stage what was one of the best World Cups of modern times.
Hosted by a nation that has come to represent the very best of football, the 20th edition of the beautiful game’s greatest spectacle was never likely to be just like the others, and fans were not disappointed.
Brazil 2014 proved extraordinary in all sorts of ways, with packed stadiums and passionate crowds treated to thrills, upsets and a record number of goals.
It also witnessed Germany reclaim in style a Trophy they had won three times before and, in the process, become the first European team to triumph in South America.
Joachim Low’s side were worthy and impressive winners, although for the third World Cup in succession it required extra time to decide the Final, with Mario Gotze this time assuming the role that Andres Iniesta had occupied in 2010.
The substitute’s brilliant 113th-minute winner also maintained Europe’s grip on the World Cup, with the continent having now produced a record three consecutive champions.
It was a goal that very nearly lifted the roof off Rio de Janeiro’s iconic Maracana stadium, which provided a fittingly inspiring conclusion to a truly unforgettable tournament.
As well as the best moments on the pitch, ITV4’s review show will also take a look back at some of the lighter moments from ITV Sport’s coverage of the event, which was based in a studio overlooking Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro.
From Ian Wright’s operatic reaction to a James Rodriguez strike to Martin O’Neill putting Patrick Vieira and Fabio Cannavaro in their place, the programme will feature some of the funnier moments to come from the ITV studio during the tournament, as well as provide another chance to hear the channel’s memorable ‘Brazil Brazil’ theme music, performed by Thiago Thome.
Tune into ITV4 on Wednesday, December 17, at 8.00pm and spend an hour looking back at all the best moments from this summer’s unforgettable tournament.
Brazil Brazil: World Cup Revisited will be available to watch on-demand shortly after broadcast via ITV Player on all major devices, while repeat showings will be broadcast on ITV4 at 10.40am on December 20 and 3.00am on December 24.
.
Wednesday 17th December
Brazil Brazil: World Cup Revisited
8.00pm-9.00pm ITV4
.
.
