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2014 World Cup Wrap-Up

ESPN Soccer Analyst and Grantland’s Men in Blazers Host Roger Bennett gives us his top 3 moments of the World Cup.

Millions of Americans tuned into the 2014 World Cup, breaking all kinds of viewership records in the U.S.

With a little from help from USMNT Head Coach Jurgen Klinsmann… 

and politicians, like Gov. Andrew Cuomo... 

U.S. soccer fans embraced the football culture of the world, in a way that they haven’t ever before. 

Even Morning Joe had a World Cup viewing party of our own. 

ESPN Soccer Analyst and Grantland’s Men in Blazers Host Roger Bennett had the honor of experiencing the World Cup on the sidelines in Brazil. He gives us his top 3 moments of the beautiful game. 

3. Brazil’s national anthem

Anytime Brazil sang the national anthem, the makeup women in production facility at ESPN would all just start crying in the back of the room, and you’d realize just how much the World Cup, the football, that team, and ultimately, their failure meant to the nation.

Brazil's David Luiz (R) and goal keeper Julio Cesar hold the jersey of their injured team mate Neymar during the national anthem prior to the FIFA World Cup 2014 semi-final soccer match between Brazil and Germany at Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, July 8, 2014.
Brazil's David Luiz (R) and goal keeper Julio Cesar hold the jersey of their injured team mate Neymar during the national anthem prior to the FIFA World Cup 2014 semi-final soccer match between Brazil and Germany at Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, July 8, 2014.

2. Germany’s World Cup win

There’s an English pundit who says, “Football is a simple game. Twenty-two people run around the field, and at the end, Germany always wins.” And it’s very, very true.

Miroslav Klose (C in front row) and other Germany players celebrate with the World Cup trophy after beating Argentina 1-0 to win their fourth World Cup title at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 13, 2014.
Miroslav Klose (C in front row) and other Germany players celebrate with the World Cup trophy after beating Argentina 1-0 to win their fourth World Cup title at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on July 13, 2014.

 1. Clint Dempsey’s goal against Ghana

There was so much excitement, so much fear, so much nervousness, so much joy around this American team. To see them take the field and eradicate all doubt all within 30 seconds against Ghana – I will never forget that memory. 

United States' Clint Dempsey celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the group G World Cup soccer match between Ghana and the United States at the Arena das Dunas in Natal, Brazil, June 16, 2014.
United States' Clint Dempsey celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the group G World Cup soccer match between Ghana and the United States at the Arena das Dunas in Natal, Brazil, June 16, 2014.