The 5 memorable WC group stage moments

As we are close to embarking on the next round of the FIFA World Cup, it would be important to look back to the greatest moments of the group stage. 32 teams entered the competition, and there were plenty of moments and spectacles that we witnessed in front of our eyes. From Putin's iconic shrug, to Germany's last minute goal to eventual disqualification, the group stage had plenty of shockers.

Honorable mentions: 

Kroos' 95 minute goal, Maradona entering a new reality, Modric stabbing the hearts of Argentina, Panama's first ever WC goal, Batshauyi basically kicking himself in the face., Korea's final goal to defeat Germany, Putin's shrug,

Marcos Rojo's late goal

This moment was undeniably the greatest moment of the group stage by far. After 86 intense minutes between Nigeria and Argentina, Marcos Rojo broke the deadlock in thrilling fashion finishing off a Gabriel Mercado cross. In such a tense match, the late winner sent the crowd in a complete frenzy. The entire country took an immense sigh of relief, and Argentina progressed to the next round due to that winner. `

Cristiano Ronaldo's historic free kick

I've already written previously about the epic Spain vs Portugal game, so for lack of better words, please read it if you haven't done so already. 

Ronaldo's free kick from outside the box was a cherry on top to the wildest game we have witnessed thus far. It was a stunning moment in a game that already seemed over for Portugal, and a glorious glimpse of the past to Ronaldo's Man United days, bending the ball and gravity in ways that only he could. 

The goal also established CR7 as the oldest hat-trick scorer in World Cup history at 33 years old, which further cements his title as "greatest goal scorer of all time".

Hirving "El Chucky" Lozano's heroics

Arguably the most historic moment in Mexico's football history had to make it on my list. Lozano's run down the wing, the cut inside in the box, and the dagger inside Germany's goal sent the nation into celebration. That was the only goal of the match, but the perfect counter-attack was the game changer in Mexico's favor. Mexico ultimately moved on to the knockout rounds, and German took a plane back home. 

Second chances

Soccer is a beautiful sport, and while it may be a team game, a solid number 9 forward can cause a huge impact on the game. They are a dying breed of players, a target man who stands alone up front, and can wreck havoc on defenses.

Falcao finally got his chance to play a World Cup after brutally missing 2014 with a injury. Guerrero was given a second chance by FIFA to play this WC, after an ongoing saga with FIFA over abuse substances. Both scored a goal in their group stages, much to the delight of fans and supporters. They showed the world their talent, even after so many troubles and age.

Falcao doubled Colombia's lead in the 70th minute vs Poland to establish three CRUCIAL points. The entire country stood proud watching their star forward score. Guerrero scored in the 50th minute vs Australia, which gave Peru their only win of the tournament. While already being eliminated mathematically, a strong showing by Peru gave many fans a happy memory back home. 

FIFA Fair Play

This is memorable for all the wrong reasons. Japan was able to qualify for the Round of 16 over Senegal due to the new FIFA Fair play rule, essentially as a tie breaker for the two teams. Japan and Senegal tied in both goal difference and goals allowed, so the new rule established YELLOW CARDS as a basis of measurement to who decided to move on. I'm sorry, but that is ridiculous to me. 

Senegal was clearly a more consistent team throughout the group stage, while defeating Poland 3-0 and drawing with Japan 2-2. Although falling to Colombia in the final match, they played very solid all 3 games and, in my opinion, deserved to move on to the next round. Just because they received more yellow cards, two to be exact, does not mean they don't deserve to make the next round...