By Chris Wright
Yep, it’s in there, don’t worry…
The 2014 World Cup has seen a record 136 goals scored in the group stages, topping the previous highest amount scored in the opening bouts – 130 back in 2oo2.
Given that we’re faced with the perfect juncture, Pies thought we’d take stock and compile our Top 1o.
The top three are pretty much a given, but have a peruse and see what you think…
10. Karim Benzema vs Switzerland
Not a goal in the strictest sense of the word as it was scored a nano-second after the final whistle, but we melted over Benzema’s gorgeous sweeping technique.
In fact, the referee should have allowed it to stand on artistic grounds…
9. Miroslav Klose vs Ghana
If just for the record-equalling enormity of it. A routine tap-in it may well have been, but it was a routine tap-in that just felt BIG…
8. David Villa vs Australia
There’s something comfortingly inevitable about David Villa scoring a crafty flick at a major tournament and it saddens us to think it will never happen again…
7. Ahmed Musa vs Argentina
Musa is making quite a name for himself at the tournament, and cracking goals like this will surely see him leaving Russia for pastures more illustrious before next season…
6. Lionel Messi vs Iran
Messi does a Messi…
5. Xherdan Shaqiri vs Honduras
Power Cube by (nick)name, Power Cube by nature…
4. Asamoah Gyan vs Portugal
If only for the absolutely achingly beautiful outside-of-the-boot cross from Kwadwo Asamoah that preceded it. Pass of the tournament right there…
Reverse angle…
3. James Rodriguez vs Japan
Superb solo jinker, served with a side order of filthy chips…
2. Robin van Persie vs Spain
Of course…
1. Tim Cahill vs Holland
Naturally…
Agree/disagree? Feel we’ve missed a blindingly obvious goal out?
Feel free to call us all the names under the sun in the comments below…