The 2014 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Brazil, was a spectacular tournament filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. The group stages set the tone for the entire competition, featuring surprising upsets, incredible goals, and emerging stars. Let's dive into the highlights of each group and relive some of the most memorable moments.

Group A: Brazil, Croatia, Mexico, Cameroon

As the host nation, Brazil entered the tournament with immense pressure and high expectations. Their opening match against Croatia saw them secure a 3-1 victory, though it was marred by a controversial penalty decision. Neymar emerged as the key player for Brazil, scoring crucial goals throughout the group stage. Mexico, led by goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa's outstanding performances, proved to be a tough opponent. Their goalless draw against Brazil was a testament to their defensive strength and tactical discipline. Croatia, despite having talented players like Luka Modrić and Ivan Rakitić, struggled to find consistency. Their loss to Brazil in the opening match put them on the back foot, and they ultimately failed to advance to the knockout stage. Cameroon, plagued by internal issues and lackluster performances, had a disappointing campaign. Their 4-0 defeat to Croatia highlighted their struggles, and they finished at the bottom of the group with no points. The passionate Brazilian fans created an electric atmosphere in the stadiums, spurring their team on and adding to the overall excitement of the tournament. The group stage matches in Group A provided a glimpse of the drama and intensity that would unfold in the subsequent rounds.

Group B: Spain, Netherlands, Chile, Australia

Group B was arguably the "group of death," featuring reigning champions Spain, the Netherlands, Chile, and Australia. The Netherlands delivered a stunning performance against Spain, avenging their 2010 World Cup final defeat with a 5-1 thrashing. Robin van Persie's flying header became an instant classic, and Arjen Robben's pace and clinical finishing tormented the Spanish defense. Spain's shocking defeat signaled the end of their dominance in international football. Their subsequent loss to Chile confirmed their early exit from the tournament, marking a significant fall from grace. Chile, with their high-pressing style and dynamic attacking players like Alexis Sánchez and Eduardo Vargas, impressed everyone. Their victory over Spain demonstrated their ambition and quality. Australia, despite putting up a valiant fight in all their matches, lacked the experience and quality to compete with the other teams in the group. Tim Cahill's stunning volley against the Netherlands was a moment of brilliance, but it wasn't enough to secure any points for the Socceroos. The Netherlands and Chile emerged as the top two teams in Group B, showcasing their attacking prowess and tactical flexibility. The early exit of Spain sent shockwaves through the football world, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the World Cup.

Group C: Colombia, Greece, Ivory Coast, Japan

Colombia emerged as a surprise package in Group C, showcasing their attacking flair and youthful exuberance. Led by James Rodríguez, who would go on to win the Golden Boot, Colombia won all three of their group matches, displaying a vibrant and exciting brand of football. Greece, known for their defensive solidity and tactical discipline, secured a crucial victory against Ivory Coast to advance to the knockout stage. Their disciplined approach and never-say-die attitude proved effective in navigating the group stage. Ivory Coast, with their star-studded lineup including Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré, failed to live up to expectations. Despite having moments of brilliance, they lacked consistency and ultimately fell short of reaching the knockout stage. Japan, under coach Alberto Zaccheroni, aimed to showcase their technical ability and tactical awareness. However, they struggled to find their rhythm and failed to secure a single victory in the group stage. Colombia's impressive performances captivated fans around the world, and James Rodríguez's emergence as a global superstar added to the excitement of the tournament. Greece's resilience and tactical discipline earned them a place in the knockout stage, while Ivory Coast and Japan were left to rue their missed opportunities.

Group D: Uruguay, Costa Rica, England, Italy

Group D was another highly competitive group, featuring former champions Uruguay, Italy, and England, along with Costa Rica. Costa Rica defied all expectations, topping the group with two wins and a draw. Their victory over Uruguay in the opening match set the tone for their remarkable campaign. Uruguay, despite having star players like Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani, struggled to find consistency. Suárez's controversial bite on Italy's Giorgio Chiellini overshadowed their progress and added a dramatic twist to the group stage. England, with a young and promising squad, suffered two defeats against Italy and Uruguay, resulting in their early exit from the tournament. Their inability to convert chances and defensive vulnerabilities proved costly. Italy, led by veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo, aimed to replicate their 2006 World Cup success. However, they suffered a crucial defeat against Costa Rica, which ultimately led to their elimination. Costa Rica's unexpected success story captivated fans around the world, and their disciplined defense and clinical counter-attacking earned them widespread praise. Uruguay's controversial moments and England's early exit added to the drama and intrigue of Group D.

Group E: Switzerland, Ecuador, France, Honduras

Group E saw France emerging as the dominant force, displaying their attacking prowess and tactical versatility. Karim Benzema led the line with distinction, scoring crucial goals and linking up effectively with his teammates. Switzerland, known for their defensive organization and tactical discipline, secured a place in the knockout stage with two wins and a loss. Ecuador, with their energetic midfielders and pacey wingers, put up a good fight but ultimately fell short of reaching the knockout stage. Honduras, despite their spirited efforts, lacked the quality to compete with the other teams in the group. France's resurgence under coach Didier Deschamps was a key storyline of Group E, showcasing their potential to go far in the tournament. Switzerland's consistent performances earned them a deserved place in the knockout stage, while Ecuador and Honduras were left to reflect on their missed opportunities.

Group F: Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran, Nigeria

Group F was centered around Argentina and their superstar Lionel Messi. Messi lived up to the hype, scoring crucial goals and leading his team to three victories in the group stage. Bosnia and Herzegovina, making their World Cup debut, showed glimpses of their potential but lacked the experience to compete with the other teams in the group. Iran, under coach Carlos Queiroz, focused on defensive organization and tactical discipline. Their goalless draw against Nigeria was a testament to their resilience. Nigeria, with their physical strength and pacey forwards, secured a crucial victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina to advance to the knockout stage. Messi's brilliance was the defining factor in Group F, showcasing his ability to single-handedly influence matches and lead his team to victory. Nigeria's progress to the knockout stage was a significant achievement, while Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iran were left to build on their experiences.

Group G: Germany, Portugal, Ghana, United States

Group G was another highly anticipated group, featuring Germany, Portugal, Ghana, and the United States. Germany, with their attacking prowess and tactical flexibility, emerged as the group winners. Thomas Müller continued his impressive World Cup record, scoring goals and leading the German attack. Portugal, led by Cristiano Ronaldo, struggled to find consistency. Ronaldo's fitness concerns hampered his performances, and Portugal suffered a heavy defeat against Germany in their opening match. Ghana, with their energetic midfielders and pacey forwards, put up a valiant fight in all their matches. Their thrilling 2-2 draw against Germany was one of the highlights of the group stage. The United States, under coach Jürgen Klinsmann, displayed their resilience and tactical awareness. Their victory over Ghana and their draw against Portugal earned them a place in the knockout stage. Germany's dominant performances showcased their status as one of the tournament favorites, while the United States' progress to the knockout stage was a testament to their fighting spirit and tactical organization. The thrilling matches and unexpected results in Group G added to the excitement of the World Cup.

Group H: Belgium, Algeria, Russia, South Korea

Group H saw Belgium emerging as a dark horse, showcasing their talented squad and tactical versatility. Belgium won all three of their group matches, displaying their potential to go far in the tournament. Algeria, with their organized defense and pacey forwards, secured a historic victory against South Korea to advance to the knockout stage. Russia, under coach Fabio Capello, aimed to showcase their tactical discipline and defensive solidity. However, they struggled to find their rhythm and failed to secure a victory in the group stage. South Korea, with their energetic midfielders and pacey wingers, put up a good fight but ultimately fell short of reaching the knockout stage. Belgium's impressive performances established them as a team to watch, while Algeria's historic progress to the knockout stage was a significant achievement for African football. Russia and South Korea were left to reflect on their missed opportunities and prepare for future challenges.

The 2014 FIFA World Cup group stages delivered a thrilling start to the tournament, filled with drama, excitement, and unforgettable moments. The surprising results, emerging stars, and passionate fans created an electric atmosphere that set the stage for the knockout rounds. From Costa Rica's unexpected success to Spain's shocking exit, the group stages provided a glimpse of the unpredictable nature and global appeal of the World Cup.