The 12 most painful moments of the World Cup so far

Published on: 20 June 2014
The 12 most painful moments of the World Cup so far
United States' Jozy Altidore grimaces after injuring his hamstring during the Group G World Cup soccer match between Ghana and the United States at the Arena das Dunas in Natal, Brazil on June 16.

The World Cup has broken hearts (and noses) on and off the pitch in the first week of play.

This year, there's an extra measure of drama — at the cost of both physical and emotional anguish for fans and players.

The U.S. team took a physical beating in its 1-0 victory over Ghana, with Jozy Altidore straining his hamstring and Clint Dempsey fracturing his nose after a high kick to the face.

Brazilian Marcelo Vieira bruised his pride by scoring an own goal in the first match of the tournament. And England supporters felt the sting of despair at the 2-1 defeat by Italy, while Uruguay and Algeria fans had their hopes raised and then dashed.

Relive the emotional and physical pain inflicted thus far at the 2014 World Cup below.

Portugal's Pepe headbutts Germany's Thomas Mueller and earns himself the tournament's second red card during the Group G World Cup soccer match between Germany and Portugal at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil on June 16.
Portugal's Pepe headbutts Germany's Thomas Mueller and earns himself the tournament's second red card during the Group G World Cup soccer match between Germany and Portugal at the Arena Fonte Nova in Salvador, Brazil on June 16.
Brazil's Marcelo scores on his own goal past Brazil's goalkeeper Jefferson -- the first goal of the World Cup -- while trying to clear the ball during the Group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia, the opening game of the tournament, in the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil on June 12.
Brazil's Marcelo scores on his own goal past Brazil's goalkeeper Jefferson -- the first goal of the World Cup -- while trying to clear the ball during the Group A World Cup soccer match between Brazil and Croatia, the opening game of the tournament, in the Itaquerao Stadium in Sao Paulo, Brazil on June 12.
Ghana's John Boye, left, challenges United States' Clint Dempsey for the ball during the Group G World Cup soccer match between Ghana and the United States at the Arena das Dunas in Natal, Brazil on June 16. The Ghanaian boot to Dempsey's face possibly broke the U.S. player's nose.
Ghana's John Boye, left, challenges United States' Clint Dempsey for the ball during the Group G World Cup soccer match between Ghana and the United States at the Arena das Dunas in Natal, Brazil on June 16. The Ghanaian boot to Dempsey's face possibly broke the U.S. player's nose.
Once a Golden Glove award winner in the 2010 World Cup, Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas wipes his face after Netherlands scored their fourth goal during the second half of the Group B World Cup soccer match between Spain and the Netherlands at the Arena Ponte Nova in Salvador, Brazil on June 13, 2014.
Once a Golden Glove award winner in the 2010 World Cup, Spain's goalkeeper Iker Casillas wipes his face after Netherlands scored their fourth goal during the second half of the Group B World Cup soccer match between Spain and the Netherlands at the Arena Ponte Nova in Salvador, Brazil on June 13, 2014.
Football fans watch the first England game of the World Cup during the Isle of Wight Festival in Newport on the Isle of Wight on June 14. Despite a stronger appearance than is normal for the English national team, England lost 2-1 to the Italy team.
Football fans watch the first England game of the World Cup during the Isle of Wight Festival in Newport on the Isle of Wight on June 14. Despite a stronger appearance than is normal for the English national team, England lost 2-1 to the Italy team.
After a shocking 3-1 upset by Costa Rica, a Uruguay soccer fan cries after her team lost inside the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on June 14.
After a shocking 3-1 upset by Costa Rica, a Uruguay soccer fan cries after her team lost inside the FIFA Fan Fest area on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on June 14.
 

Fans of Algeria react after their team lost 2-1 the Group H World Cup soccer match between Belgium and Algeria at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil on June 17.
Fans of Algeria react after their team lost 2-1 the Group H World Cup soccer match between Belgium and Algeria at the Mineirao Stadium in Belo Horizonte, Brazil on June 17.
Cameroon's coach Volker Finke, drenched from the rain, stands on the pitch after his team's 1-0 loss to Mexico in the Group A World Cup soccer match in the Arena das Dunas in Natal, Brazil on June 13.
Cameroon's coach Volker Finke, drenched from the rain, stands on the pitch after his team's 1-0 loss to Mexico in the Group A World Cup soccer match in the Arena das Dunas in Natal, Brazil on June 13.
 

South Korea's Ki Sung-yueng, bottom, fouls Russia's Alexander Samedov -- earning him one of the many yellow cards throughout the tournament -- during the Group H World Cup soccer match between Russia and South Korea at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, Brazil on June 17.
South Korea's Ki Sung-yueng, bottom, fouls Russia's Alexander Samedov -- earning him one of the many yellow cards throughout the tournament -- during the Group H World Cup soccer match between Russia and South Korea at the Arena Pantanal in Cuiaba, Brazil on June 17.
United States' Jermaine Jones falls behind Ghana's Sulley Muntari during the group G World Cup soccer match between Ghana and the United States in Natal, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014.
United States' Jermaine Jones falls behind Ghana's Sulley Muntari during the group G World Cup soccer match between Ghana and the United States in Natal, Brazil, Monday, June 16, 2014.
 

Brazil forward Neymar gestures in pain during a Group A match between Brazil and Mexico on June 17, 2014.
Brazil forward Neymar gestures in pain during a Group A match between Brazil and Mexico on June 17, 2014.
 

 

 

 

 

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