The swift, sudden strike of an inflated ball can paralyze—and demoralize—entire nations. Many of us know the feeling. Since the literal kicking off of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil last month, the action on the field has elicited emotions ranging from delight to devastation. The photos featured here display a bit of both. So for those whose teams have survived: Congratulations, and may the remaining action keep thrilling you. And for those whose pursuit of the coveted cup is over, perhaps solace can be taken from the words of a man who won it all.
“By winning the World Cup we didn’t change the world, we didn’t bring down the price of bread. It’s a lovely thought that football players can solve people’s problems; I wish we could. We’d all be better off.” —Diego Maradona (World Cup champion 1986, Argentina), from ESPN’s 30 for 30: Soccer Stories