World Cup Boot Recap Day 14 – Messi Hits Top Stride

Bryan Byrne June 26, 2014 Blog, Everything Else 1 Comment

With only a few games left to play in group stages, we are now starting to see what the second round match-ups will be and things start to get ever more exciting. Yesterday was all about the ever controversial Luis Suarez, but today was all about the maestro – Lionel Messi. There was a exceptionally executed Superfly hattrick on offer, plus we also take a look at a brawl caused by a boot that flew into the stands earlier this week!

Here is our World Cup Boot Recap for all the action from day 15, and what is actually the penultimate edition in our recap series!

Antonio Valencia Sees Red

It was a tough one to call, even after seeing replays but Antonio Valencia received a red card in the Ecuador vs France game, essentially sealing his country’s exit from the tournament. There was no malicious intent with the tackle, with Valencia looking to connect with the ball rather than the man. Unfortunately, his foot rolled over the ball and his studs sliced down the leg of Digne, leaving some nasty marks. The ref took his time looking at the incident and resultant injury before handing Valencia his faith.

The guilty as charged boot worn by Valencia is the Nike Tiempo Legend V in the recently released Total Crimson/White colorway. Alas, it was a precursor to Valencia’s judgement on the day!

Messi Hits Top of Goal Scoring Charts

It was a statement day for Lionel Messi as he hit the top of the goal scoring charts, joining fellow Barca striker Neymar, on 4 goals. His two finishes were, as you would expect, worldly, as he demonstrated his incredible ability to place the ball exactly where he wants to. His coordination on the ball is extraordinary! In terms of boots, he surprisingly didn’t choose to wear the birthday remix adiZero F50 he received for his 27th birthday. He did wear them in training yesterday, but decided to stick with his signature Battle Pack version for the game vs Nigeria. Both versions offer styles that resonates with Messi, bright colors in an over funky pattern. When you are the man of the moment, you get to right to choose your own style no matter what that is.

Xherdan Shaqiri Claims a World Cup Ball

Not only did he claim a ball, but his hattrick helped lift Switzerland into 2nd place and a spot in the knockout rounds. Wearing a pair of Nike Mercurial Superfly, the Bayern Munich star scored three excellent goals and elevated his stature among the elite of the competition. His first, which was a curler from outside the box, gave us a firsthand look at how the Superfly can be used perfectly to bend the ball.

What A Day for the Mercurial Superfly

Xherdan Shagiri (3), Ahmed Musa (2) and Marcos Rojo all scored in the Mercurial Superfly today, giving them a banner day in the spotlight with 6 goals. They were especially easy to spot as worn by Nigerian players in their Green home kit!

From talking to retailers, the signature speed boot with dynamic mid-fit collar is selling in large numbers, with only limited pairs currently available. Given the high profile nature of the boots and the fact they are 2nd in the boot scoring table, by the end of the World Cup there might not be too many pairs left.

BackDated – Casillas Throws Boot Into Crowd, Causes Brawl

Following the Spain vs Australia game, Iker Casillas took the opportunity to make a fans lucky day by throwing his left boot into the crowd. It is likely that this could be his last appearance in the National team squad, so their is some significance to owning one of his Adidas Predator Instinct, thus the resultant brawl that took place in the stands to claim a pair. Yes, there was a brawl in the stands between hungry fans trying to claim his gear. It was a hefty tussle and there were actual punches thrown, but eventually a lucky couple claimed their prize and documented it! (as seen in the Getty image)

The Boot Table

Another glorious day of goals, with 12 hitting the back of the net in 4 games, keeping the average above 3 per game. Quality entertainment! The Superfly gained with 6 goals on the leading adiZero F50, which had 5.

Adidas adiZero F50: 32 goals, -1 own goal (6 Headers)
Nike Mercurial Superfly: 24 goals (3 Headers)
Adidas Predator Instinct: 14 goals (2 Headers)
Nike Hypervenom: 10 goals (1 Header) (1 Chest)
Nike Mercurial Vapor X: 7 goals (3 Headers)
Nike Magista Obra: 7 goals (1 Header)
Nike Tiempo Legend: 5 goals, -2 own goals (4 Headers)
Puma evoPOWER: 5 goals (3 Headers)
Adidas Nitrocharge: 2 goals
Puma evoSPEED: 2 goals (1 Header)
Warrior Superheat: 2 goals (1 Header)
Nike Vapor IX: 2 goal
Mizuno Wave Ignitus: 1 goal
Nike Magista Opus: 1 goal
Mizuno Morelia Neo: 1 goal
Mizuno Basara: 1 goal (1 header)
Warrior Gambler: 1 goal (1 Header)
Nike CTR 360 Maestri III: 1 goal
Adidas Predator LZ: 1 goal