Google is once again marking the 2018 World Cup with specialized Google Doodles commissioned by artists from all 32 competing nations.
Day 14 of the global tournament will see a number of key matches take place between Mexico, Sweden, South Korea, Germany, Switzerland, Costa Rica, Serbia and Brazil as the Group Stage enters its final critical hours.
Although some teams have already punched their ticket to the upcoming Knockout Stage, a number of important slots are still waiting to be filled.
Brazil will face off against Serbia in a crucial Group Stage match on Day 14 of the World Cup
A number of matches will be crucial in determining not only who reaches the Knockout Stage but also placement for the next round of the tournament. Mexico, already having advanced to the knockout stage, will face a challenge from Sweden, currently tied with Germany in terms of points in Group F and looking to advance to the next stage.
South Korea vs. Germany will be another interesting match to watch. After overcoming a disappointing start, Germany is seeking to advance while winless South Korea is hanging on by just a thread.
Switzerland needs just one more point to advance to the Knockout Stage. Facing off against them are Costa Rica, having already been eliminated several days ago. The final crucial match involves Brazil facing off against Serbia.
Both teams are locked in a close battle in Group E with Neymar and Brazil atop the standings alongside Switzerland with four points and Serbia within striking distance at just one point behind them both.
Switzerland is set to battle eliminated Costa Rica in one of the final few Group Stage matches
World Cup Google Doodle Day 14
As with Day 13, the fourteenth day of the 2018 World Cup in Russia is being celebrated with unique Google Doodles. Earlier this year, Google brought together artists from all 32 competing World Cup nations to create specialized Google Doodles representing what football means in their country.
Costa Rican artist Elizabeth Aruello believes that the sport allows anyone to dream big and accomplish great things no matter how small they may appear, saying: ‘In Costa Rica, soccer makes us believe in ourselves, that there are no goals that cannot be achieved. Football is dreaming big. We are a small country that achieves very great things. There are no limits, everything is possible!’
Striking a more humorous tone when asked what the artist hoped people took away after seeing the nation’s Google Doodle, Switzerland’s Chragi Frei simply replied: ‘If this doodle doesn’t boost the team into the final it will at least boost our sausage sales.’
Germany battled against South Korea in a thrilling match that just decided the fate of Group F
According to Mexican artist Valeria Alvarez, football transcends artificial barriers and brings people together no matter who they are.
‘In Mexico, soccer is passion, tradition, and magic. When the game starts, only one thing matters: the ball – more powerful than any social barrier,’ she states.
German artist Sua Balac states: ‘It is part of our culture and has played an important role in German history. Germany breathes and lives football, especially during the World Cup.’
In South Korea, the country’s artist Subin Yang believes that football is truly ‘beyond a sport’ and ‘really brings Korean people together in unison,’ specifically citing the country’s impressive fourth-place showing at the 2002 World Cup which it cohosted with Japan.
Brazil will soon take on Serbia in a high-stakes battle for control of Group E in the tournament
Serbian artist Bratislav Milenkovic, meanwhile, spoke of football’s ability to bring people together, saying it’s …’an excellent opportunity for friends to gather, either on account of a local derby or to show support to their favorite team in some global competition, at the stadium or in front of the TV screen’.
In football-crazed Brazil, artist Pedro Vergani spoke of the sport’s immense impact on his country’s culture, stating: ‘Football in Brazil is a state of mind, a moment when the country gathers to celebrate (or cry) together. It is an expression of an important part of our culture; it is art, rhythm, dance, hard work, teamwork and a dash of cheekiness.’
What is a Google Doodle?
Google Doodles are temporary changes to Google’s homepage that celebrate special events, people, accomplishments, holidays and more.
Originally designed by Google cofounders Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the first Google Doodle debuted back in 1998 to commemorate the Burning Man festival. They were later created by contractors working outside the company before a special in-house team known as Doodlers was set up to create them regularly.
Over the years, notable holidays like Christmas and St. Patrick’s Day have been commemorated with Google Doodles. In addition, they’ve also been used to commemorate the lives of remarkable people like Gauhar Jaan and celebrate notable events such as the 2018 Commonwealth Games.