Journey with us through time as we relive the most electrifying, heart-stopping moments in FIFA World Cup history. From stunning upsets to legendary performances, these matches have etched themselves into the annals of football lore.
In a twist of fate that still haunts Brazilian football, Uruguay silenced nearly 200,000 spectators at the Maracanã Stadium. The hosts, Brazil, needed only a draw to clinch the title but fell to a late Uruguayan goal, turning what was meant to be a coronation into a national tragedy.
Fun Fact: This match led to Brazil changing their kit from white to the now-iconic yellow and green.
A 17-year-old Pelé announced himself to the world, scoring twice in the final to secure Brazil's first World Cup trophy. This match marked the beginning of Brazil's golden era and Pelé's reign as the "King of Football."
England's only World Cup triumph came on home soil in a final filled with drama. The match is forever remembered for Geoff Hurst's controversial goal that may or may not have crossed the line, leading to endless debates and the introduction of goal-line technology decades later.
Did You Know?: Hurst remains the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final.
In a semi-final that had everything, Italy emerged victorious after an exhausting 120 minutes of football. Five goals were scored in extra time, with Italy clinching the win in the 111th minute. This match set the standard for dramatic World Cup encounters.
Diego Maradona's genius and controversy were on full display in this quarter-final. He scored the infamous "Hand of God" goal, punching the ball into the net, and followed it up with an incredible solo run, beating half the England team to score what is often called the "Goal of the Century."
The first World Cup final to be decided on penalties saw Roberto Baggio, one of the tournament's stars, sky his penalty over the bar, handing Brazil their fourth title. The image of Baggio with his head bowed became one of the most iconic in World Cup history.
On home soil, France dismantled the defending champions Brazil with a performance for the ages from Zinedine Zidane. His two headed goals and overall dominance in midfield led France to their first World Cup triumph.
Four years after a mysterious illness struck him before the 1998 final, Ronaldo found redemption. His two goals against Germany secured Brazil's fifth World Cup title and cemented his place as one of the greatest strikers of all time.
In a physical and tense final, Andrés Iniesta's extra-time goal gave Spain their first World Cup title. The match is remembered for its record 14 yellow cards and Nigel de Jong's infamous karate kick on Xabi Alonso.
In one of the most shocking results in World Cup history, Germany humiliated hosts Brazil in the semi-final. The match saw Germany score five goals in the first 30 minutes, leaving the football world in disbelief and an entire nation in tears.
The highest-scoring World Cup final since 1966 saw France claim their second title. Kylian Mbappé became the first teenager since Pelé to score in a World Cup final, announcing himself as football's next superstar.
These matches have not just been about the scores or the winners; they've been about the raw emotions, the unforgettable moments, and the legends they've created. They remind us why the World Cup is the greatest show on Earth, captivating billions and uniting the world through the beautiful game.
Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay
