Soccer is the most popular sport worldwide and the FIFA World Cup boasts the highest viewership globally once every fours years. 32 countries come together to compete for pride and glory, but not without some controversy and drama. Here are some of the most memorable FIFA World Cup moments that took our breath away.
World Cup Moments
Not So Primitive (1990)
Cameroon entered the 1990 FIFA World Cup in Italy as the face of all of Africa. Jokes about the team eating monkeys and believing in witch doctors gave no room for any expectation of what was about to come. The team shocked the world when they beat the 1986 Argentinian world champions 1-0.
Not So Primitive (1990)
Own Goal (1994)
Colombia needed to beat USA on their home ground in the group stage of the 1994 World Cup. The score was 1-1, but quickly changed when Andres Escobar of Colombia mistakenly scored an own goal. The result was a loss and being kicked out of the competition. Only two days later, Escobar was shot 12 times and killed in front of his girlfriend. The killer supposedly shouted “gooooal” with each shot. Many believe that the murder was due to his own goal.
Own Goal (1994)
Crossing The Line (1966)
Spoiler alert! England won this World Cup on their home turf, but not without some controversy. The video of the ball crossing just inside (or outside, believe what you want to) is still scrutinized. The linesman and referee agreed that the ball had passed the line and England were awarded the goal against a defeated West Germany team.
Crossing The Line (1966)
The Hand Of God (1986)
The best-known handball goal in FIFA history. A tight match between England and Argentina gave Argentine star, Maradonna, the genius (but not so legal) idea to score a goal… WITH HIS HAND! Even after a great deal of noise was made by the English players, the goal was awarded. Maradonna went on to win the “Golden Ball” as player of the tournament. Perhaps he deserved a golden hand.
The Hand Of God (1986)
Hand Of God, Take Two (2010)
Extra time. Quarterfinals. FIFA World Cup in South Africa. The Uruguayan penalty box is ablaze. Shot after shot, the Ghanaian forwards fail to get the ball behind the net. Then a perfect shot to win the match for the last surviving African team, but… striker, Luis Suárez, knocks the ball to safety – WITH HIS HAND! The resulting penalty brought no luck to Ghana and they lost the game.
Hand Of God, Take Two (2010)
Goalkeeper or Player Sweeper (1982)
When a player commits a foul, he usually receives the fitting punishment. The harder the foul, the harsher the punishment. German goalkeeper, Harald Schumacher, took on French substitute, Patrick Battiston, in a challenge that knocked the Frenchman unconscious and taken off on a stretcher. Shockingly, the referee didn’t even penalize the keeper for his blatant challenge.
Goalkeeper Or Player Sweeper (1982)
Butting Heads (2006)
Never is there a dull FIFA World Cup final? French striker, Zinedine Zidane, couldn’t have made this less true. During the finals against Italy, he and Italian, Marco Materazzi, were throwing insults at each-other as the game lay in deadlock. When Zidane couldn’t take it anymore, he headbutted Materazzi’s chest which sent the Italian to the ground and the Frenchman off the field.
Butting Heads (2006)
Whistling To Their Own Tune (1982)
One of the strangest FIFA World Cup moments was during the Kuwait-France match in 1982. With a 3-1 lead, French player Alain Giresse, scored a fourth goal as Kuwaiti players didn’t budge from their defensive positions. The team then protested that they had heard a whistle blown and therefore didn’t react. The referee disallowed the goal after the Kuwaiti FA president ordered his team off the field. In the end France won 4-1.
Whistling To Their Own Tune (1982)
Going, Going, Gone! (1994)
American singer and actress, Diana Ross, was given the golden opportunity to score a goal at the opening of the FIFA World Cup in USA. Jogging up to the penalty spot, mike in hand, she pushed forward, shot… and MISSED! But it didn’t prevent the star from continuing on and gracing the packed stadium with her vocal performance.
Going, Going, Gone! (1994)
Four Is Better Than Three (1994)
The World Cup in 1994, saw one of the most dramatic penalty shoot-outs of all time. Brazil and Italy had won the FIFA World Cup 3 times each, and now they were battling for the highest number of wins ever. When Baggio walked up to take the final penalty for Italy, the crowd held its breath. Looking determined, he ran up and shot the ball… OVER THE NET! Brazil took their fourth World Cup title.
Four Is Better Than Three (1994)
Movers And Shakers (1990)
Greatly regarded as the founder and grand-master of goal celebrations, Senegal’s Roger Milla, showed the world what true happiness looked like. After scoring a goal against Colombia, he ran to the corner flag and started to perform a little jiggle that would become known as a ‘goal celebration’. Today his inspiration has lived on into every goal-scoring soccer star.
Movers And Shakers (1990)
It’s Ten To One (1982)
Yeah, I sometimes put FIFA 17′ on “amateur” mode when I want to feel like a goal-grabbing god. But did you know that Hungary successfully scored 10 goals against El Salvador back in 1982? Their double-digit bashing was a new record for the FIFA World Cup. The opposition did manage to score one goal of their own, though. The score after 90 minutes was 10-1.
Its Ten To One (1982)
The Petty Thief (1970)
Bobby Moore of England received a lot of media attention before the World Cup had even started. He was apprehended by Colombian police in Bogota on charges of stealing a bracelet from a store. Even though he and his teammates denied the claim, the event garnered heaps of attention.
The Petty Thief (1970)
Tears Of Joy (1982)
Marco Tardelli became known for his crying and screaming rant. Not in the negative way, though. He captured the hearts of millions when he burst into tears after scoring Italy’s winning goal against West Germany in 1982. His emotional celebration became known as the “Tardelli Cry”.
Tears Of Joy (1982)
The Ultimate Comeback (2002)
In 1998, Ronaldo (the one without a last name), rose and then just as quickly mysteriously melted into the darkness as Brazil lost to France in the final. The World Cup of 2002 had everyone doubting his abilities, until the final against Germany. The sleeping giant scored the only two goals of the game which brought Brazil to their 5th World Cup victory.
The Ultimate Comeback (2002)
Golden Goal (1998)
As if soccer wasn’t exciting enough already. FIFA officials decided that it was time to introduce the “golden goal” rule. The aim of this introduction was to encourage teams to play less defensively during extra-time. The rule created last minute finishes that can never be forgotten, like the 113th-minute finish by Laurent Blanc on home ground in 1998.
Golden Goal (1998)
Germany Vs. Germany (1974)
If we didn’t know better, we might have supposed that the group fixtures were, well, fixed. During the Cold War, both East and West Germany were put in the same group. Although the West were favored to win since they were the home team, East Germany took the victory of 1-0.
Germany Vs. Germany (1974)
A Hat-trick And A Little More (1958)
We all know that when a player scores three goals in one game, it is dubbed a “hat-trick”. But what do we call it when a player scores 13 goals? Just Fontaine achieved this feat in only six matches! In those days there was no “golden boot” award. Sadly due to injury, this would be his first and last World Cup.
A Hat Trick And A Little More (1958)
Now Or Never (1978)
There’s nothing quite as tense as a tied deadlock. Brazil were inches and seconds away form breaking their 1-1 draw against Sweden. As all eyes were locked on the ball headed towards the back of Sweden’s net, Welsh referee, Clive Thomas, blew the whistle, which in turn disqualified the Brazilian goal.
Now Or Never (1978)
Battle Of Nuremberg (2006)
The event was named the Battle of Nuremberg, as well as the Massacre of Nuremberg, but why? Russian referee Valentin Ivanov was not having any of the tomfoolery on the field during the Portugal-Holland game. He issued a total of 20 cards during the game. Four were red and sixteen were yellow.
Battle Of Nuremberg (2006)
Young And Experienced (1958)
How could we not have this all-star on our list? Pelé! The name rings superb soccer skills! In 1958 he impressed the world at the ripe age of 17. It was his six goals that successfully took the Brazilian side to their first ever FIFA World Cup victory.
Young And Experienced (1958)
Too Bent For Beckham (1998)
It was a heated quarter-final match between England and Argentina, and all stakes were running as high as the players’ adrenaline. Diego Simeone fouled David Beckham, but as Beckham lay on the ground waiting for the referee to approach a very apologetic Simeone, Beckham flicked a vengeful kick into Simeone’s calf – a couple of feet from the referee. A red card was quickly produced which led the English team to a loss of a player and eventually the game when they lost 4-3 in a penalty shootout.
Too Bent For Beckham (1998)
Germany’s Comeback (2014)
On 8 July, 2014, Germany regained their honor over Brazil after their 2-0 loss in 2002. Brazil looked like a team of scrambled ants as they chased after the Germans without success, leading them to a 7-1 loss. The game itself had many records broken, most of which were originally held by Brazilians. The most significant perhaps, was Miroslav Klose scoring his 16th World Cup career goal, overtaking Ronaldo’s record as the highest scorer of all time.
Germanys Comeback (2014)
Violent Tongues (1966)
It was a quarterfinal that would be remembered for the wrong spectacle when the Argentine captain, Antonio Rattin, received a red card from German referee, Rudolf Kreitlein, in the 35th minute. Rattin attempted to protest his dismissal by asking for an interpreter as he walked off the pitch, but he had no success. The misunderstanding riled up both teams as well as the referee. After the game, Kreitlein said that he pulled the red card because of Rattin’s “violent tongue” and later added that he didn’t like the look on Rattin’s face.
Violent Tongues (1966)
Dishonored (2002)
It had been four years since France celebrated their 3-0 victory over Brazil on French soil. They came to the Korea/Japan World Cup with expectations high and their heads even higher. When Senegal, a small African nation who had qualified for their first time ever, met them in their opening game, they were in for a surprise that would splash cold water over their faces. Senegal beat them 1-0 and eventually made it to the quarterfinals, whereas France were kicked out of the first round.
Dishonored (2002)
Brazil Take Their Third (1970)
It was Mexico City in 1970. There were more than 100,000 spectators watching as Brazil hammered Italy in the World Cup final. The final score would be 4-1 and the record would be broken of winning three World Cup titles. Italy and Germany would both follow suit, but not without Brazil taking 4 and then 5 wins.
Brazil Take Their Third (1970)
Dive For The Cameras (1990)
What would only be recorded as the worst FIFA World Cup final, was the dry 1-0 win over Argentina by Germany. The game was sent downhill when Jürgen Klinsmann dived in the penalty box with finesse and precision, winning the German side a penalty that would win them the game. The dive also caused Argentine defender Pedro Monzon to be sent off with a red card, becoming the first player to receive a red in the final.
Dive For The Cameras (1990)
Thuggish Football (2010)
Soccer is supposed to bring people together, but how close is too close? Perhaps Nigel de Jong of Holland took it too far when during the FIFA World Cup final in 2010 in South Africa, he forcefully thrust his boot, studs up, into Xabi Alonso’s chest. That wasn’t the only violent attack the Dutch imposed on the Spaniards, throughout the game these attacks occurred. The referee, however, was rather lax, only dishing out yellow cards. Spain won the game 1-0.
Thuggish Football (2010)
His Own Rules (1974)
It was only a group game when Brazil met Zaire in West Germany. A free kick was awarded to the Brazilians just outside of the box, and the wall was lining up. It took the ref a few moments to straighten out Zaire’s wall before the kick was taken. Only it wasn’t Brazil who took the kick, a Zairian ran forward and booted the ball out. The commentator said, “That was completely unnecessary.” He received a yellow card.
His Own Rules (1974)
Three Yellows (2006)
There were few moments that have produced complete embarrassment during the FIFA World Cup. In 2016, in Germany during the game between Australia and Croatia, English referee Graham Poll, handed out 3 yellow cards to Croatia’s Josip Simunic. The referee’s blunder would cause him to be mocked for years to come and even caused him to retire from his career.
Three Yellows (2006)
Red For Independence Day (1994)
The FIFA World Cup was in America, and the day was Independence Day. The only thing that wasn’t in the Americans’ favor was Brazil’s Leonardo. Leonardo claimed that the elbow he threw into the face of Tab Ramos was completely accidental, but no-one really buys that. The injury was so severe that it fractured Ramos’ skull. In turn, Leonardo was suspended for the next Brazil game and worried that the ban would carry for the rest of the 1994 World Cup.
Red For Independence Day (1994)
11 Blondes (1998)
It was a great surprise and shock to football fans when Romania beat England 2-1 in the group stage of the 1998 World Cup. But what really shocked fans was when the entire Romanian team dyed their hair yellow! Can you imagine the amount of blonde jokes that were thrown around after that?
11 Blondes (1998)
Wink Of Death (2006)
Despite the fact that Wayne Rooney and Chirstiano Ronaldo were teammates for Manchester United, the FIFA World Cup sets up new loyalties. After Rooney received a red card for stomping on Ricardo Carvalho, Ronaldo wickedly winked towards the Portuguese bench. This move sparked a series of controversial theories about what actually happened. Later on, Rooney admitted that he was not upset by his club teammate.
Wink Of Death (2006)
Police Step In (1962)
Before the invention of red and yellow cards, there were police officers. Well, kind of. During the most violent game of the 1962 World Cup, police had to step in and quell the violence. Both Chile and Italy were not giving up without a fight, even though Chile won the game 2-0 in the end. Ken Aston, the referee of the game, later invented the red and yellow cards system.
Police Step In (1962)
Lehmann’s Secret Notes (2006)
One of the most bizarre FIFA World Cup moments occurred when German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann stood between the goal posts during a penalty shootout with Argentina. Lehmann took a note out of his sock and read it before saving incredible shots by the Argentine penalty takers. Later, it would come to light that the note actually told where each player usually placed his penalties. Germany won the game.
Lehmann’s Secret Notes (2006)
Saurez Bites (2014)
Love him or hate him, Uruguay’s Luis Saurez is not your usual soccer player. Playing against Italy, he took to an unusual habit of his – biting other players. He sunk his teeth into Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini’s shoulder which got him a red card. FIFA later banned him from partaking in all games for four months.
Saurez Bites (2014)
DaMarcus Beasley Waters The Pitch (2002)
Before any game, players should make sure they take care of their bodily needs. When you’re a substitute you never know when you’re going to be put on the pitch. USA’s DaMarcus Beasley didn’t want to take the risk of missing his chance to play, so he took matters into his own hands. What looked like an intricate stretching routine, actually just turned out to be him watering the field on live television. Had he forgotten that there were about 50,000 cameras there that evening?
DaMarcus Beasley Waters The Pitch (2002)
Illegal Advertising (2010)
We all know that advertising during the FIFA World Cup is expensive and well-published. So how can someone get around having to pay for it? Easy. Female Dutch supporters were sent to games, dressed in bright orange mini skirts and shirts and used “guerrilla” advertising tactics to advertise a Dutch brewery. Two of the 36 women were arrested and released on bail of £900 each.
Illegal Advertising (2010)
A Spitting Match (1990)
West Germany were battling Holland during their last-16 match in 1990. The match was suspenseful and full of aggression. Rudi Völler pondered the card he had just received when Frank Rijkaard sneakily came past and spat at his West German opponent. From that day on, Frank Rijkaard adopted the name of “the llama”.
A Spitting Match (1990)
No Hands (2014)
Coming head-to-head against Germany is no easy feat, especially when tension and egos are boiling over. Germany were leading Portugal by two goals to nil when German Thomas Müller made a production after Portugal’s Pepe touched his face during a run. When Pepe was fed up by the act, he approached the sitting Müller and head-butted him. His actions resulted in a red card.
No Hands (2014)
Ball Boy Gets Blamed (2014)
England’s goalkeeper, Joe Hart didn’t take it too well when he was dubbed by a free kick taken by Andrea Pirlo. Luckily for him the ball hit the crossbar and didn’t result in a goal, because that would have been very embarrassing. But perhaps what he did next was more humiliating. He ran behind the goal post to retrieve the ball to quickly resume play, but neither the ball nor the ball-boy were anywhere to be found. He shouted on live television, “Give me the f***** ball!”
Ball Boy Gets Blamed (2014)
Quickest Red Card (1986)
One of the easiest tasks of a soccer player is to stay on the pitch during the game. But then there was Jose Batista from Uruguay who fouled Scotland’s Gordon Strachan. He got himself a red card, sent off the field in under a minute and broke the record for the quickest red card during the FIFA World Cup.
Quickest Red Card (1986)
A Broken Nose (2014)
Ghanaian footballer, John Boye knew that the best way to defeat USA in 2014 was by using his quick feet. Only his quick feet were used a little too well, especially when they broke the nose of Clint Dempsey. Dempsey still soldiered on and despite having a hard time breathing, played until USA won 2-1.
A Broken Nose (2014)
Rivaldo Falls (2002)
Football players are notorious for diving in the penalty area in hopes of winning a penalty for their side. But 2002 saw diving being taken to a whole new extreme, and it saw repercussions that ruffled many feathers. Brazil’s Rivaldo fell to the floor holding his face after Turkey’s Ünsal kicked the ball at his thigh while Rivaldo waited to take a corner kick. The South Korean referee rushed in, raised a red card and sent the Turkish player off the field. Brazil went on to the quarterfinals and Turkey went home. later on, Rivaldo had to pay a hefty fine for playing victim, but stood by his actions saying that although he wasn’t really hit in the face, aggressive attitudes like that of Ünsal should not be left unpunished.
Rivaldo Falls (2002)