1 hour ago 1

Remembering 10 goofy, angry, glorious moments in World Cup history

For nearly a century, the world has gathered for what is recognized as the most popular sporting event in the world as national soccer teams across the globe represent their home country with millions, and even billions, of eyes watching.

From the most recent final in 2022 between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, to the infamous “Hand of God” moment, the FIFA World Cup is full of moments that are debated and replayed inside the minds of soccer fans forever.

As the June 11 opening of the 2026 World Cup approaches, with play in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, we revisit 10 moments (in no particular order) from past World Cups.

Ball controversy of 1930

Since 1970, Adidas has provided the game ball for use in the World Cup tournament. But prior to the ninth edition of the World Cup, different methods were used to decide on a game ball. In the inaugural tournament, hosted by Uruguay in 1930, both teams had to mutually agree on a ball, but the final saw a disputation that could not be resolved and resulted in the use of two different balls.

According to National News, the first half the match saw Argentina’s “Tiento,” which ended in a 2-1 lead for Argentina, but the second half featured Uruguay’s “T-Model,” and Uruguay came from behind to win the final 4-2.

‘Hand of God’

What list could be made without the most controversial goal perhaps ever scored in soccer. In the 1986 quarterfinal match between England and Argentina, 5-foot-5 Diego Maradona scored a goal with his hand as he jumped up against a much taller goalie. The referees did not call the handball to the give Argentina the lead 1-0 in what ended as a 2-1 finish and England’s elimination.

After the match when Maradona was asked about the goal he quipped it was “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.”

Materazzi headbutt

In the 2006 World Cup held in Germany, the final provided an intense ending before a penalty shootout. Tempers were flaring in extra time when Frenchman Zinedine Zidane headbutted Marco Materazzi in the chest — a moment that shocked the world.

It came after some grabbing and trash talking when Zidane told Materazzi if he wanted his jersey he could have it after the match, to which Materazzi responded by disparaging the Frenchman’s family, provoking the strike from Zidane.

For his offense, Zidane received a red card and was ejected from the final professional match of his career, creating an iconic picture as he walked by the World Cup trophy. France would go on to lose to Italy in a 5-3 shootout.

Suarez bite scandal

Luis Suarez may be best known for his biting scandals which resulted in a nine-match international suspension and a four-month ban from any football activities. The soccer star tried to play it off following the group stage match against Italy in the 2014 World Cup, calling his bite something “that happens out on the pitch that you shouldn’t make such a big deal out of.”

But with his previous bites occurring in 2010 and 2013, his words were unconvincing.

Alberto’s icing on the cake

The 1970 World Cup final was already in hand as the Brazilians did not need to do much more to emerge victorious in the final minutes up 3-1 against Italy. But Carlos Alberto still had energy as he scored what is considered by many one of the greatest team goals in the history of the sport. Its remarkable display of teamwork, being passed nine times, the play was finished up with an emphatic strike with Alberto coming out of nowhere and firing it through for the team’s fourth goal.

Years later, ESPN reports former French footballer Eric Cantona said, “I refuse to accept that Carlos Alberto’s goal in the final was any less beautiful than the poetry of the young Rimbaud.”

Messi vs. Mbappe

France's Kylian Mbappe, right, watches Argentina's Lionel Messi, left, during the World Cup final soccer match between Argentina and France at the Lusail Stadium in Lusail, Qatar, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022. | Francisco Seco

Often considered the greatest World Cup final ever played, the 2022 match featured one of the best to ever play in Messi, who held just about every achievement you can think of except a World Cup, and rising star Mbappe. The match saw both stars combine for five goals, and ultimately go to penalty kicks where Messi and Argentina spoiled Mbappe’s hat trick for the country’s third World Cup.

Baggio’s missed penalty kick

All eyes were intently watching the finish when the U.S. hosted its first World Cup in 1994. The final match at the Rose Bowl ended in a shootout following a scoreless regulation between Brazil and Italy.

Down 3-2 in the shootout, Roberto Baggio’s attempt to the tie the shootout at a 3 apiece sailed over the crossbar resulting in a fourth World Cup for Brazil as celebration began immediately.

Diego Maradona’s World Cup exit

Continuing with the first World Cup on U.S. soil, Argentine great, Maradona, saw his final international appearance as he tested positive for banned substances. The great’s abrupt expulsion in 1994 sent shockwaves as the world learned his final match would be played in Foxborough, Massachusetts. His final goal was scored in a 4-0 victory over Greece, iconic for his intense roar into the camera to celebrate.

U.S. shocks England

In a true “David and Goliath” game, the 1950 U.S. men’s team saw a roster of part-time soccer players, including a teacher, mailmen and a mill worker. Dubbed “Miracle on Grass,” the U.S. snagged a 1-0 victory over powerhouse England, a shocker few even thought possible.

Despite the team’s historic win, two losses to Chile and Spain prevented them from reaching the knockout round, per History.

Pele’s header

One of the tournament’s most memorable players connected on one of his most memorable goals against Italy in the 1970 World Cup final. With a marvelous show of athleticism the 5-foot-8 legend towered over the Italian defender to head the ball into the net, putting Brazil up 1-0 in a match the green and yellow team ran away with, 4-1.

Read Entire Article