Throughout the years, the FIFA World Cup has provided us with countless unforgettable moments that have left fans in awe. From iconic goals to shocking upsets, these moments have shaped the history of the beautiful game. In this article, we will take a look at some of the greatest moments in FIFA World Cup history.
Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” (1986)
One of the most controversial moments in World Cup history occurred during the 1986 quarter-final match between Argentina and England. Argentine legend Diego Maradona scored a goal using his hand, which was later dubbed the “Hand of God.” Despite the controversy, Maradona’s incredible skill and his subsequent “Goal of the Century” in the same match solidified his place as one of the greatest players of all time.
Zinedine Zidane’s Headbutt (2006)
In the 2006 World Cup final between France and Italy, French captain Zinedine Zidane shocked the world by headbutting Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the chest. The incident led to Zidane’s red card and subsequent retirement from professional football. Despite the unfortunate end to his career, Zidane remains one of the most celebrated players in football history.
Luis Suarez’s Handball (2010)
During the 2010 World Cup quarter-final match between Uruguay and Ghana, Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez deliberately used his hand to block a goal-bound shot from Ghanaian striker Dominic Adiyiah. Suarez was sent off, but Ghana missed the resulting penalty, and Uruguay went on to win the match in a penalty shootout. The incident remains one of the most controversial in World Cup history.
Leicester City’s Premier League Triumph (2016)
Although not a World Cup moment, Leicester City’s improbable Premier League title win in the 2015-16 season deserves a mention as one of the greatest moments in football history. Defying odds of 5,000-1, the Foxes’ remarkable run captivated fans around the world and demonstrated the unpredictability and excitement of the beautiful game.
Barcelona’s 6-1 Comeback Against PSG (2017)
Another unforgettable moment in football history took place during the 2016-17 UEFA Champions League round of 16 when Barcelona completed a stunning 6-1 comeback against Paris Saint-Germain. Trailing 4-0 from the first leg, Barcelona scored three goals in the final seven minutes of the match to secure a 6-5 aggregate victory and a place in the quarter-finals. This incredible feat is considered one of the greatest comebacks in football history.
