From Ronaldo’s amazing skills to Argentina’s slow build-up of an eventual goal, this tournament has produced numerous memorable moments.
Zinedine Zidane’s headbutt on Marco Materazzi in extra time captured global attention and is considered one of the iconic moments that defined his legacy as a player and human.
Finale of a tournament featuring one of the most captivating players ever seen on an Olympic field!
Brazil 2014
The 20th edition of the world’s premier football tournament was anticipated to be spectacular. Brazil had yet to experience defeat on home turf and an upset victory would cement their status as global power.
Neymar was at the core of their hopes as they held out against Colombia in the quarter-final. Unfortunately, Neymar sustained spinal trauma in that match and had to withdraw from semi-final against Germany due to medical advice.
Brazilians will never forget this match, nor will anyone else. After an uneventful start, Germany seized control when Thomas Muller put them ahead in the 11th minute; Toni Kroos scored another before Sami Khedira made it four goals by halftime; Brazilian humiliation will linger long into the future.
Germany 2002
Germany struggled to qualify in their group that also included Saudi Arabia, Ireland and Cameroon – three teams known for being poor performers – which led to difficulties qualifying. Rudi Voller’s side were far from impressive at the outset of this tournament and they appeared unlikely to advance past quarter-final status.
Paraguay was defeated in the round of 16, while then in the semi-final they easily outshone Turkey, who proved far harder opponents than anyone anticipated. A win that no one had anticipated!
Germany had never before reached the World Cup final and were worthy runners-up despite not possessing as much silk and power as some of their predecessors. Much like their successor team led by Dirk Nowitzki 21 years later, this German side lacked world-class players but nonetheless displayed incredible cohesion and perseverance to reach the final.
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Mexico 1986
Once Colombia decided against hosting the 1986 World Cup due to growing violence, Mexico took over hosting duties with FIFA backing their bid – promising an eventful tournament.
Diego Maradona had an undisputed dominating presence at this tournament. The charismatic Argentine genius who had singlehandedly transformed Napoli into one of Italy’s premier league teams was at his most potency; scoring five goals including an “Hand of God” strike against England which later earned Goal of the Century honors and creating many others along his journey.
Unfavoured nations also made an impression at this tournament, such as Canada, Iraq and Denmark making their inaugural finals appearances – with Denmark standing out particularly as an inspiring team that played with energy, verve and an air of sophistication that kept many at bay until eventually they were eliminated in the last eight.
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France 2018
France’s win against Croatia in the World Cup final was an unforgettable moment that more than lived up to all expectations. This French team was unlike any that had come before it: young, diverse and confident; freed itself of its predecessor’s insecurity by acknowledging its successes without shying away from them.
Didier Deschamps was successful in selecting and tailoring his team selection and tactical adjustments during key matches. Presnel Kimpembe stood out as one of the tournament’s premier defenders while Antoine Griezmann settled into a more subservient role so Kylian Mbappe could excel. Deschamps even convinced some high-profile players–Paul Pogba and Emmanuel Adebayor–to take more of a facilitatory role for France than they do at club clubs; giving their respective clubs much-needed respite from French politics, terrorist attacks and high unemployment a much-needed respite with beautiful football.
