Fans often debate which soccer games truly stand out as legendary due to a single decisive play. Soccer has billions of followers globally, and every country takes pride in its club or national team’s achievements.
Here’s a list of legendary soccer games where a single play determined the outcome, focusing on international matches and major leagues.
Soccer is a national sport in many countries worldwide, and while big games dominate the spotlight, even local lower-tier derbies can create unforgettable moments shaped by one critical play.
6 Legendary Soccer Games That Were Decided by a Single Play
Some soccer matches are defined by one key moment that changes everything. Here are six legendary games where a single play made history.:
- West Germany vs. Hungary: The Miracle of Berne – 1954 World Cup Final: West Germany overcame Hungary’s unbeatable streak to win 3-2, a stunning upset in soccer history.
- Argentina vs. England: The Hand of God – 1986 World Cup Quarter-final: Maradona’s infamous handball and brilliant solo goal led Argentina to a 2-1 victory over England.
- France vs. Portugal: Zidane’s Brilliance in Euro 2000 Semi-final: Zidane’s golden penalty in extra time secured France’s spot in the Euro 2000 final.
- Manchester City vs. QPR: Aguero’s Iconic Moment – Premier League 2011-12: Aguero’s stoppage-time goal gave Manchester City their first Premier League title since 1968.
- West Germany vs. France: 1982 World Cup Semi-final: A dramatic match with a controversial foul and penalty shootout that sent West Germany to the final.
- Brazil vs. Germany: 7-1 Defeat – 2014 World Cup Semi-final: Germany’s crushing 7-1 win over Brazil shocked the world, marking one of the biggest defeats in World Cup history.
West Germany vs. Hungary: The Miracle of Berne – 1954 World Cup Final
In 1954, the World Cup Final between West Germany and Hungary became known as ‘The Miracle of Berne,’ marking one of soccer’s most shocking upsets. West Germany entered the match as clear underdogs.
Hungary’s national team, undefeated since 1950, had 34 wins and six draws. They had crushed England 6-3 in 1953 and had players like Ferenc Puskas, Sandor Kocsis, Zoltan Czibor, and Nandor Hidegkuti.
West Germany, led by Helmut Rahn, had mostly working-class players and no professional league. Hungary dominated early, with Puskas and Czibor scoring twice in the first eight minutes, repeating their group stage 8-3 win.
The Hand of God!
After a goalless first half, Maradona changed the course of soccer history. Just after the break, he scored one of the most controversial goals in a major match, known as “The Hand of God.”
Maradona’s handball, disguised as a header, slipped past goalkeeper Peter Shilton. The referee, Ali Bin Nasser, didn’t catch it, causing uproar worldwide. Minutes later, Maradona scored “The Goal of the Century,” dribbling past six English defenders and easily finishing the play.
Even though Gary Lineker scored for England, Maradona’s brilliance carried Argentina to victory in a legendary game.
France vs Portugal: Zidane’s Masterclass in Euro 2000 Semi-Final
In Euro 2000, France clashed with Portugal in a tense semi-final that shaped global football. Two icons, Zinedine Zidane and Luiz Figo, battled for a spot in the final.
Portugal struck first through Nuno Gomes, but France hit back in the second half with Thierry Henry finishing a precise setup from Nicolas Anelka. What sealed this game in football history was Zidane’s defining moment.
His control of the game elevated France, reminding the world why he’s one of soccer’s greatest. Zidane coolly buried a penalty past Vitor Baia late in extra time, sending France to the final. That single moment cemented Zidane’s legacy worldwide.
Aguero’s Iconic Goal: Premier League 11-12
The 2011-12 Premier League season gave Manchester City fans one of the most unforgettable moments in soccer history. The title race between Manchester City and Manchester United came down to the final match. Both teams were tied on points, making every goal critical for the trophy.
On the last day of the season, Manchester City faced Queens Park Rangers. City was losing 2-1 as the clock ticked into stoppage time. Dzeko’s goal gave City hope, leveling the score at 2-2. But the game wasn’t over.
In the 90+4th minute, Sergio Aguero scored the goal that secured City’s first title in 44 years. That strike not only handed them the Premier League trophy but also solidified their place among soccer’s elite.
Germany-France, 1982 World Cup semi-final
West Germany struck first with a goal by Pierre Littbarski in the 17th minute. France equalized when Michel Platini scored a penalty in the 26th minute. The 1-1 tie held, pushing the game into extra time.
The Schumacher-Battiston Incident
The game’s most controversial moment occurred when Patrick Battiston was taken down by German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher, causing Battiston severe injuries. Schumacher went unpunished, sparking outrage globally.
Extra Time and the Penalty Shootout
France took the lead in extra time, but West Germany responded, tying the game 3-3. The match was decided in a penalty shootout, with West Germany winning 5-4 after two key saves by Schumacher.
Brazil vs. Germany: 2014 World Cup Semi-Final
The 2014 FIFA World Cup semi-final, Brazil against Germany, became one of the most talked-about matches worldwide. Germany’s 7-1 victory over Brazil, in Brazil, stunned the entire soccer world.
Brazil entered the match without Neymar and Thiago Silva. Neymar was injured, and Silva was suspended. Even with these absences, Brazil had the advantage of playing at home. The crowd expected a tough battle.
Germany’s Unstoppable Attack: A Six-Minute Onslaught That Crushed Brazil
Germany didn’t just win. They dominated. Thomas Müller scored first at 11 minutes. Then, in six minutes, Germany scored four more. Miroslav Klose, Sami Khedira, and Toni Kroos (2 goals) crushed Brazil’s defense. Klose’s goal made him the top scorer in World Cup history.
By halftime, it was 5-0. The Brazilian team and fans were in disbelief. Germany wasn’t finished. André Schürrle added two more goals. Oscar scored Brazil’s only goal in the 90th minute.
This was Brazil’s worst loss in World Cup history, and Brazil broke its unbeaten streak at home since 1975. Germany’s win was the largest margin in a World Cup semi-final. For Brazil, it’s a moment that still stings.
Conclusion
Legendary soccer games often come down to a single decisive play that alters the course of history. These moments become iconic, resonating with fans worldwide.
From Aguero’s last-minute goal to Maradona’s “Hand of God,” these matches remain in soccer’s global narrative.
The beauty of soccer is that it only takes one play to make a game unforgettable, whether on the World Cup’s grand stage or in a local derby.
