Football is known worldwide as one of the most action-packed sports. Given its popularity, millions of fans all over the world watch football matches at any given time.
It is a highly entertaining sport with dramatic comebacks, thrilling outcomes, and some of the most unforgettable matches in its history.
Throughout the sport’s colorful history, historic matches have left their fans and enthusiasts at the edge of their seats.
Some of these matches are etched in the sport’s history as the greatest World Cup matches of all time. These matches have been celebrated not only for the score but for the stories they could tell.
In this article, you’ll learn more about the best World Cup matches and see which one is your favorite. Check them out below.
The 1970 World Cup Final with Brazil vs Italy
The World Cup finals can be some of the most adrenaline-inducing finales of any sporting event.
It generated excitement for the fans; in 1970, the World Cup finals between Brazil and Italy was considered one such event.
It is hailed as one of the most excellent World Cup matches in the world. Brazil, led by Pele, faced Italy in a showcase of skill, strength, and prowess. Brazil’s overall victory against Italy encapsulated the iconic Brazil team as a powerhouse in football.
This match will forever be remembered as one of the best, and it also includes the best team goals in World Cup history, including the iconic goal from Carlos Alberto.
The 2014 World Cup Semifinal Battle Between Germany and Brazil
You will soon notice on this list that some staple teams continue to get mentioned. One of which is Brazil. Brazil has been one of the powerhouses in football, but during the 2014 World Cup semifinals, Brazil was up against Germany.
Germany is one of the most formidable opponents the team has faced throughout its history. In this match, Germany humbled Brazil with a score of 7-1 in front of the home crowd.
It was a tough match for Brazil, especially when Germany scored five goals in the first 30 minutes of the game. The German team showed the world they should not be underestimated, while the Brazilian team never backed down from a good match.
France vs Brazil at the 1998 World Cup Final
France has never been one to make a lot of waves in the World Cup, but everyone got the surprise of their lives when the French team and the host nation showed up at the finals.
Everyone expected the match to be close, considering they were up against another powerhouse, the Brazilian team. In the end, France got the best of Brazil, with a score of 3-0 and goals from Zinedine Zidane and Emmanual Petit.
Everyone was shocked by Brazil’s lackluster showing when everyone hyped them up to the winner.
The 1998 World Cup winner ended up being France’s first win, and both French players solidified themselves as among the best players on the field.
1986 World Cup Quarterfinal Match Between Argentina and England
During this quarterfinal match, the world saw the birth of a legend. Argentina faced tough competition throughout the tournament, but it wasn’t until the quarterfinals, when they were against England, that they truly shone.
Diego Maradona brought two iconic moments to the match. The first was the Hand of God goal, where he used his hand to punch the ball to score a point. The second was touted as the Goal of the Century, where he had to traverse the entire field and best five English players to score a goal all on his own.
The Argentinian team, led by Maradona, had an impressive run and became an overnight sensation. Argentina later won the match, cementing Maradona as a hero in the world of football.
2022 World Cup Finals
The 2022 World Cup was filled with excitement following the teams that entered the tournament.
The final match between Argentina and France is still considered one of the most thrilling and entertaining ever. Argentina was a total powerhouse in the match and took an early lead, but France could fight back with the help of Kylian Mbappe.
The scores were neck and neck, and the match took extra time. It wasn’t long before it was time for a particular player named Lionel Messi to come around to lead the Argentinian team to victory in what would be his long-awaiting World Cup win.
After this match, Messi solidified himself as one of the greatest and most popular football players.
The 1970 World Cup Semi-Final | Italy vs West Germany
When you think about historic matches at the World Cup, none can be more historic and legendary than the semifinal match between Italy and West Germany at the 1970 World Cup.
Famous for its surprises, the game ended in a tie of 1-1 in regular time, but five more goals were scored with the extra time. Fans were caught off guard by how well both teams were playing with the extra time, which led to Italy winning 4-3 in one of the closest matches ever to be played in the sport’s history.
The game will always be remembered as the Game of the Century with its non-stop action and the rollercoaster ride that both viewers and fans experienced.
Conclusion
Matches like the ones mentioned above are the moments that truly define what football is all about.
The exhilarating action, the enthralling experience, the converging storylines from each team, and so much more make up the magic of the football viewing experience. It is no wonder why the sport is considered very popular: fans can be seen anywhere worldwide.