14 ALL-TIME GREATEST FIFA WORLD CUP MATCHES

Qatar will host the 2022 FIFA World Cup beginning on November 21. Throughout the history of the world cup, excitement and entertainment have always been associated with it. It is the World Cup that brings us some of our most memorable moments as football fans, whether it is a goal, a move, or even an entire game that you would like to relive. The competition has produced countless matches that have become some of the best and greatest matches in the history of the FIFA World Cup.

West Germany Vs Hungary (3-2)- 1954

On 4 July 1954, West Germany defeated the heavily favored Golden Team of Hungary 3–2 at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern, Switzerland. The 1954 World Cup final is often cited as one of the most memorable matches in World Cup history, as well as one of its most unexpected upsets. This was an excellent story about a World Cup underdog. Earlier in the tournament, Hungary had defeated West Germany 8-3, so everyone expected them to meet in the final. In a thrilling game, the Germans fought back to win 3-2 after Hungary went ahead 2-0 in eight minutes.

Portugal Vs North Korea (5-3)- 1966

As a result of Eusobio's individual brilliance, North Korea made it to the quarterfinals of the 1966 World Cup despite all odds. North Korea's free-flowing and fast attack appeared to be beyond the defense of Portugal. After 25 minutes of play, the favorites were three goals down. Many football fans believed there could be no comeback from this point on. However, Portugal's talisman Eusebio da Silva Ferreira had not given up. Known as the "Black Pearl," Eusebio responded to North Korea's dream start with a goal in the 27th minute. Within thirty minutes, he added three more. In one of the finest comebacks in World Cup history, Portugal scored four of the five goals - two penalties - as they defeated North Korea 5 to 3.

England Vs West Germany (4-2)-1966

In the 1966 World Cup final, England faced West Germany and had the opportunity to win the tournament on home soil. It was an extraordinary match that saw the Three Lions defeat West Germany in order to win their first and only World Cup. The team was led by legendary captain Bobby Moore and included players such as Bobby Charlton. Geoff Hurst scored two decisive goals to lead England to victory over West Germany at Wembley after the match was tied at 2-2.

Italy Vs West Germany (4-3) - 1970

One of the greatest matches of the 1970 World Cup was the match between West Germany and Italy in the semifinals. This game is considered to be one of the most important games in history. Until the 90th minute, Italy was leading the game. Five goals were scored in extra time, resulting in a chain of euphoria. Four minutes into extra time, Gerd Muller gave West Germany the lead, but Tarcisio Bergnich and Luigi Riva restored Italy's lead. Gianni Rivera's strike sealed the victory for Italy in this adrenaline-pumping match as Muller scored again in the 110th minute.

Brazil Vs Italy (4-1)- 1970

Known in Portuguese as the Clássico Mundial or in English as the World Derby, the Brazilian–Italian football rivalry is between the national football teams of Brazil and Italy. Both countries have won nine World Cups between them, making them two of the most successful football nations in the world. In the final of the 1970 World Cup, Brazil faced Italy for the first time. There were many legendary players on this Brazilian team, including Pele and Carlos Alberto. This match was considered one of the great FIFA world cup matches of all time as Brazil defeated Italy 4-1 to win the 1970 World Cup.

Italy Vs Brazil (3-2)- 1982

Throughout the years, these two teams have been involved in many exciting World Cup games, but this one was particularly memorable. Paolo Rossi scored a hat-trick and led Italy to victory over a Brazil side regarded by many as the best ever. During the 1982 World Cup final, Italy faced Brazil once again. The Brazilians won the last final between these two teams 4-1. However, Italy got revenge this time as they defeated Brazil 3-2.

West Germany Vs France (3-3) - 1982

During the 1982 FIFA World Cup, West Germany and France met in the semi-finals at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium, in Seville, Spain. Night of Seville is the name given to the match in both countries. In the end, West Germany prevailed 5–4 on penalties. It is worth mentioning that a controversial moment in this game stands out despite the fact that it was an exciting World Cup semi-final between two great teams that featured six goals and a penalty shoot-out which West Germany won by a score of 5-4. In the second half, the French forward Patrick Battiston was through on goal when he was clattered by the German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher. After being struck by a large object, the striker suffered two broken teeth, cracked ribs, and damaged vertebrae. Neither a foul nor a card was issued to Schumacher. A number of experts consider it to be one of the worst challenges in history.

Romania Vs Argentina (3-2)- 1994

Argentina was clearly the favorite to win this match in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup, and it was one of the most famous matches of all time. However, Romania scored three early goals to cause the team to suffer a shocking setback. Despite Argentina scoring two goals, including one in the 80th minute, Romania went on to win 3-2 against Argentina.

Italy Vs Germany (2-0)- 2006

The semi-final match between Italy and Germany in Berlin's Olympiastadion was the perfect example of ecstasy and despair occurring simultaneously in a football stadium. As the game approached extra time, Fabio Grosso curled in a 119th-minute winner, sparking one of the most incredible moments of commentary in football history as the Italian commentator shouted repeatedly, "gol di Grosso". The victory was sealed shortly after by Alessandro Del Piero, who scored another great goal, which placed Italy in the final, which they ultimately won.

Ghana Vs Uruguay (1-1)- 2010

At the 2010 World Cup, Uruguay faced Ghana in the quarterfinals. In terms of the odds going into this match, Ghana was the second favorite behind the South Americans. During this match, Luis Suarez gained worldwide attention when he scored a penalty by deliberately handling the ball to clear off his line, which resulted in him being dismissed with a red card. Following Ghana's missed penalty kick, the game went beyond full time to a penalty shootout. As a result of the penalty shootout, Uruguay won the match 4-2 in favor of the Uruguayans.

Spain Vs Netherlands (1-5)- 2014

The defending World Cup champions, Spain, faced the Netherlands in this group stage match. Their humiliation was brought to an end by the Netherlands' 5-1 victory over them. The match between Spain and Netherlands at the 2014 FIFA World Cup is one of the best ever. With Spain leading 1-0 following Xabi Alonso's goal via a penalty from Diego Costa, the Netherlands responded with braces from Arjen Robben and Robin van Persie, as well as Stefan de Vrij's goal. Besides the shocking result, this match will be remembered for Robin van Persie's iconic headed goal, which earned him the title of Flying Dutchman.

Germany Vs Brazil (7-1)- 2014

A very good-looking Brazil team made it to the semi-finals of the World Cup in Brazil. For thousands of adoring fans in Belo Horizonte, throughout Brazil, and around the world, seeing their team 5-0 down in half an hour was a heartbreaking experience. The Germans displayed a great deal of cruelty and ruthlessness. The German national team secured a place at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finale with an impressive 7-1 win over Brazil without Neymar. Germany took the lead in the 11th minute when Thomas Muller scored. Five goals were scored by Die Mannschaft in just 18 minutes by Miroslav Klose, Toni Kroos, and Sami Khedira. Brazilians were disorganized and hapless. The Selecao recovered by scoring a consolation goal through Oscar after two more goals by Andre Schurrle in the second half. German fans of all ages were in tears after the game, and the team seemed to be unable to comprehend what had transpired. The host team, Brazil, was thrashed 7-1 on their home ground during this match. There had not been a competitive home defeat for Brazil in 39 years.

Belgium Vs Japan (3-2)- 2018

In the last 16 matches of the 2018 World Cup, Belgium vs Japan represented one of the most nail-biting encounters. As the clear underdogs, Japan shocked everyone when they went up 2-0 against Belgium just after halftime. Japanese dominance left the Belgians unable to fight back. There is no doubt that this match holds a special place in the annals of football history. As a result of Jan Vertonghen's and Marouane Fellaini's goals, they secured two points. Belgium won this fierce match 3-2 after Nacer Chadli scored a goal in the 93rd minute to win the game.

France Vs Argentina (4-3)- 2018

A thrilling match between France and Argentina had a major impact on the 2018 world cup round of 16. It was predicted that this would be an iconic match between two teams with high-rated superstars. A penalty conversion by Antoine Griezmann got France on the board, but Angel Di Maria leveled it quickly for Argentina. Gabriel Mercardo equalized for the Argentines after Benjamin Pavard's brilliant strike gave France the lead again. The world was introduced to Kylian Mbappe's talents after he scored 2 goals in just 4 minutes and won the penalty earlier in the match. Aguero's stoppage-time goal pulled Argentina back to 4-3.

By Rashmi Goel

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