15 epic World Cup moments to get you psyched for Brazil 2014

It’s that time again. World Cup fever is about to strike. On 12 June, the world’s eyes will turn to Brazil as it prepares to host the 20th FIFA World Cup. Preparations for the tournament have hardly been ideal, with a number of stadiums not ready, worker deaths and large groups of the population antipathetic to the tournament.

From the moment the first ball is kicked though, it’s pretty likely that football will dominate the headlines. As is the case with every World Cup since its inception 1930, the tournament will create its own mix of stars, drama and footballing skill.

In celebration of those things, we’ve collected some of the most memorable moments from the past 60 years of World Cups, starting with South Africa in 2010 and going back to the first televised World Cup, held in Switzerland in 1954.

1. Siphiwe Tshabala starts the World Cup off in style (2010)

The first ever World Cup hosted in African soil could not have kicked off in a more emphatic fashion.

2. Zinedine Zidane gives Brazil a serious footballing lesson (2006)

Zizou’s 2006 World Cup (and international career) may have ended in ignominy after he was red-carded for headbutting Italy’s Marco Materazzi in the chest, but in the quarterfinal against Brazil he was simply sublime.

3. South Korea puts Italy out of the World Cup (2002)

Right up until the 88th minute of this game, Italy was one-nil up and everything would’ve been business as usual but for a strike by Ki Hyeon Seol that forced the game into extra time. In the 117th South Korea scored a golden goal (this would be the last World Cup that used this rule), knocking Italy out and sending the co-hosts into a frenzied party atmosphere.

4. Dennis Bergkamp stuns Argentina (1998)

There is absolutely no denying the fact that Denis Bergkamp is one of the most masterful people ever to have kicked a football in anger. And while there was plenty to talk about during the ’98 World Cup (anyone remember Ronaldo’s insipid performance in the final?), this Bergkamp goal — scored in the 90th minute of the quarter final against Argentina was probably the most special of the tournament.

5. Roberto Baggio misses a penalty, hands the World Cup to Brazil (1994)

Baggio, nicknamed the “Divine Ponytail” was the cornerstone of the Italy team during the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, wearing the number 10 jersey, and led them to the final after a disappointing start. When the game, against Brazil, went to penalties it was left to Baggio to slot Italy’s fifth shot with the South Americans 3-2 up. His miss was one of the most devastating in football history.

6. Cameroon beats Argentina in style (1990)

With Diego Maradona still pretty much at the height of his powers and Argentina the defending champions, Cameroon’s chances were slim until a soaring header combined with a piece of poor goal-keeping to get Africa celebrating.

Bonus:

Roger Milla’s epic celebration:

7. Diego Maradona’s Goal of the Century (1986)

While the 1986 World Cup, held in Mexico might be best remembered for Maradona’s dubious “Hand of God” goal, it’s crowning moment was the little genius’ “Goal of the Century”, scored just four minutes later.

8. Hungary 10 — El Salvador 1 (1982)

One of the most common criticisms leveled at football is that there aren’t enough goals scored in your average match. No one could have accused that of being the case in this 1982 match between Hungary and El-Salvador. Unfortunately the welcome the South Americans received when they got home wasn’t exactly warm.

9. Scotland has a moment of glory against the Dutch (1978)

If World Cups were won on swagger alone, Scotland would probably be up there every time it qualified. In 1978, it went into the tournament full of confidence, but didn’t make it past the opening round. It did however manage a pretty impressive win against eventual finalists The Netherlands.

10. Gerd Müller bows out in style (1974)

The Netherlands’ brand of total football may have secured it a place in the final

11. Carlos Alberto puts the “greatest World Cup” to bed (1970)

Considered by many to be the greatest World Cup of all time, the 1970 tournament also featured the greatest team and player in the shape of Brazil and Pele. The crowning moment for the boys in yellow however came with this spectacular goal from Carlos Alberto against Italy.

12. They think it’s all over (1966)

Every time an England team goes to the World Cup, comparisons are inevitably drawn between it and Bobby Charlton’s glorious team of 1966. “Can they repeat that success?” the pundits wonder every time. The answer, almost every time, is a resounding no.

13. England’s Jimmy Greaves tackles a pitch-invading dog (1962)

The 1962 World Cup wasn’t all fun and games, as evidenced by the notorious ” target=”_blank”>Battle of Santiago but the pitch invasion by a dog during Brazil’s match against England is heartwarming reminder that footballers do actually have hearts.

14. World, meet Pele (1958)

In 1958 a 17 year old wunderkind stepped onto the world stage, few suspecting that his name would ring loud throughout footballing lore for years to come. That 17 year old was, of course Pele. While the young genius set the tournament alight, it’s his goal in the final — which made him the youngest scorer in a World Cup final — that cracks the nod for our list.

15. West Germany’s massive come-from-behind victory (1954)

By all logic, Hungary should’ve won the 1954 World Cup. The West Germans were the rank underdogs and the Hungarians were 2-0 up 10 minutes into the match. Suddenly though, a switch flipped and the Germans struck back, before doing so again eight minutes later and again with just six minutes left. Small wonder then that this match, in the first televised World Cup is known as the “Miracle at Bern”.

Image: Brazilian Government via Wikipedia.