Top 10 Greatest World cup Matches Of All-Times

FIFA world cup is just around the corner and excitement is already at its peak. Fans all over the world are anticipating the drama to be unfold at the biggest sports tournament. FIFA World Cup always bring joy and spark excitement among fans not only for the nations playing in it but also worldwide euphoria. We take a look at some of the Iconic World Cup matches over the last 50 years which helped make what World Cup is today.

Most Iconic FIFA World Cup Matches of all times

Greatest Worldcup Matches

#10. Ghana 1-1 Uruguay (2010)

Uruguay faced Ghana in the quarter-final of the 2010 World Cup. Ghana was second-favorites coming into this fixture as compared to the South Americans.

Luis Suarez gained worldwide attention for the first time at this match when he gave away a penalty to Ghana after deliberately handling the ball to clear off his line for which he was dismissed with a red card.

The match became exciting as Ghana missed the penalty kick and the game went beyond Full time to a Penalty shootout. The Uruguayans ended up winning the match 4-2 in the penalty shootout.

#9. Argentina 3-2 West Germany (1986)

Defeating England with a Hand of God, everyone believed this year Football Magician will surely win the world cup glory. German’s marked him and did not allow him any space.

However, Maradona surely lived to his name as he assists the third goal for Jorge Burruchaga which was enough for Argentina to win the final.

#8. Portugal 5-3 North Korea (1966)

This 1966 match showcased the brilliance of the legendary Eusébio. Within 25 minutes of play, in the quarter-final clash at Goodison Park, Portugal was three goals down to the North Koreans. But Eusébio took the game by the scruff of the neck and reduced the lead in the 27th minute. With a penalty, on the stroke of halftime, he took the Korean’s lead down to 3-2. Nine minutes into the second half, Eusébio completed a hat trick with an excellent effort to level the score – the Portuguese were back in the game.

Eusébio’s fourth goal, another converted penalty almost 60 minutes into the game, took the Portuguese into the lead.

In the final 10 minutes, Jose Torres headed home the final and fifth goal to complete an unpredicted and remarkable comeback for the Portuguese.

#7. Uruguay 2-1 Brazil (1950)

The format back in 1950 was slightly different with the winners of the four groups going into another group stage to decide the winner.

Going into the match, Brazil only needed to draw to win the World Cup after beating Sweden and Spain 7-1, and 6-1 respectively. They were confident of victory with many of the local newspapers (the tournament was held in Brazil), printing their victory early. But Uruguay had other ideas.

In front of a record crowd of nearly 200,000 in the Estadio do Maracana, Brazil went one-nil up after a goal from Friaca just after half-time. Uruguay responded by coming from behind with two goals in the last 25 minutes from Juan Alberto Schiaffino, and Alcides Ghiggia. 

#6. Brazil 1-7 Germany (2014)

Germany vs Brazil of the 2014 World Cup is one of the greatest Worldcup matches. This fixture saw hosts Brazil get thrashed 7-1 in the Semifinal at their home ground. Germany cruised past Brazil as they were up 5-0 by half-time.

With the 7-1 result after the final whistle, This defeat was Brazil’s first competitive home defeat in 39 years. Germany Carried the momentum and went on to win the 2014 World Cup after defeating Argentina 1-0.

#5. Japan 2-3 Belgium (2018)

The 2018 World Cup was full of nail-biting matches and in the last 16 matches, Belgium vs Japan was one of them. Japan, who were the clear underdogs shocked everyone as they went 2-0 up against Belgium just after halftime.

The Belgians struggled to fight back as they were dominated by the Japanese. Japanese defender and midfielder were given no room for error to score. This game is regarded as one of the greatest football Worldcup matches ever.

After Continuous attempts, They managed to break the defense and eventually grabbed 2 goals scored by Jan Vertonghen and Marouane Fellaini. This fierce tie ended in heartbreak for Japan as Nacer Chadli scored a winner for Belgium in the 93rd minute to make it 3-2 for Belgium.

#4. France 4-3 Argentina (2018)

France faced Argentina in a round of 16 thrillers of the 2018 world cup. Both teams had high-rated superstars and an iconic encounter was predicted. France opened the scoring as Antoine Griezmann converted the penalty, But Argentina quickly leveled through Angel Di Maria bending outside the box goal. Benjamin Pavard’s marvelous strike gave France the lead again before Gabriel Mercardo equalized for Argentina

However, this match was peaked when Mbappe’s pace shattered the defense. This match introduced Kylian Mbappe’s talents to the whole world as he scored 2 goals in just 4 minutes and won the earlier penalty. The match ended 4-3 after Aguero pulled one back for Argentina in stoppage time.

#3. Brazil 2-3 Italy (1982)

Italy faced Brazil once again in a final in the final of 1982. The last final between these two teams saw the Brazilians win 4-1. But this time, Italy got its revenge as they defeated Brazil 3-2.

A hat-trick by Paolo Rossi for Italy sealed the win as Azzuri completed the Entire 1982 world cup by winning all the matches in the competition.

#2. England 4-2 West Germany (1966)

England faced West Germany in the final of the 1966 World Cup and had the chance of clinching glory on home soil. This was an amazing fixture that saw the Three Lions beat West Germany to win their first and only World Cup to date.

With a team led by legendary captain Bobby Moore, and players like Bobby Charlton. This was England’s first-ever final and they were playing in their home ground Wembley. However, The visitors took an early lead in the match.

The hosts scored the 18th min equalizer. Then scored again in the 78th min and took the lead only to botel in the end. A late equalizer from Weber took the match to extra time. In extra time, Hurst’s magic begins when the player scores again in 102 minutes to put England 3-2. All doughts were gone when Hurst scored again and made England the champions.

#1. Italy 4-3 West Germany (1970)

West Germany vs Italy was the Semifinal match of the 1970 World Cup, considered as one of the greatest Worldcup matches. This game is regarded as the ‘Game of the Century. Italy was winning the game until the 90th minute when the Germans equalized. What followed was a chain of euphoria as Five goals were scored in the extra time.

Gerd Muller scored four minutes into extra time to give West Germany a lead, but goals from Tarcisio Bergnich and Luigi Riva put Italy back in winning position. Muller scored again in the 110th minute before Gianni Rivera’s strike sealed the game as Italy won this adrenaline-pumping encounter.

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