During the course of the World Cup, many famous goals were scored. Some of them were unforgettable, some of them were a disappointment, and some of them were just plain crazy. But which are the five most infamous goals in the history of the World Cup?
Diego Armando Maradona
Diego Armando Maradona was a footballer who became one of the greatest players of all time. He played in four FIFA World Cup tournaments and won the Golden Ball award as the best player in the tournament.
Maradona was a member of the Argentine team that won the 1986 World Cup. However, he was not the team’s only star. During the final, he was involved in a key assist and scored the winning goal.
One of the most recognizable moments in soccer history happened in the 1986 World Cup. Diego Maradona scored two goals in less than three minutes. His second was an example of one of the most esoteric and clever sports moves ever.
The goal was a slaloming run that cut through the English back line, leaving Terry Butcher in his wake. Maradona rounded goalkeeper Peter Shilton and slammed it into the back of the net.
Arjen Robben
Arjen Robben is a renowned goal-scorer and playmaker who played for some of the biggest clubs in the world. He has been able to win a number of trophies throughout his career, including five DFL Supercups and eight Bundesliga titles.
Robben is one of the most important players in the Netherlands national team. His goal against Uruguay in 2010 was crucial in helping the Dutch to qualify for the final. This goal is a classic example of Robben’s ability to cut inside. It also showed his amazing pace.
In 2013, he scored a game-winning goal against RB Leipzig. At the time, he had already won seven trophies in his career.
In addition to his goals, he also has several notable assists. Most of his assists came from corners or inch-perfect through balls.
Mario Mandzukic
Mandzukic made an impact on the World Cup in Russia. He was a key player in Croatia’s win over France and England and was one of the top scorers at the tournament. Despite an ankle injury, he was a consistent performer for Croatia.
In the final game of their professional career, he scored an iconic goal. Mario Mandzukic became the first player in World Cup history to score their own goal.
On the back of his own goal, Mario Mandzukic scored the winner against England. The header gave his country a 1-0 lead against their rivals. But Mandzukic also scored an overhead kick in the Champions League final, which sent Juventus to defeat Real Madrid 2-1.
During his 17-year career, Mario won 10 Serie A titles, six domestic cups, two UEFA Champions League titles, and a Euro cup. At age 35, he announced that he will retire from the sport.
Siphiwe Tshabalala
The first World Cup was played on African soil, and Siphiwe Tshabalala’s iconic goal against Mexico set the stage. A young South African attacking midfielder, he was given instant global recognition.
He became a household name, and one of the most famous players in the country. His goal against Mexico in 2010 has gone down in the record books as a great World Cup moment.
It also helped to bridge the racial divide between South Africa and Mexico. After his goal, the FNB Stadium erupted into a frenzy of celebration.
Tshabalala’s goal was the perfect curtain-raiser for the 2010 World Cup. It brought joy to many and has been immortalized in the memory of the African football community.
As the tournament reached its conclusion, Tshabalala’s goal was ranked as one of the top 100 greatest moments in World Cup history. In fact, it is also the most viewed goal in FIFA’s history.
Johan Cruyff
Johan Cruyff is one of the most famous footballers of all time. He was an outstanding playmaker and coach. Known for his innovative style of playing, he made a name for himself on the international stage.
Johan Cruyff was a player and coach who embraced a philosophy called “Total Football”. This is a system of play that demands a collective understanding of the space and movement of the ball. In order to achieve this, the team needs to constantly move the ball. The concept was based on the idea that the best counter-attacks are most effective when a team loses possession.
During the course of his career, Cruyff created more chances than any other player in the history of the game. He won the Eredivisie in his first three seasons with Ajax and also won the KNVB Cup in 1967.