Can you remember all the iconic moments that have happened in World Cups? Test your knowledge (and your memory) now!
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The World Cup is the biggest football event on the planet. Held every four years, it brings together the world's best teams in a competition that goes far beyond a simple sporting tournament.
This championship carries with it stories of overcoming, fierce rivalries and moments that have become eternal in fans' memories.
If you're a passionate football fan, you've probably seen or read about the best moments of the sport's biggest event. Test your knowledge:
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Created on QuizurRead on to find out more about each of the great and remarkable moments of the World Cup since its inception.
World Cup and its big matches
Since its first edition in 1930, the World Cup has been the scene of great matches and plays that have marked the history of the sport.
Each tournament brings with it expectations and dreams for millions of fans, as well as unique challenges for the participating teams. As well as revealing talent, the World Cup is also a stage for the consecration of great football stars.
The iconic moments of this event are not just the result of technique and skill, but also of a unique combination of emotion, pressure and opportunity.
Many players have gone down in history not just for their qualities, but for being in the right place at the right time. It's these details that make the World Cup such a special and eagerly awaited tournament.
The memorable scenes range from anthological goals and impossible saves to gestures of sportsmanship and unexpected attitudes that changed the course of decisive matches. These episodes transcend sport and become part of the popular imagination, becoming symbols of inspiration and debate for generations.
Each World Cup brings with it new stories, but some moments stand out more than others, either because of the impact they had on the tournament's outcome or because of the way they were constructed.
When we talk about the most iconic moments, we're talking about episodes that not only defined championships, but also altered the course of careers and sealed the fate of entire nations.
Check out our list of memorable moments:
The Most Memorable Goals
The Goal of the Century by Maradona (1986)
Minutes after the "Hand of God" episode, Maradona scored one of the most beautiful goals in World Cup history.
In a move that started in defence, he passed five English players before beating the goalkeeper and scoring.
The goal not only secured Argentina's victory, but also immortalised Maradona as one of the geniuses of world football.
Maradona's "Hand of God" (1986)
The most controversial and celebrated goal in World Cup history came in the 1986 quarter-final between Argentina and England.
Diego Maradona, one of the greatest players of all time, went up to contest the ball with English goalkeeper Peter Shilton and, using his hand, scored a goal that the referee validated. Maradona later referred to this goal as the "Hand of God".
Although the move is questionable, it has become a symbol of the footballing cunning and trickery that defines the South American style.
Van Basten's Bicycle (1988)
Although it didn't happen at a World Cup, Marco Van Basten's "bicycle in the 1988 European Championship final is often mentioned as one of the most beautiful goals in football history.
This technical move shows how extraordinary players can turn ordinary moments into something iconic. Van Basten received a difficult cross and, with an acrobatic finish, beat the Soviet goalkeeper to secure the Dutch victory.
Incredible defences
Emiliano Martínez (2022)
In the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France, Emiliano Martínez made a crucial save in the final minutes of extra time.
With the game level at 3-3, Randal Kolo Muani had a clear chance to score, but Martínez was quick to pounce, stretching out his leg and preventing the decisive goal.
This save not only kept Argentina in the game, but also gave them confidence going into the penalty shoot-out, where Martínez shone once again, helping Argentina win the title and being voted the tournament's Best Goalkeeper.
Gordon Banks against Pelé (1970)
At the 1970 World Cup, England goalkeeper Gordon Banks pulled off one of the most incredible saves in history. On a precise header from Pelé, considered indefensible, Banks managed to deflect the ball with astonishing agility.
The save was so impressive that Pelé himself congratulated Banks at the end of the game, saying it was the best save he had ever seen.
Oliver Kahn (2002)
Another standout moment in terms of saves came at the 2002 World Cup, when Oliver Kahn, the legendary German goalkeeper, made a series of impressive saves to take Germany all the way to the final. Despite being beaten by Brazil, Kahn was voted the tournament's best player, a rare feat for a goalkeeper.
Historic turns
Italy-Germany (1970)
In the semi-finals of the 1970 World Cup, the match between Italy and Germany was so epic that it was labelled the "Match of the Century".
After a 1-1 draw in normal time, the game went into extra time with a sequence of five goals, culminating in a 4-3 Italian victory.
The match is remembered for the exhaustion and dedication of both teams, as well as the leadership of Franz Beckenbauer, who continued to play despite a broken collarbone.
Germany-Brazil (2014)
One of the most traumatic moments for Brazilians, and at the same time a historic turning point for football, was Germany's 7-1 victory over Brazil in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup.
The match, which came to be known as "Mineirazo", went down in history not only because of the scoreline, but because of the overwhelming way in which Germany dominated the game, deciding the fate of the host nation in a matter of minutes.
Overcoming Moments and Individual Performance
Ronaldo Fenômeno (2002)
After a series of injuries that almost ended his career, Ronaldo returned to the 2002 World Cup with a breathtaking performance.
He scored eight goals in the tournament, including two in the final against Germany, and led Brazil to the five-time championship. This triumphant return cemented Ronaldo's place as one of the greatest strikers in history.
Messi's Consecration (2022)
In 2022, Lionel Messi finally reached the top, winning the title he had been missing: the World Cup. In a thrilling campaign, Messi led Argentina through a series of difficult games, showing his genius on the pitch and definitively establishing himself as one of the greatest players of all time.
Controversies
The Expulsion of Zidane (2006)
The 2006 final between France and Italy will always be remembered for Zidane's headbutt on Materazzi.
The impulsive act resulted in him being sent off, and France ended up losing on penalties. It was a shocking moment that ended the career of one of the greatest players in dramatic fashion.
The Bite of Suárez (2014)
Another controversial episode took place in 2014, when Uruguay's Luis Suárez bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini. The scene sparked global controversy and resulted in a severe suspension for Suárez.
The behaviour was widely condemned, but it also became one of the most remembered moments of the tournament.
Conclusion
The iconic moments of the World Cup are not just beautiful plays or surprising results. They represent the spirit of a tournament that mixes passion, rivalry and stories of overcoming.
From anthological goals to spectacular saves and unforgettable controversies, the World Cup continues to provide us with moments that transcend sport and remain etched in fans' memories forever.
