The World Cup brings together nations and fans from all corners of the world every four years. Throughout its over 90-year history, the tournament has produced countless moments that have brought people to tears – whether from joy, despair, pride, or amazement. As the greatest show on earth, the World Cup gives us memories to last a lifetime.
Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” Goal in 1986
One of the most controversial moments in not just World Cup history but football history came in the 1986 quarterfinals. Argentina was facing England in a hugely anticipated match, coming just four years after the Falklands War between the two countries. Early in the second half, with the scored tied at 0-0, Argentine legend Diego Maradona punched the ball into the net for a goal that was allowed to stand. Just minutes later, Maradona dribbled past over half the England team to score what would become known as the “Goal of the Century.” Argentina would go on to lift the trophy and Maradona’s legacy was defined in that match. The moment captured the complexity of the Argentina-England rivalry and Maradona’s morally ambiguous yet transcendent genius.
USA Beats England 1-0 in 1950
In one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history, the United States beat powerhouse England 1-0 in 1950. England had invented the modern game of football and boasted some of the world’s best players and a string of early World Cup victories. The Americans, meanwhile, were a group of semi-professionals who had to travel for weeks by boat to even get to Brazil. When Joe Gaetjens scored in the 38th minute to give the US the shock lead, the football world was never the same. It showed that magic can happen in football when heart and teamwork upset talent and reputation.
Italy Wins 1982 World Cup on Home Soil
Italy had never won the World Cup before hosting the 1982 tournament. Playing on home soil for a passionate fanbase wanting glory brought immense pressure, but also galvanizing support. In one of the most competitive World Cups ever featuring drama-filled matches like Italy’s win on penalties over Brazil with Paolo Rossi emerging as a hero, the host nation made its way to the final against West Germany. When Marco Tardelli scored to put Italy up 3-0, his ecstatic celebration scream became iconic. With a president in tears and the country in euphoria, Italy had won its first World Cup at a time when the nation needed uplifting.
Brazil’s Shocking Loss on Home Soil in 1950
In 1950, Brazil hosted the World Cup for the first time as favorites and the presumed next great football power. In the final match against Uruguay, Brazil only needed a draw to lift the trophy. After going up 1-0 early, the over 200,000 fans in Maracanã Stadium prepared to celebrate. But Uruguay shocked the football world by scoring twice in the last 15 minutes to win 2-1. The defeat became known as the “Maracanazo” – a national tragedy still discussed today. This humiliation on home soil drove Brazil to eventually become the dominant force in world football, claiming five World Cup titles to date.
Germany Demolishes Hosts Brazil 7-1 in 2014
perhaps no match defines the emotional rollercoaster of football more than Brazil’s stunning 7-1 loss to Germany in the 2014 World Cup semifinals. With talent like Neymar and playing at home, hopes were high across Brazil. But after Germany scored early on, Brazil’s World Cup campaign began unraveling in front of a worldwide audience. Germany exposed Brazil’s defense again and again, inflicting one of the most embarrassing defeats in World Cup history. It was Germany’s coming of age party. For Brazil, it was the death of a dream for a nation obsessed with this sport and tournament. The game became a cultural touchpoint of disappointment that Brazilians will likely never forget.
Landon Donovan’s Last-Second Goal for USA in 2010
For the United States, Landon Donovan has been the face of football for a generation. In what was likely his last World Cup in 2010, Donovan carried the hopes of a nation trying to assert itself on the global stage. Facing Algeria in the group stages, the US needed just a draw to advance. After 90 intense scoreless minutes and stoppage time winding down, the US earned a corner kick. The delivery found Donovan who struck the dramatic game-winner, bursting into ecstatic celebration. It was a defining moment for US soccer, solidifying Donovan’s legacy as an American legend.
German Miracle of Bern 1954
In 1954, West Germany was still recovering in spirit from the devastation of World War II. The country found hope in its national team that made a surprise run to the World Cup final against the indomitable Hungarians who had not lost in over 4 years. The Germans pulled off the impossible by beating the favorites 3-2 to lift the trophy. This “Miracle of Bern” came to embody the rebuilding of a shattered nation using football as inspiration to restore pride and optimism. It remains one of Germany’s most treasured sporting achievements.
Garrincha Leads Brazil to 1962 Glory After Pelé’s Injury
Brazil began the 1962 World Cup as favorites with one of the greatest assemblages of talent ever, led by the legendary Pelé. But in just the second match, Pelé suffered an injury that threatened to derail Brazil’s hopes. Enter Garrincha. Already renowned as one of the world’s best wingers, he would have to carry the weight of a nation. With constant attention from defenders, Garrincha led Brazil with 4 goals to its second straight World Cup. This triumph cemented Brazil as the world’s premier football power and secured Garrincha’s legacy as an all-time great able to carry Neymar and Brazil on his shoulders.
Football Comes Home for England in 1966
England hosted the 1966 World Cup aiming to win its first title in the sport it helped create. After reaching the knockout rounds, 110,000 raucous home supporters packed into Wembley Stadium for each match willing England to long-awaited glory. Led by Bobby Charlton and Bobby Moore, England delivered. The 4-2 victory over West Germany in the final with Geoff Hurst’s controversial hat trick brought nationwide euphoria. The public celebration of England’s crowning achievement echoed through the years as fans and players alike chase the nostalgia of that iconic summer when football finally came home.
Marco Tardelli’s Goal Celebration Scream in 1982 World Cup Final
The most enduring World Cup image remains Marco Tardelli’s epic goal celebration in Italy’s 1982 World Cup final victory over West Germany. With Italy up 2-0 in second half, Tardelli drove home an easy shot then turned in stunned joy toward the bench, running and fist-pumping before unleashing a cathartic scream for the ages. In one legendary moment, Tardelli encapsulated every emotion tied to the human drama of football – the tension, the triumph, the exhilaration, the patriotism. His celebration channeled the passions of players and fans that make the World Cup and its moments so special.
