8 of the Most Unforgettable World Cup Moment’s

We love the world cup here in the Man Wants office. We’re all football mad, but there’s something about international tournaments that gets us all excited.

While there will be a lot of World Cup memories created in Russia for 2018, let’s look back on some of the greatest moments from World Cups gone by.

Pele’s Potential, World Cup 1958, Sweden.

At 17 years old Pele, was not only the youngest player on the Brazilian team but the youngest to play in a World Cup Final. Arriving in Sweden with a knee injury, it was expected that Pele would not be destined to play in the final. Pele was reluctantly chosen to play in the game and scored two goals out of the five, which lead Brazil to victory.

These two goals were said to have been two of the best in the history of the World Cup and even, Swedish player Sigvard Parling later commented that “When Pelé scored the fifth goal in that Final, I have to be honest and say I felt like applauding”.

Schumacher & Battitson. World Cup 1982, Spain.

To those that know him, Patrick Battitson is a former French Footballer who was awarded a range of accolades for his footballing prowess. As a talented Defender, Battitson had played in three World Cups and contributed in France’s victory at the 1984 European Football Championship.

In 1982, during the West Germany vs France, Battitson was racing towards the goal when Goalkeeper, Harald Schumacher hurtled towards him, causing Battitson to miss the shot. At this point Schumacher jumped in the air and collided full force with Battitson, knocking Battitson to the floor.

The referee did not dish out any penalties and after just ten minutes of play, Battitson was administered oxygen and carried off on a stretcher. The incident had caused three of Patrick Battitson’s teeth to be knocked clean from his mouth. These teeth are now on display in a museum in Berlin.

‘They think it’s all over. It is now.’ World Cup 1966, England.

It’s the 1966 FIFA World Cup final and England are against West Germany. London’s Wembley Stadium is packed with 98,000 enthusiastic football fans. The game was touch and go for both teams with a level score of 2-2 at the 90 minutes. Just 8 minutes into extra-time, Geoff Hurst landed his second goal of the match.

Just moments later, a celebratory pitch invasion began with commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme claiming ‘They think it’s all over.’ At this point Hurst scored the final goal for England and Wolstenholme added ‘It is now’. Hurst certified himself as the only footballer in history to ever score a hat-trick in a World Cup final. Wolstenholme’s commentary has gone down as one of the most iconic quotes in football and popular culture.

The ‘Hand of God’ Goal. World Cup 1986, Mexico.

By the time that the 1986 World Cup came round, Diego Maradona had become one of the most-watched players in the World. Argentina were up against England in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup – being held just four years after the Falklands War, the match was wrapped in tension and rivalry.

However, this match would include two of the most iconic goals In World Cup history, both scored by Maradonna. Just six minutes into the second half, Maradonna worked his way up towards the goal, after the ball landed in the pentalty area, England’s Goalkeeper Peter Shilton, came out of goal to bat the ball back into play but Maradona jumped up and hit the ball with his left-hand, the ball went straight into the goal and Referee, Ali Bin Nasser allowed the goal, claiming that he had not seen any indication of foul play.

Just four minutes later, Maradonna embarked on a 60-yard dash across the pitch and landed another goal, bringing the score up to 2-0. This second goal is recognised as ‘The Goal of the Century’.

‘Save of the Century’ World Cup 1970, Mexico.

England were up against, what were to be the 1970 World Cup Winners, Brazil in the group stages. Brazil were on top-form, sending lots of potential goals hurtling towards England’s Goalkeeper, Gordon Banks.

During the first half of the match, Pele was pretty much guaranteed the perfect goal with a downward header towards the goal but Banks dived in with a perfect save which stopped the World in motion. This ‘Save of the Century’ has been since recognised as one of the best saves in football history.

Gazza Sheds Tears. World Cup Italy, 1990.

Despite some turbulent moments in his career, Paul Gascoine will always have a place in every English Football supporters heart. His talent, humour and down-to-earth outlook, made Gazza a footballer that the everyman could relate too. His personality on the pitch was infectious and when he picked up two, some say underserved, yellow cards in the semi-final, it was guaranteed that he would not be able to play in the final.

Gazza put his heart and soul into the rest of the match, working hard to secure England four solid goals. However,  with the final score cemented at 5-4 to Germany, Gazza wore his heart on his sleeve and shed a few tears in front of audiences. It’s was his humble attitude and modest actions that clearly showcased his true passion and heart for the game.

Rooney & Ronaldo. World Cup Germany, 2006.

At the World Cup 2006, friendships were tested when England were playing Portugal. Manchester United teammates, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo had become rivals and Ronaldo was contributing to some unexpected tensions before the game even began. During a tackle, Rooney fell and stood on a Portuguese player’s nuts.

The refree came out to intercept and at this point, Ronaldo was seen clearly gesturing for Rooney to get a red car. Low and behold and Rooney was issued a red card. Rooney so frustrated with his friend, pushed Ronaldo and Ronaldo walked off smugly before winking at another member of his team. The English nation was in uproar at the deceit of Ronaldo towards his good friend.

Roger Milla’s Rhythmic Return. World Cup Italy, 1990.

Cameroonian striker, Roger Milla was one of the first African footballers to gain international recognition. At the age of 38, he made a return to the game to represent Cameroon in the 1990 World Cup in Italy.

Throughout the 1990 World Cup, Milla scored four goals and celebrated each goal with a dance. His goal celebrations are renowned to be the first in a line of creative goal celebrations and have crept up in popular culture ever since. One of his goals became subject of that iconic 2010 World Cup Coca-Cola advert.