The FIFA World Cup is set to begin on Thursday and with the best players featuring in the tournament, there’s bound to be an amazing set of goals coming our way.
From Diego Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal to Argentina’s 26-pass goal, the FIFA World Cup has seen it all during the last 88 years.
As we gear up for another mega quadrennial tournament, here’s a look at top five goals scored in the FIFA World Cup.
1. ‘Hand of God’ vs England, 1986
Argentina’s captain Diego Maradona scored one of the most controversial goals in the history of football during the 1986 World Cup quarter-finals against England.
In the 51st minute of the match, Maradona intercepted a back pass from Steve Hodge and pushed the ball in the goal with his hand.
Come hug me, or the referee won’t allow it.Diego Maradona
However, four minutes later, Maradona scored one of the most mesmerising goals, when he ran with the ball from his team’s half to put it past goalkeeper Peter Shilton.
Gary Lineker pulled one back in the 81st minute, but England couldn’t find the equaliser.
When Maradona was asked how the first goal had been scored, he said:
A little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.Diego Maradona
2. Tim Cahill vs Netherlands, 2014
Australia’s Tim Cahill scored one of the best goals of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in the group match against Netherlands.
First, Ryan McGowan gave a fantastic cross to Cahill, who struck the ball with his left leg into the goal.
However, Netherlands won the match 3-2.
3. Arjen Robben vs Spain, 2014
Netherlands’ Arjen Robben easily won the sprint battle against defender Sergio Ramos to make it 5-1 against Spain in a group match in the 2014 World Cup.
Robben recorded a speed of 37 km per hour, which was the fastest recorded run by FIFA during a match.
4. Esteban Cambiasso vs Serbia, 2006
Esteban Cambiasso scored Argentina’s second goal in the 29th minute against Serbia and Montenegro after the team completed a whopping 26 passes.
Argentina went on to win the match 6-0, with Maxi Rodriguez (2), Hernan Crespo, Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi finding the back of the net.
5. Philipp Lahm vs Costa Rica, 2006
Philipp Lahm couldn’t have started the 2006 FIFA World Cup in a better way! He picked up the ball in the left wing and struck it into the top right corner against Costa Rica in the sixth minute of the tournament opener. This goal was his second international goal.
Germany went on to win the match 4-2.
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