The 2022 Qatar World Cup has so far been one of the most exciting to date. Although getting off to a slow start with a number of 0-0 draws in the early games, what followed was one of the most exciting group stages in World Cup history. Saudi Arabia provided one of the biggest shocks of the tournament when they defeated Lionel Messi’s Argentina team 2-1.
The Middle-Eastern minnows were priced at around +100000 in the World Cup odds to win the tournament, whilst Argentina was one of the favourites at around +400. Although The Green Falcons would exit the tournament in the group stages, losing their final two games, it is the most historic result in the nation’s footballing history.
There has also been a big upset in the knockout rounds after Morocco’s win on penalties over giants Spain. The former World Champions peppered Morroco’s defence for 120 minutes but could not find a way past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. They would go on to miss all three of their penalties in the shootout, bowing out of the competition in the round of 16.
The World Cup has birthed plenty of iconic moments in its long and storied life. So let’s take a look at the most iconic moments in World Cup history.
Roger Milla Dances His Way into the History Books – Italia ’90
At the age of 38, former Cameroonian striker Roger Milla came out of retirement in 1990 to turn out for his national team once again. He emerged as one of the tournament’s major stars, scoring four goals in Cameroon’s run to the quarter-finals, in turn becoming the oldest-ever scorer in World Cup history.
What he is perhaps most famous for in this tournament, however, is his celebration after each goal. Milla took to the corner flag to perform a dance each time he netted for Cameroon. It is widely recognized as the moment that bought flair to the goal celebrations that we see today all over the world.
Zidane Disgrace in His Final Ever Game – Germany ’06
Zinedine Zidane is still remembered today as one of the greatest players of all time. The former Real Madrid, Juventus, and France midfielder oozed class on the field, making every turn, chop, and 40-yard pass look so effortless. In 2006, Zizou announced that he would retire following the end of the World Cup. However, 34-year-old Zidane was still one of the best players at the tournament and led Les Bleus to the World Cup Final.
The stage was set for him to finish his career holding the most prized trophy in football history, and things started brilliantly after he scored a Panenka penalty in the final against Italy to put his team 1-0 up. Italy equalized, however, and with the scores level, they headed into extra time. It was in the 110th minute that Zidane would infamously headbutt Italian centre-back Marco Materazzi in the chest, earning himself a red card. Whilst the details around what led to the incident remain hazy some 16 years later, the image of Zidane walking past the world cup trophy and down the tunnel with his head hanging low is one of the most iconic in tournament history.
Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ – Mexico ’86
Argentina, and specifically Maradona, lit up the tournament in 1986, but his performance has always come with an asterisk after this incident against England in the Quarter-Finals. A poor interception flung the ball in the air back towards England keeper Peter Shilton with Maradona in a chase. It was here that the 5-foot-4 Argentinian forward outjumped the 6-foot-1 Shilton to punch the ball into the back of the net. English players protested immediately, but the ref had not seen Maradona use his hand, allowing the goal to stand.
The goal’s name derives from Maradona’s initial response on whether he scored it illegally, stating it was made with “a little with the head of Maradona, and a little with the hand of God.” La Albiceleste would go on to win the game and, subsequently, the entire tournament, beating West Germany 3-2 in the final.
Pele Announces Himself on the World Stage – Sweden ’58
No World Cup list would be complete without Brazilian icon Pele. In 1958, a 17-year-old Pele would stamp his authority over the moniker of ‘best in the world’ for what would last for nearly two decades. After becoming the youngest-ever goalscorer at the tournament with his goal over Wales, he would then go on to net a hat trick in the Semi-final against France and a brace in the final against Sweden.
His performance in this tournament began his legacy in football, one that is still remembered today. It was Brazil’s first World Cup win and the first of Pele’s three World Cup winner medals. Arguably the greatest player in the history of the sport, this was just one of his many iconic moments at the World Cup.
