– Cape Town Less than one month before the 2022 World Cup, will examine the tournament’s history, its players, best matches, and biggest controversies, as well as its present and future. Herman Gibbs selects and analyzes his top five World Cup goals.
1. Diego Maradona v England (1986)
Argentina defeated England 2-1 in the quarterfinals of the 1986 World Cup. Both of Diego Maradona’s goals for Argentina are recorded in the annals of history. His first goal, though, is regarded as the finest World Cup goal and was selected “Goal of the Century.” That day’s dribbling by Maradona is unlikely to be repeated ever again. He got possession within his own half, dribbled past five England players, and then slipped the ball past goalkeeper Peter Shilton. His second goal, dubbed the “Hand of God” goal, remains one of the most iconic goals in World Cup history.
2. Zinedine Zidane v Italy (2006)
Rarely is a penalty kick regarded a legendary World Cup goal, but French superstar Zinedine Zidane’s penalty kick in the 2006 final remains one of the finest goals in World Cup history. In the seventh minute, his Panenka-style (slow motion) penalty shot hit the underside of the crossbar as Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon dove to his right. The ball rebounded narrowly inside the goal line after striking the crossbar. Although the championship was ultimately decided by a penalty shootout (which Italy won 5-4), Zinedine was not present because he was sent off in extra time. Zidane delivered a headbutt to Marco Materazzi, causing him to fall to the ground.
3. Siphiwe Tshabalala v Mexico (2010)
South African supporters will never forget Siphiwe Tshabalala’s goal in the opening match of the 2010 World Cup at Soccer City. It will also be remembered as one of the best goals ever scored at a World Cup. The small Tshabalala sprinted onto a crossfield kick (beyond the Mexican defense) and sent a stinging shot across the goalmouth. The shot deflected off the top corner of the goalpost and into the net for the tournament’s first goal in 2010. As he attempted to block the strike, the aerobatic Mexican goalie Oscar Perez wound up grabbing fresh air.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo v Spain (2018)
In a group match at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Portugal’s superstar Cristiano Ronaldo scored a spectacular free kick against Spain. With two minutes remaining and Spain leading 3-2, Portugal was handed a free kick (Ronaldo had scored twice earlier). His kick circumnavigated the Spanish defense wall and brushed the inside of the upright before entering the net. David de Gea, the goalkeeper for Spain, stayed immobile as he watched the ball enter the goal. The goal allowed Ronaldo to score a remarkable hat-trick in the World Cup and force a draw against Spain.
5. Pele v Sweden (1958)
Pele, a 17-year-old Brazilian striker, first wowed the world with his extraordinary abilities at the 1958 World Cup. Pele added two more goals to his tournament total after scoring four goals prior to Brazil’s match versus Sweden in the championship game. However, his first goal was one of the greatest in World Cup history. The ball landed on his chest after being kicked into the goalmouth of Sweden. Pele flicked the ball over the head of an approaching defender as it was about to bounce. Then, he sprinted around the defender and volleyed the ball to give Brazil a 3-1 advantage.
@Herman Gibbs