World Cup Moments

Recently there have been a lot of programs on television with the countdowns of the best World Cup moments, most memorable, most shocking, and so on. It's some entertaining stuff mostly, but it's inspired me to try and make my own list. I limited it to just the top ten, decided by me entirely arbitrarily.

To allow me to include whatever I like, I'm dubbing it the 'Ten Most Iconic World Cup Moments'. Some surprise picks make it into this list. Look out for them.

10. 1970, England 0 - 1 Brazil
We typically hear of the great moments of strikers, the great goals, fabulous moments of skill. This one is dedicated to the goalkeepers, and it again does it justice that everyone knows what you mean by saying 'Banks saves from Pele'. (watch)

9. 1950, Uruguay 2 - 1 Brazil
It was the only World Cup without a final - instead a final group would decide the champions. As it turned out, the final game would decide the tournament. Hosts and favourites Brazil only needed a draw to win the title for the first time. But Uruguay won, and claimed their second title at the Maracana in Brazil, leaving the hosts in shock.

8. 2006, France 1 - 1 Italy (aet)
A moment of madness and shocking disbelief. Zinedine Zidane, one of the best players in the world over the preceding decade, headbutts Marco Materazzi in extra time and is sent off. France lose the penalty shoot-out. Not only is it a shockingly rare incident, but it was Zidane's last professional game. The moment as he walks off the pitch past the trophy is particularly memorable. (watch)

7. 1954, Hungary 8 - 3 West Germany
The birth of cynicism. West Germany play a weakened team against the best team in the world, Hungary. They are happy to lose and contest a play-off to get to the quarter-finals with an easier route to the final. Not only that, but the Hungarian's best player (and arguably one of the best ever), Ferenc Puskas, was deliberately injured, only returned for the final and was a shadow of his majestic self. West Germany beat Hungary in the final to complete the victory of tactical gamesmanship.

6. 1966, England 4 - 2 West Germany (aet)
As much as England do go on about it, the fourth goal itself is a rare moment in finals when it was right on balance, a pivotal moment at the end instead of the game being played out. A minute to go, England ahead by a controversial goal. And then the ball comes to Hurst. The immortal commentary by Kenneth Wolstenholme sums it up better than anything else ever could. (watch)

5. 1998, Holland 2 - 1 Argentina
The last minute of normal time and Frank de Boer plays a long pass forward from defense for Dennis Bergkamp to run onto. Three peerless touches later and the ball is in the net, and Holland have won. An outstanding moment of perfect control under immense pressure at a crucial moment. (watch)

4. 1986, Argentina 2 - 1 England
The Hand of God. It doesn't need more of a description than that. Argentina won the 1986 tournament due to the genius of their inspirational captain Maradona - but also due to his cheating. Sometimes decisions can be debated. This one cannot. (watch)

3. 1978, Algeria 2 - 1 West Germany
A surprising pick, especially this high up. But this result was iconic. An unknown team from Africa beat the great West Germany, the world champions. For the entire game that ranks higher than a moment of brilliance.

2. 1986, Argentina 2 - 1 England
Beauty and the beast it has been described as. We have seen the beast already. This is the beauty. A sublime goal, arguably one of the best scored in a World Cup. But to be done against the backdrop of the first goal makes this an utterly iconic moment. The twisted genius Maradona struck again. (watch)

1. 1970, Brazil 4 - 1 Italy
It had to be. The fourth goal. Carlos Alberto's goal. Brazil's goal. It's a wonderful goal and moment - everything about it is sublime. The icing on the cake to the ultimate final. (watch)

However, I'm sure anyone who cares may disagree. I don't have anyone who cares reading this, but if you have any thoughts, let me know any I missed out that I should definitely have left in!