Best World Cup finals of all time
The FIFA World Cup final is the biggest sporting spectacle in the world, no other single match is watched as much throughout the globe. The World Cup finals have witnessed some dramatic moments over the years like Iniesta's extra-time goal against Netherlands and the infamous head-butt by Zidane in 2006. Here are 5 most dramatic matches in this event's history.
Hosts bite the dust
Brazil were hot favorites to win the 1950 World Cup which was also hosted by them. The final saw them facing fellow South Americans Uruguay at the famous Maracana Stadium. The hosts had scored 13 goals in their last two games and were leading by a goal when the Uruguayan side bounced back with 2 goals from Ghiggia.
Hurst's hat-trick creates history
The 1966 World Cup finals saw hosts England take on West Germany at the Wembley Stadium. Germany's Helmut Haller scored the opener which Hurst equalized. The score went to 2-2 as the match proceeded to extra time. England wanted to create history on their own soil which they did courtesy of Hurst's 2 goals, which saw them emerge victorious. The final score read 4-2.
El Diego!
1986 World Cup has one name written all over it- Maradona. The Argentine captain grabbed headlines by scoring the 'Hand-of-God' and the best goal of the 20th century in the semi-final. In the final, 17 minutes were remaining and Argentina were 2-0 up, but Germany scored twice to level terms. But a pass from Maradona, converted by Burruchaga, was enough to seal the deal.
Cruyff misses out on history
With Total Football and Johann Cruyff both at their absolute peak, Netherlands were the favorites to win the 1974 edition of the tournament. With their spectacular performances throughout the tournament, Netherlands reached the final and were leading as Neeskens converted a penalty. Germany equalized from a spot-kick and Muller headed in another one and in the end, Cruyff and his men fell short.
The Miracle of Bern
Ferenc Puskas and Hungary were unbeaten in 4 years when they entered the 1954 World Cup. In the final, they were 2-0 up in 10 minutes against Germany, whom they had defeated 8-3 in their last encounter. When Hungary looked all set to win, the Germans staged a miraculous comeback and left the greatest national team of all time without a World Cup win.
