One of the most controversial moments in World Cup history is the infamous "Hand of God" goal scored by Diego Maradona in the quarterfinal match between Argentina and England in 1986. In the 51st minute of the game, Maradona punched the ball into the net with his left hand, fooling the referee into thinking it was a legitimate goal. The goal stood, and Maradona later described it as "a little bit of the hand of God." This incident remains a lasting memory of Maradona's skill, but also of the debate surrounding fair play in football.
The 2006 World Cup final between France and Italy saw a moment of madness from French captain Zinedine Zidane. In the 110th minute of the match, with the score tied at 1-1, Zidane headbutted Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the chest after an exchange of words. Zidane was shown a red card and sent off, leaving his team with only 10 players for the remaining minutes of the game. Italy went on to win the match in a penalty shootout, but Zidane's headbutt remains one of the most shocking moments in World Cup history.
During the 1966 World Cup final between England and West Germany, Geoff Hurst etched his name into World Cup history by becoming the first and only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final. With the score tied at 2-2 in extra time, Hurst scored two goals in quick succession, securing a 4-2 victory for England. Hurst's heroics on that day at Wembley Stadium cemented his place as a legend of English football, and his hat-trick remains one of the greatest achievements in World Cup history.
In the 1990 World Cup, Roger Milla, a 38-year-old Cameroonian forward, became the oldest goal scorer in World Cup history. Not only did he make history, but he also captivated the world with his famous goal celebration. After scoring a goal, Milla would perform a dance around the corner flag, bringing joy and entertainment to fans around the globe. His infectious enthusiasm and skillful displays on the pitch made him a cult hero and left a lasting impression on the history of the World Cup.
In 1954, the final of the World Cup in Bern, Switzerland, saw an upset of epic proportions. Hungary, who had dominated the tournament and were considered unbeatable, faced off against West Germany. Against all odds, West Germany won the match 3-2, coming back from being 2-0 down. The victory became known as the "Miracle of Bern" and marked the first World Cup triumph for West Germany. The match remains one of the most iconic and memorable moments in World Cup history, showing the unpredictability and magic of the beautiful game.
