Five most iconic goals scored in FIFA World Cup history

One of the greatest stages in the history of football, the FIFA World Cup, has witnessed moments that have transcended the sport itself. Some incredible goals have been scored at the incredible moments that have remained in our memory and have collectively been etched. From stunning brilliance to tactically advanced goals, these moments gave goosebumps, even decades later. 

Over the last few years, the goals all have been about passing and aiming for a shot in the final third. However, some of the historic goals are not those.

Here are the Top 5 most iconic goals scored in FIFA World Cup history:

1.   Diego Maradona vs England (1986 Quarter-final)

This goal cannot be forgotten by any fan of the game. Termed the “Goal of the Century,” the moment was not just about the Argentine international making a 60-yard run that left the five English defenders stunned. The goal was poetry in motion- a testament to what can be done by a player with a ball in his feet. 

The goal started in Argentina's half and Maradona steered through the low center of gravity and acceleration that was unmatched. The player ran through Peter Beardsley and Reid. While the defenders shored up to defend, he glided past Terry Butcher and Terry Fenwick and rounded up the shot-stopper Peter Shilton, slotting the ball home. The moment became more famous after this goal came just after the controversial “Hand of God” goal. 

2. Carlos Alberto vs Italy (1970 Final)

The perfect embodiment of Brazil’s flair, pace, and creativity flowed in the game against Italy in the 1970 FIFA World Cup. And this came in the final of the tournament. The Italians were shell-shocked by the goal. The game started with Tostao, who was stationed in Brazil’s half, and the sequence involved eight different players in the build-up. The game had eight one-touch passes before it reached the Brazilian forward, Pele. 

Pele’s perfectly weighted pass was reached by Brazilian skipper Carlos Alberto, who thunderously hit the ball into the bottom corner with speed and accuracy, which felt like ripping through the net. The final score read 4-1, making their World Cup victory very special. 

3. Roberto Baggio vs Czechoslovakia (1990 Group Stage)

In a moment of pure individual brilliance, Baggio collected the ball near the halfway line and embarked on a run that would define Italy's 1990 campaign. The "Divine Ponytail" slalomed through the Czech defense with balletic grace, each touch perfectly measured, each movement deliberate yet seemingly spontaneous. After beating four defenders, he showed remarkable composure to slide the ball past the goalkeeper with a delicate finish. 

The goal announced Baggio's arrival on the world stage and showcased the sublime technical ability that would make him one of Italy's greatest-ever players. The home crowd in Rome erupted, sensing they were witnessing something special from their new hero.

4. Michael Owen vs Argentina (1998 Round of 16)

The Liverpool and Manchester United striker, one of the best youngsters of football back then, Michael Owen, and his goal against Argentina in the knockout game of the 1998 World Cup needs to be adored. The goal not only embodied changing English football philosophy but also underlined the youthful fearlessness. The player received the ball near the halfway line in Argentina's half, and his pace took out Jose Chamot while his skill took Roberto Ayala out of the equation. 

The acceleration caught Argentina's defense napping and he ran towards the shot-stopper. The pace and rising shot did not give Carlos Roa a chance. The ball found the top corner and the goal was all about budding Michael Owen. The pace, running, and clinical finishing made it remarkable. 

5. Eder vs Soviet Union (1982 Group Stage)

There are some goals in the history of the FIFA World Cup that defy physics, and Eder’s thunderbolt goal against the Soviet Union (formerly USSR) was exactly the same. Standing away 30 yards from the goal, with seemingly nothing on, the Brazilian forward unleashed a shot that changed the direction and momentum so quickly and violently that the Soviet Union shot-stopper, Riat Dasayev, could not move or, perhaps, felt moving did not change the fact that he can't save. 

The ball’s trajectory seemed to change direction twice in mid-air. The goal underlined what Brazilians are known for- flair and creativity. It is known as “atomic kick” in Brazil- a fitting description.