The Top Eleven Best World Cup Final Goals Ever

The World Cup is the biggest sporting event of all-time. This year, the 2022 Qatar World Cup will be played in wintertime, making it a first for the competition. It creates a lot of anticipation around the tournament and an excitement. Will we see some fantastic skills, matches, goals and champions? In this article, we take a look at the best World Cup Final goals ever from magical moments in history. Read on to know more about them.

Best World Cup Final Goals Ever: The Fairytale Story

The World Cup is the biggest sporting tournament in the world. It has the biggest following and boasts over one billion viewers of the World Cup Final. So far, there have been 21 World Cup tournaments with Qatar making that 22. From the 21 tournaments so far, only eight teams have managed to win the World Cup. The winners include:

• Brazil – five-time World Cup winners
• Italy – four-time World Cup winners
• Germany – four-time World Cup winners
• France – two-time World Cup winners
• Uruguay – two-time World Cup winners
• Argentina – two-time World Cup winners
• England – one-time World Cup winner
• Spain – one-time World Cup winners

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best World Cup Final goals ever. These are a combination of talent, history, beating the odds and much more. As we go into details of each goal, we will explain just why they are so important in World Cup history.

The Famous ‘Panenka’ Penalty from Zidane

One of the most famous World Cup final goals to have ever been scored was in the 2006 Germany World Cup final. After advancing through the knockout stages, France faced Italy in the trophy decider. The opening goal was scored by ‘Les Bleus’ captain, Zinedine Zidane.

In the sixth minute, Italian defender Marco Materazzi was deemed to have fouled Florent Malouda in the box. The Argentine referee, Horacio Elizondo pointed to the spot as Zidane placed the ball down. Perhaps to the surprise of the world, Zidane showed a calm nature to chip the ball and send goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon the wrong way. The ball actually bounced on the cross bar, over the line before spinning out. Buffon caught the ball after it had bounced upwards, but the goal was correctly given.

Perhaps the reason why this goal is one of the best World Cup final goals ever is due to the sheer bravely. Unfortunately for Zidane, Materazzi scored the equalizer to send the tie into extra time. In the 110^th minute, Zidane was sent off for headbutting Materazzi in the chest. The Italian national team went on to win their fourth World Cup on penalties, with Zidane retiring from professional football.

Marco Tardelli’s Strike against West Germany

One of the most famous World Cup final goals of all time was scored by Italian midfielder Marco Tardelli. In the 1982 Spain World Cup, Italy played against West Germany in the final. The Italian national football team took the lead in the second half courtesy of a goal from Paolo Rossi. In the 69^th minute, Marco Tardelli shock the world with an absolute scorcher.

Tardelli smashed the ball from outside the box to guide it past the German goalkeeper, Harald Schumacher. The goal put Italy 2-0 and practically sealed the win for Italy. Italy scored another goal before Paul Breitner scored a consolation goal. The final result was 3-1 to Italy.

The reason why Tardelli’s goal is so famous is due to the celebration of the goal. After scoring the peach of a goal, Tardelli charged off like a man possessed. His celebration is one of the most passionate by any player in a World Cup final.

Pelé becomes First Teenager to Score in World Cup Final

In the 1958 Sweden World Cup final, Brazil reached the final against the host nation. The most memorable goal from the World Cup final was scored by 17-year-old Pelé. He became the first ever teenager to score in a World Cup final. In fact, Pelé scored two goals as Brazil defeated Sweden 5-2 to win their first ever World Cup trophy.

The goal from Pelé was a fantastic passage of play. The teenager chested the ball down in the box, flicked it over the onrushing defender and smashed it past the goalkeeper, Kalle Svensson.

Since the goal, Pelé has remained the only teenager to ever score in a World Cup final. That is, until the 2018 Russia World Cup, where Frenchman Kylian Mbappé scored. Later on in this blog, we will be covering how that goal as well.

Germany defeat Argentina Courtesy of a Götze Winner

In the 2014 Brazil World Cup, Germany played against Argentina in the final. The German national team were favourites to win the final, having defeated the host nation 7-1 in the semifinals. The final remained goalless for 90 minutes, sending the tie to extra time.

During the second period of extra time, Germany’s Mario Götze scored having entered the pitch from the bench. The German international scored in the 113^th minute, securing the World Cup trophy for Germany.

To score the lone goal for Germany, Götze charged into the box to chest down a loose cross and guide the ball past Sergio Romero, the Argentinian goalkeeper. He scored using his weaker left foot. The goal secured a fourth World Cup success for Germany.

Carlos Alberto Scoring for Brazil against Italy

In the 1970 Mexico World Cup final, the Brazilian national football team found themselves up against Italy. The first half ended 1-1, thanks to goals from Pelé and Roberto Boninsegna for Brazil and Italy, respectively. However, in the second half, Brazil asserted their dominance by scoring three unanswered goals.

The fourth and final goal in the 4-1 win was scored by right-back Carlos Alberto. The full-back charged onto a through ball that was provided by Pelé. He smashed the ball towards goal, and it crept into the bottom corner.

Brazil won the World Cup for the third time, and it was also a landmark occasion for Pelé. The Brazilian forward won his third trophy and to this day, he is the only player to have ever won the World Cup three times. Many have tried and come close but failed. To mention a few names, Maradona and Luis Ronaldo are up there with two World Cup successes.

Kylian Mbappé Scoring against Croatia

France found themselves against the unlikely opponents of Croatia in the 2018 Russia World Cup final. The French national team went into half time with a 2-1 advantage, thanks to an own goal and an Antoine Griezmann penalty. In the second half, France scored two rapid goals through Paul Pogba and Kylian Mbappé. The Croatian national team did score after a Hugo Lloris blunder allowed Mario Mandžukić to score into an empty net.

The goal from Kylian Mbappé was scored from outside of the box. At 19-years-old, the youngster became on the second teenager to ever score in the World Cup final. His goal secured a second World Cup trophy for France.

At the 2022 Qatar World Cup, Mbappé is four years older and is currently leading the goal scoring charts. He has five goals to his name already. Many online sportsbooks in Qatar back Mbappé to win the golden boot and France to win the tournament. It is a possibility, given the fact that they are in the semifinals. In fact, it is a possibility to have a repeat of the 2018 World Cup final, with both France and Croatia in the semifinals of the tournament. We look on in anticipation at the next few games before the World Cup final.

Luis Ronaldo at the Double against Germany

In the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, the final was played between two familiar foes. Germany were playing against Brazil with Luis Ronaldo at the centre of attention. The Brazilian forward had battled his way back from injury to prove the doubters wrong and represent his country on the grandest stage.

After a goalless first half, Brazil eventually won the match 2-0 courtesy of two Ronaldo goals. The Brazilian beat Oliver Kahn on two separate occasions. The feat was impressive, given that Ronaldo beat the tournaments best goalkeeper. Brazil won the World Cup for a fifth time, whilst Ronaldo had claimed his second World Cup trophy.

Mario Kempes Scoring for Argentina

The 1978 Argentina World Cup final was played between the host nation and the Netherlands. In the match, Argentinian forward Mario Kempes was crucial for Argentina’s success. He opened the scoring in the 38^thminute of the match. However, as Argentina was heading towards a historic World Cup triumph, Dick Nanninga equalized for the Netherlands in the 82^nd minute. This sent the tie to extra time.

In the last minute of the first period of extra time, Mario Kempes found himself on the scoresheet again, hitting the back of the net in the 105^th minute. In the second period, Daniel Bertoni wrapped up the victory for Argentina by scoring in the 115^th minute, ensuring a 3-1 win. Although, despite this goal, the cute control from Mario Kempes to give Argentina the lead again was the moment that everyone will remember.

It is one of the best World Cup final goals ever, as his first touch ensured that the player could score the goal. The Netherlands finished as runners-up for the second consecutive time. They would eventually lose the 2010 South Africa World Cup final, ensuring an unfortunate and unmatched record of three World Cup finals without winning it.

Iniesta Blasts Spain to their First Ever World Cup

Highlighting the incident above, the 2010 South Africa World Cup was played between the Netherlands and Spain. After a goalless 90 minutes, the tie was sent to extra time. The feisty match had loads of chances for both teams and was an incredible battle. There were many yellow cards before an eventual red card for John Heitinga in the 109^th minute.

Only a few moments later, Andrés Iniesta scored the decisive goal in the 116^th minute. He managed to stay onside for a through ball that allowed him to control and blast the ball past Stekelenburg, the Dutch goalkeeper.

Iniesta won the first ever World Cup for Spain, who had dominated international football by winning back-to-back Euros in 2008 and 2012. For that four-year period, Spain were untouchable and deserved winners of their two Euros and World Cup trophies.

West Germany Defeat the Mighty Hungary in 1954

One of the best World Cup final goals ever was in a classic 90-minute game. In the 1954 Switzerland World Cup final, West Germany were playing against Hungary. The Hungarian national football team were 2-0 after only eight minutes, thanks to goals from Ferenc Puskás and Zoltán Czibor. Germany equalized in the 18^thminute, thanks to goals from Max Morlock and Helmut Rahn.

As the tie was heading towards the final few minutes, Rahn had the last laugh. He scored his second goal of the match in the 84^th minute. To score the goal, Rahn feinted the Hungarian defense, cut inside and fired the ball into the bottom corner. His goal was scored with his weaker left-foot. The match has since been known as ‘The Miracle of Bern’. West Germany won the World Cup in this 3-2 classic game of football.

Burruchaga Scores Late to Seal Argentinian World Cup Success

In the 1986 Mexico World Cup final, Argentina were playing against West Germany. This is one of the matches that West Germany would prefer to forget. The Germans found themselves two goals down after goals from José Luis Brown and Jorge Valdano. However, the Germans managed to equalize thanks to Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Rudi Völler.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcdfSp_2XVk

The equalizer was scored in the 82^nd minute. Unfortuantely for West Germany, only three minutes later, Jorge Burruchaga scored in the 85^th minute. The goal was set up by Diego Maradona, who had dribbled past several German defenders. He picked out the pass of the game in finding Burruchaga. The forward managed to slot the ball past Harald Schumacher. The goal meant Argentina won the World Cup for the second time. It was also the second time that Maradona won the World Cup.

The 2022 Qatar World Cup Final

As the 2022 Qatar World Cup draws to a close, we have seen a collection of fascinating games. The four final teams in the tournament are France, Argentina, Croatia and Morocco. Each of these teams have an equal chance of reaching the final.

The bookies would suggest an Argentina v France final. However, Croatia were finalists in 2018, so they could be in contention. Similarly, Morocco have defeated all of the odds to reach the semifinals. They are the first African and Arabic nation to reach the semifinals. Thus, they may shock the world and go one step further.

As we have concluded our ultimate World Cup betting guide, we would recommend you pick one of these teams to support all the way. Both France and Argentina have won the World Cup twice. The French national team are looking to defend the trophy. If they manage to do so, they will be only the third team to ever do so. In 1934 and 1938, Italy achieved this feat. This was replicated in 1958 and 1962 by Brazil.

Argentina, on the other hand, are led by Lionel Messi. He will want to make amends for missing out on the trophy in 2014. Likewise, Croatian captain Luka Modrić will also aim to guide his team to the final for a second consecutive time. If Croatia reach the final, they will want to win it this time for the first time in their history.

The semifinal matches will be played between Argentina v Croatia and Morocco v France. After the semifinals, we will have one more match to go. This will decide the winner of the tournament.

The Bottom Line

We hope that you have enjoyed reading about the best World Cup final goals ever. The games that have been played in this incredible competition have had some fantastic moments. It is the most watched sporting event in the world. In the most recent World Cup final, over one billion people tuned into the game. It appears as though that number is set to be replicated in Qatar.

The World Cup has always been the most valued prize in football. It is a dream that any child has to win the World Cup. However, as we are down to our final four competitors, we wait to see which team will take the trophy home.

Two of the teams have won the World Cup twice. Two of the teams have never won it. We could see an epic Argentina v France final for a chance to record another World Cup trophy. Alternatively, we could see Morocco v Croatia, which would be a fairytale story of two underdogs that have reached the promised land. Either way, there are thousands of betting markets to wager on for the final games of the competition. We wait to see which team will become the 2022 Qatar World Cup winner.

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