When it comes to soccer, there is no better series of matches than the ones that appear in the World Cup. It is where the best of the best play and every second is thrilling to watch.
Since the first World Cup in 1930, hundreds of games have been played that has been enjoyed across the globe. From casual soccer fans to those who follow the soccer odds, no matter who you are you have heard of the World Cup at least once.
So, we have compiled a list of the greatest World Cup matches that had us on the edge of our seats. We have listed them in chronological order and there are a variety of matches, not just the finals.
1950 Uruguay Vs Brazil
Going into this match, Brazil was confident they were going to win. They had previously beaten Sweden 7-1 and Spain 6-1 and the public was sure they were also going to sweep Uruguay. Some Brazilian newspapers even printed their victory early.
The crowd was 200,000 strong being the highest attended soccer match in history and for the first half of the match, it seemed like Brazil was going to win 1-0. However, in the last 25 minutes, Uruguay scored 2 points and won the match. Not only was this an amazing game, but it is also considered one of the greatest upsets.
1954 West Germany Vs Hungary
Hungary used to be considered a powerhouse soccer team and leading up to their match against West Germany they had won their previous 31 games. They managed to score 2 points within the first 8 minutes and it looked like it was going to be the thrashing everyone expected.
By half time West Germany had managed to score 2 points for themselves. In the last 6 minutes, West Germany scored the goal that would win them the match. This victory gave Germany a sense of pride after WW2 and the match is now known as the Miracle of Bern in Germany.
1966 England Vs West Germany
Taking place in Wembley Stadium in London, it is only fitting that this is the place where England won their first World Cup.
The final had 32.3 million views on TV, making it the most watched event on British television.
England ended up winning 4-2 against Germany but the victory wasn’t without its controversies. The third point scored by England was done by Geoff Hurst who hit the crossbar and the ball landed on the line, the referee ruled it as having gone over the line and gave the point to England.
1970 Italy Vs West Germany
This match wasn’t even the final of the 1970 World Cup but is still considered the Game of the Century. Being the semi-final of the Cup, there were high stakes over who was going to make it to the finals and with it being an even match 1-1 it seemed like the victor would be decided in extra time.
In a record amount, 5 out of the 7 goals scored during the game were done during extra time. In the end, Italy won 4-3 and went on to face Brazil in the final. We can only imagine the tension that was in the stadium during that match.
1970 Brazil Vs Italy
While the semi-final was an incredible match, the final was also amazing. This match would be the first time that Brazil and Italy would face each other in the final, and it is also the first time 2 former World Champions meet in the final.
After an exhilarating match, Brazil won 4-1. This would be Brazil’s third World Cup victory making them have the most in front of Italy and Uruguay who had 2.
This match would also be Pele’s last World Cup before retiring.
1982 Brazil Vs Italy
It’s rare that a match that takes place in the second round can change the game so much, but the 1982 game between Brazil and Italy did just that.
While it was an impressive game with Italian striker Paolo Rossi scoring a hat trick and giving Italy a victory, it is the strategies used that would be most memorable.
Brazil’s players were known for their offensive soccer style. Usually, this works in their favor but during this match, Italy was strongly on the defensive.
This strong defense is what led to Brazil only scoring 2 points which led to their defeat.
Since this loss, the strategy for a winning soccer game was changed from a generally understood attack style to a more defensive style.
Many people saw this match as a shift in not only how Brazilian players play soccer, but how other teams do as they wanted to mimic Italy’s winning strategy.
Conclusion
Soccer is the most watched sport in the world, and with matches like these, it’s easy to understand why. They are nail-biting and entertaining, everything you want out of an international tournament.
So, make sure you watch the next World Cup as you may be watching the next best soccer game in history.
