The Top 5 Goals in World Cup History

The World Cup is Earth's greatest sporting event. That is not an understatement. Every four years the world's greatest soccer players and teams converge for a few glorious weeks of breathtaking athleticism. It is sport's grandest stage, so it comes as no surprise that some of the most memorable moments in sports history have come during its matches. The best players in the world know when the spotlight is brightest and as a result we have been treated to some stunning goals. There have been so many beautiful goals that ranking the top five all time is a momentous feat, but I've done my best. Some of these goals may not be as glamorous as others, but I've also taken into account their historical and real-time significance. Enjoy!

The Top 5 Goals in World Cup History

Number 5

Diego Maradona (Argentina) vs. England - June 22^nd, 1986: Quarterfinals

"The Hand of God." Diego Maradona is undoubtedly one of the best soccer players to ever step foot on the pitch. His performance in the 1986 World Cup is perhaps one of the greatest athletic displays in sports history so it's no surprise that he is on this list twice. "The Hand of God" goal isn't as technically difficult as some of the others on this list, but its cultural significance is second to none. In the 51^st minute of the quarterfinal match against England, Maradona took a cross and looked like he capitalized with a sublime header past goaltender Peter Shilton. Shilton immediately protested that the ball had hit Maradona's hand, but the referee missed it and the goal was allowed. Later, Maradona explained that it was scored a "little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God." Video and photographic evidence later surfaced that showed that it was indeed a hand ball, but by then it was too late. Maradona's "header" ultimately wasn't as spectacular as others, but its infamy necessitates its spot on this list.

Number 4

Esteban Cambiasso (Argentina) vs. Serbia - June 16^th, 2006: First Round

Cambiasso happens to be the beneficiary of some of the most dominant passing and ball control in World Cup history. The Argentineans showed how dominant they could be in 2006 with a dazzling display that left the Serbs shell shocked. After 24 absolutely perfect passes where Serbia could barely get a breath on the ball, Cambassio took a heel pass from magician Hernán Crespo and sent a laser-guided, left-footed missile into the top corner of the net. There's nary been a better display of fundamentals and dominance in any World Cup matches before or since. This goal is a perfect example of why it's hard to fathom that this Argentina team did not win the 2006 World Cup.

Number 3

Manuel Negrete (Mexico) vs. Bulgaria - June 15^th, 1986: Second Round

Yet another gem from the 1986 World Cup where it's evident the talent level was at an all time high. Just a week before Maradona's performance in the quarterfinals, Negrete made a claim for the goal of the tournament when he took a soft volley and one-touched a bicycle strike for tally. The fluidity with which he connects with the ball is unparalleled and as a result there have been few goals as technically difficult, yet equally as beautiful in World Cup play. The bicycle kick is perhaps the hardest shot in soccer and Negrete's is one for the ages.

Number 2:

Pelé (Brazil) vs. Sweden - June 29^th, 1958: Finals

Pelé is the greatest soccer player in history and he's scored thousands of goals during his legendary career. There are other goals of his that the pundits will say are better, but in 1958 he was a widely unknown 17 year-old playing on soccer's biggest stage. In dominating fashion his Brazil team captured the 1958 World Cup mainly because even at 17 he was by far and away the most talented player in the tournament. This goal set the tone for what would ultimately be one of the most storied careers in sports history. When he made the Swedish defenders look like fools, the world realized that Pelé was well on his way to super stardom.

Number 1:

Diego Maradona (Argentina) vs. England - June 22^nd, 1986: Quarterfinals

Two of the top five goals in World Cup history came from the same man in the same game. Widely known as the greatest goal scored in the history of competitive soccer, to say that Maradona's slaloming run through the England team is a thing of beauty would not do it justice. It's best to just sit back and watch the magic.

Works Cited:

"Top 50 World Cup goals" Edgar, Bill; Times Online, Accessed 03-15-10
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/international/article7059738.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1

"Maradona: I hold my hands up" Wells, Tom; The Sun; Accessed 01-29-08. http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/article745800.ece