Guriball crest
World Cup

Historic Games

World Cup classics revisited: matches that defined generations, from the 1930s to modern day.

Historic games

World Cup classics
Maradona rises next to goalkeeper Peter Shilton and punches the ball into the net for the Hand of God at the Estadio Azteca, 1986World Cup

The Hand of God and the Goal of the Century: Argentina 2–1 England, 1986

In four minutes at the Estadio Azteca, Maradona scored the most controversial and the most beautiful goal in World Cup history. The same match, the same man, two faces of football.

Guriball Editorial · Jun 22, 1986 · 5 min read
Paolo Rossi shoots against the Brazilian defence in the 1982 World Cup match between Italy and Brazil at Estadi de SarriàWorld Cup

The Sarrià Tragedy: Italy 3–2 Brazil in 1982

Zico, Sócrates, Falcão and the most gifted Brazilian side since 1970 only needed a draw. Across the pitch, a striker who had been written off came back to life in 45 minutes and rewrote World Cup history.

Guriball Editorial · Jul 05, 1982 · 5 min read
Johan Cruyff carries the ball between West Germany's Berti Vogts and Uli Hoeneß during the 1974 World Cup final at the Olympiastadion in MunichWorld Cup

Total Football and the fastest goal in final history: Netherlands 1–2 West Germany (1974)

16 passes, a penalty, and a Dutch goal before West Germany had even touched the ball. And still Cruyff went home without a title. The most ironic final in World Cup history.

Guriball Editorial · Jul 07, 1974 · 5 min read
Pelé is carried on the shoulders of the crowd at Estadio Azteca after Brazil's third World Cup title in 1970World Cup

The near-perfect final: Brazil 4–1 Italy in 1970

Pelé, Gérson, Jairzinho and a captain's goal from Carlos Alberto that is still voted the most beautiful in World Cup history. The final that sealed a third title and the Jules Rimet Trophy forever.

Guriball Editorial · Jun 21, 1970 · 5 min read
Wide interior view of Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, home of the 1970 Game of the CenturyWorld Cup

The Game of the Century: Italy 4–3 West Germany, 1970 semi-final

Five goals in 30 minutes of extra time, Beckenbauer on the pitch with a broken collarbone and a plaque still standing outside the Azteca. The 1970 semi-final is bigger than the scoreline.

Guriball Editorial · Jun 17, 1970 · 6 min read
Goalmouth action from the 1954 World Cup final between West Germany and Hungary at Wankdorf Stadium, BernWorld Cup

The Miracle of Bern: Germany 3–2 Hungary in 1954

Puskás's Hungary had not lost in four years and had thrashed Germany 8–3 earlier in the same World Cup. Then, in the rain, came the greatest upset in the history of the tournament.

Guriball Editorial · Jul 04, 1954 · 5 min read