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Home / Sport / Football / Football World Cup

GOOOAAALLLLLL! The 10 greatest World Cup final goals of all time

By Rhonwyn Newson
Herald online·
14 Jul, 2014 05:50 AM4 mins to read

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Zinedine Zidane of France during the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Final between Italy and France. Photo / Getty Images

Zinedine Zidane of France during the FIFA World Cup Germany 2006 Final between Italy and France. Photo / Getty Images

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So Germany beat Argentina with a goal by Mario Gotze in the 113th minute of the game. As goals go, it was pretty good. Gotze controlled a cross with his chest and, in one fluid motion, volleyed the ball past goalkeeper Sergio Romero and inside the far post from five metres out.

Read more:

• Football: Germany wins World Cup with late goal
• Michael Burgess: Germans ride their luck to claim World Cup
• Coen Lammers: Football fiesta ends with fantastic final

A few days ago, the Bleacher Report ranked the Top 10 World Cup Final goals of all time.

10. Zinedine Zidane (France), 2006

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Just seven minutes into what was going to be his last-ever game of football, Zinedine Zidane produced this kick to beat Gianluigi Buffon and give France the lead in Berlin. A deft little chip from the penalty spot that hit the crossbar and landed back across the goalline.

Marco Materazzi scored Italy's equaliser 12 minutes later, Zidane was red-carded for headbutting Materazzi in extra time and Italy ended up winning in a penalty shootout.

9. Marco Tardelli (Italy), 1982

This goal is more famous for the wild celebration that followed. Italy midfielder Marco Tardelli powerfully scored this goal against West Germany in Madrid in 1982. It put his side 2-0 up with 20 minutes to play. Italy ended up winning the match 3-1 to claim a third World Cup title.

8. Helmut Rahn (West Germany), 1954

Wild celebrations followed this strike from Helmut Rahn, as West Germany completed their comeback from 2-0 down against the hugely fancied Hungary to lead 3-2 with six minutes remaining. The match became known as "The Miracle of Bern," where Rahn scored his second of the match as he cut inside and fired a left-footed effort into the bottom corner.

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7. Ronaldo, 2nd Goal (Brazil), 2002

At the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea, Brazil's Ronaldo had fought back from injury to prove his doubters wrong. He dragged his team to the final against Germany in Yokohama. During this match, he scored two second-half goals to clinch his country's fifth title, with the second coming via this slick finish following a strong run from midfielder Kleberson and dummy from Rivaldo.

6. Mario Kempes (Argentina), 1978

Mario Kempes, the Argentina forward, had given his side the lead in the first half against the Netherlands in Buenos Aires, but a late equaliser had forced the match to extra time. Here Kempes scored a crucial strike to put the hosts back ahead.

5. Emmanuel Petit (France), 1998

Emmanuel Petit can be seen defending in his own penalty area as Brazil prepare to take a corner in the closing stages of the 1998 final, only for the midfielder to spring forward and get on the end of a stunning move to put the French 3-0 up. Christophe Dugarry and Patrick Vieira both play crucial roles in the goal, but Petit's calm finish proves pivotal to give France the win.

4. Jorge Burruchaga (Argentina), 1986

With just six minutes remaining in a thrilling 1986 final, Diego Maradona got the ball and was surrounded by West German players. He controlled expertly and picked out a pass to Jorge Burruchaga, who ran on and calmly finished beyond Harald Schumacher, who was to be on the end of his second consecutive World Cup final defeat.

Discover more

Opinion

Jorge Knijnik and Ramon Spaaij: Question of Cup's legacy remains

14 Jul 05:30 PM
Opinion

Michael Burgess: Germany's victory saves the blushes of broken Brazilians

14 Jul 05:00 PM

3. Gerson (Brazil), 1970

Gerson's great strike to put Brazil 2-1 up against Italy in Mexico. It came at a crucial time, with the Brazilians still level at 1-1 midway through the second half.

2. Pele, 1st Goal (Brazil), 1958

This goal is by Pele in the final against hosts Sweden in Solna in 1958. The 17-year-old had scored the winner against Wales in the quarter-final and then a hat-trick in the semi-final win over France, but he outdid both goals here with a brilliant display of close control. He executed an outrageous flick over the defender and a stunning finish past goalkeeper Kalle Svensson.

1. Carlos Alberto (Brazil), 1970

We go back to the 1970 final between Brazil and Italy. The Brazilians were seemingly determined to let the ball do the work as the clock ticked down on their final success, with Jairzinho finding Pele to his right, before the forward's astute pass fell for his skipper, Carlos Alberto, to blast home his country's fourth goal of an unforgettable victory.

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