10 Best World Cup Performances in Football History
Kylian Mbappe vs. Argentina in 2022
Kylian Mbappe delivered an extraordinary performance against Argentina in the 2022 World Cup Final, single-handedly bringing France back into a game that appeared lost by scoring a hat-trick. Though France ultimately lost the final on penalties, Mbappe stepped up, becoming only the second player in history to score three goals in a World Cup final.
Paolo Rossi vs. Brazil in 1982
One of the greatest individual performances by a player in the FIFA World Cup, Paolo Rossi stood up in the 1982 second-round match against the heavily favored Brazil, scoring a sensational hat-trick that eliminated the South American giants. Rossi's display powered the Azzurri into the semi-finals, as they later went on to win the WC.
Johan Cruyff vs. Sweden in 1974
While the match between Netherlands and Sweden at the 1974 World Cup might have ended in a 0-0 draw, it is well remembered Johan Cruyff's iconic move, the 'Cruyff Turn'. With a defender on his back, Cruyff faked a pass by moving his foot, before dragging the ball behind his leg and spinning, to create a magical moment on the pitch.
Eusebio vs North Korea in 1966
An incredible solo display from Portuguese legend Eusebio during the 1966 World Cup quarter-final between Portugal and North Korea, is fondly remembered. Eusebio single-handedly scored four goals—two from open play and two from penalties in just $32$ minutes, to help Portugal come back from a 3-0 deficit to secure a 5-3 victory.
Geoff Hurst vs. West Germany in 1966
England legend Geoff Hurst was the first player to score a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup final, as he led the Three Lions to its only-ever World Cup title in 1996. His three goals against West Germany in the final included a first-half header, the controversial second goal, and a final left-footed thunderbolt at the last minute, to seal the 4-2 win.
Zinedine Zidane vs. Brazil in 2006
Pele vs. Sweden in 1958
In the 1958 World Cup Final, a 17-year-old Pele became the youngest player to ever win the tournament, scoring a brace as Brazil defeated host nation Sweden 5-2 for their first title. His first goal was an exceptional strike, a volley past the goalkeeper, combined with his second, a powerful header, that sealed the historic victory.
Franz Beckenbauer vs. Italy in 1970
Cementing his stature as the 'Kaiser' of German football, Franz Beckenbauer's performance in the 1970 World Cup semi-final against Italy, famously dubbed the 'Game of the Century', is an iconic display of courage. He played for almost an hour with his arm strapped to his body in a sling, after having dislocated his shoulder in the 70th minute.
Ronaldo vs. Germany in 2002
In the 2002 FIFA World Cup Final against Germany, Ronaldo Nazario scored both goals in a 2-0 victory for Brazil, securing its record fifth title. Both of his goals came against German goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, who had only conceded one goal all tournament, as the Brazilian icon sealed the win and also won the Golden Boot as the top scorer.
Diego Maradona vs. England in 1986
Argentine legend Diego Maradona scored two of the most famous goals in football history, leading Argentina to a 2-1 victory over England in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup. The first one was the infamous 'Hand of God' goal, followed by the 'Goal of the Century', where Maradona dribbled past five defenders to slot the ball into the net.
