10 Moments That Redefined Football

When Football Stood Still: The Moments That Changed The Game Forever

This list not only captures the brightest moments in football history, but the darkest as well. Beginning with the tactical revolution of Total Football and the excitement of the Game of the Century, the list also includes moments of controversy, such as Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal and Zinedine Zidane's shocking headbutt.

USA's 1991 Women's World Cup win

Kick-starting its dominance in women's football, the United States WNT won the inaugural FIFA Women's World Cup in China in 1991, defeating Norway 2-1 in the final. This historic victory established the United States as the first women's world champion and laid the foundation for the most successful dynasty in women's football.

Leicester City's historic 2016 EPL title win

In a historic moment in the EPL, Leicester City won the title in the 2015-16 season, which is widely regarded as one of the greatest underdog stories in history. The team, managed by Claudio Ranieri and featuring stars like Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, defied pre-season odds to secure their first-ever top-flight title.

Germany's 7-1 humiliation of Brazil at 2014 World Cup

In a devastating moment for five-time world champions Brazil, the Selecao suffered a humiliating 7-1 defeat to Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-final, at home. Germany scored five goals within the first 29 minutes, ruthlessly exposing Brazil's defense and the emotional toll of playing without their injured star, Neymar Jr.

1970 World Cup 'Game of the Century'

Often referred to as the 'Game of the Century', the 1970 World Cup semi-final between Italy and West Germany in Mexico City, ended dramatically. West Germany equalized in the 90th minute to make it 1-1, forcing an extra time period where five goals were scored, a World Cup record, before Italy finally clinched a thrilling 4-3 victory.

Andres Escobar own-goal in 1994 World Cup

During a 1994 World Cup match between Colombia and the United States, defender Andres Escobar tragically scored an own-goal in an attempt to block a cross, leading to Colombia's 2-1 loss and their elimination from the tournament. Sadly, Escobar was murdered just ten days later in his hometown of Medellin, by gamblers because by the goal.

Roberto Baggio's penalty miss in 1994 World Cup final

The 1994 World Cup final between Brazil and Italy was the first to be decided by a penalty shootout after a scoreless draw, with the pressure falling on Italian star, Roberto Baggio ahead of the decisive penalty. The ball however, sailed dramatically over the crossbar, instantly handing the World Cup title to Brazil in a heartbreaking moment for Italy.

Zinedine Zidane headbutts Marco Materazzi in 2006

In one of the most infamous moments in football history, French legend Zinedine Zidane delivered a forceful headbutt to the chest of Italian defender Marco Materazzi, during the 2006 World Cup final. The incident, provoked by Materazzi's alleged verbal insults, resulted in a straight red card for Zidane after review by the fourth official.

Emergence of Total Football

The emergence of 'Total Football', pioneered by Rinus Michels and Johan Cruyff in the 1970s, can easily be considered as a defining moment, as it introduced the concept of fluid positional interchange, where any outfield player could take over the role of a teammate. It fundamentally changed the tactical landscape of modern-day football.

1958 Munich Air Disaster

One of the worst incidents in football history, in the Munich Air Disaster of 1958, a plane carrying the brilliant Manchester United 'Busby Babes' crashed, tragically killing eight first-team players and 15 others. It destroyed an entire generation of footballing talent and became the tragedy from which the club's modern identity was built.

Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' in 1986 World Cup

The most defining moment in football history, Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal against England in the 1986 World Cup quarter-final was an infamous act of cheating that won a critical match. This moment captured the duality of Maradona's genius, as it was followed by the 'Goal of the Century', becoming a symbol of controversy and identity.