Interactive graphic shows selection of best moments at the FIFA World Cup
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World Cup iconic moments

By Ben Mullins

June 14, 2018 - July 15, 2018 - The 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia kicks off on June 14. The 21st FIFA World Cup marks almost 90 years of triumph and tragedy, heroes and villains, stunning goals and impossible saves, creating a showpiece to entertain the world over.

1930 - At the inaugural tournament, Lucien Laurent scores first goal in World Cup history for France. Uruguay beat Argentina in final to claim trophy from Jules Rimet.

1950 - Possibly biggest upset in World Cup final. Uruguay beat home favourites Brazil, Alcides Ghaggia striking winning goal in front of 200,000 stunned Brazilians.

1958 - World Cup debut for 17-year-old Pele, assisting Vava’s second goal – before becoming youngest player to play in World Cup final as Brazil defeat Sweden.

1966 - Iconic moment in English culture, Geoff Hurst’s hat-trick – the first and only in a World Cup final – seals dramatic extra time victory over bitter rivals, Germany.

1974 - Famous piece of trickery by Johan Cruyff. Dutch master feints to cross ball, before turning through 180 degrees, and swerving past helpless Swedish defender.

1978 - Referee Clive Thomas denies Brazil a last minute goal by blowing his whistle for full time while ball is in mid air, and subsequently headed in by Zico.

1986 - Diego Maradona scores infamous “Hand of God” goal after jumping to knock ball past Peter Shilton with left hand in quarter-final clash with England.

1990 - Italy hosts World Cup forever associated with Luciano Pavarotti’s storming performance of classic Nessun Dorma aria, now an anthem for modern game

1994 - Relatively unknown Russian striker Oleg Salenko scores five goals, most by any individual in a World Cup tournament match.

2006 - Zinedine Zidane becomes fourth player dismissed in World Cup final after red card for head-butting Marco Materazzi in chest – French captain’s last act on pitch.

2014 - Germany claim record-breaking semi-final victory over Brazil to equal host nation’s biggest ever defeat since 6-0 loss to Uruguay in 1920 Copa America – Miroslav Klose sets new World Cup goals record with 16th strike.

2018 - Russia hosts FIFA World Cup for first time, as reigning champions Germany aim to equal Brazil’s all-time record by winning fifth title.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 05/06/2018; STORY: Graphic News
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