This is the next installment in our 100 best World Cup goals series, starting with Maradona and Messi wonder strikes with some Brazilian Samba flair thrown in.
Goals 100-90
Goals 89-80
Goals 79-70
Goals 69-60
Sign upSubscribe to the Indy100 Weekly Newsletter, a free weekly publication
59 Lionel Messi, Argentina v Nigeria, 2018
The media is running out of adjectives to describe Messi’s football skills at this point. There were doubts after Argentina’s defeat in the first two games of 2018 World Cup, which led to a crucial final group match against Nigeria. Messi made this remarkable goal by controlling a long ball with two touches and sending it in to the goal. Class = permanent.
Lionel Messi Goal vs Nigeria – World Cup 2018 – English Commentary – 1080iwww.youtube.com
58 Jairzinho, Brazil v England, 1970
The Brazilians won the World Cup in a game that was perhaps the most memorable, featuring the Gordon Banks save and Bobby Moore’s shirt swap. Brazil moves the ball wide to attempt to challenge the England defense. Pele coolly lays the ball off to Jairzinho. He then launches it into the top corner.
JAIRZINHO against England 1970www.youtube.com
57. Ronaldo, Brazil v Ghana 2006
Here’s a goal you don’t see very often anymore – a deft stepover from the striker who casually takes it around the keeper before slotting it into an empty net but what else would you expect from ‘El Fenomeno.’Ronaldo’s goal made him a legend when he became first to score 15 World Cup goals. Miroslav Klose broke that record in 2014.
Ronaldo goal against Ghana- FIFA World Cup 2006.www.youtube.com
56. Giuseppe Giannini (Italy vs USA 1990)
Belissimo. This is the only way we can describe the goal by Italy’s 1990 team. It’s a goal that is worked from the back to the front. It starts at the corner flag of Italy and ends in a charming dummy by Gianluca vialli, before Giannini sends it home to the Americans.
234 1990 Giuseppe Giannini Italy USAwww.youtube.com
55. Andre Schurrle, Germany v Brazil 2014
It is a well-known game but there were not many outstanding goals in Germany’s 7-1 semifinal win over Brazil in 2014. But Andre Schurrle was determined to score and he did. He racked up a thunderous shot off the underside bar, giving Julio Cesar no chance.
Andre Schurrle Goal Vs Brazilwww.youtube.com
54. Anatoliy Byshovets, USSR v Belgium 1970
Another classic from 1970’s tournament is here. After being questioned by the Belgian defence, Byshovets decides that he will just go for it. Christian Piot is beaten in the Belgium goal with his sweet left-footed strike as part of a 4-1 victory over the USSR.
BYSHOVETS – against belgium 1970 (1-0)www.youtube.com
53 Diego Forlan, Uruguay v Germany, 2010
Diego Forlan won the Golden Ball at the 2010 World Cup and scored some exceptional goals en route to the accolade and this strike in the third-place play-off against Germany wasn’t even his best but is still very good. These types of volleys are rare, but the Uruguayan maestro did it with grace.
Diego Forlan Goal Uruguay Vs Germany 2010 World Cupwww.youtube.com
52 Torsten Frings (Germany v Costa Rica 2006
Costa Rica had to face a tough task in their opening match against Germany, but with the score at 3-1 they were still within reach of a victory. Step forward Torsten Frings, in the 87th minutes. His turbulent effort defied the elements to somehow win the match 4-2 for Germany.
2006 World Cup Goals (Frings Vs. Costa Rica).www.youtube.com
51. Edmilson, Brazil v Costa 2002
Is it the wonder goal scoring at World Cups that Costa Rica is able to manage? Here they are again in 2002 on the receiving end of a very unorthodox but nonetheless impressive overhead kick from Brazilian defender Edmilson as part of a 5-2 win for the Seleção.
Costa Rica World Cup 2002: Edmilson vs Costa Ricawww.youtube.com
50. Diego Maradona, Argentina v Greece 1994
Maradona didn’t score ‘normal’ goals did he? Even though he was probably past his prime at USA94, Maradona was still selected for Argentina’s squad. He still produced another memorable World Cup moment that is one-part team goal and one-part solo screamer. He celebrated the victory with a raucous celebration. This is one of the most memorable moments of 90s football. It would be the final time he would play at the World Cup, and the last goal that he would score for his country. Maradona was sent home following the victory over Greece with 4-0. He failed a drug test, leaving behind a World Cup legacy that is both high and low.
MARADONA against Greece 1994www.youtube.com
Get involved in our news democracy. To vote for this article in the rankings, click on the upvote icon.