FAB FIVE

HERMAN GIBBS

There have been some fantastic goals scored at the Fifa World Cup over the years, but these five have earned legendary status.

DIEGO MARADONA VS ENGLAND (MEXICO, 1986)

ARGENTINA defeated England 2-1 in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal. Maradona (right) scored both Argentina’s goals, and both goals found their way into the history books. However, his first goal is revered as the greatest World Cup goal ever, having been voted ‘Goal of the Century’. Maradona’s dribble through almost the entire England team is unlikely to be ever repeated again. He gained possession in his half, worming his way past five England players, before slipping the ball past goalkeeper Peter Shilton. His second goal, famously known as the “Hand of God” goal, remains one of the iconic and controversial goals in World Cup history.

CRISTIANO RONALDO VS SPAIN (RUSSIA, 2018)

THE Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo scored a sensational free-kick against Spain in a group match at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Spain were leading 3-2 with two minutes of playing time left when Portugal were awarded a free-kick [Ronaldo had scored twice earlier]. His kick looped head-high around the Portuguese defensive wall and then just grazed the inside of the upright as it entered the goals. Spain’s goalkeeper David de Gea remained rooted to the ground as he watched the ball enter the net. Ronaldo (top right) to complete a rare World Cup hat-trick and force a draw against neighbours Spain.

ZINEDINE ZIDANE VS ITALY (GERMANY, 2006)

A penalty can hardly be considered an iconic World Cup goal, but French superstar Zinedine Zidane’s strike in the 2006 final remains one of the World Cup’s greatest-ever goals. His Panenka-style (slow motion) penalty, in the seventh minute, hit the underside of the crossbar, while the Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon dived full-length to his right. The ball ricocheted off the bar and bounced just inside the goal line. Although the final was eventually decided on a penalty shoot-out (which Italy won 5-4), Zidane (middle right) was not around - having been red-carded during extra time for infamously headbutting Marco Materazzi.

SIPHIWE TSHABALALA VS MEXICO (SOUTH AFRICA, 2010)

A memory that will last forever in the minds of South African football fans. Tshabalala (middle left) had a nation in raptures when his sweet strike raised the roof in the tournament’s opening game at FNB Stadium. The dreadlocked Tshabalala ran onto a crossfield kick before unleashing a rasping drive across the face of the goal. The shot thudded off the top corner of the post and into the net to set off celebrations from Polokwane to Pacaltsdorp. The aerobatic Mexican goalkeeper Oscar Perez ended up clutching fresh air as he tried to parry the shot.

PELE VS SWEDEN (SWEDEN, 1958)

At the 1958 World Cup, the world was first alerted to the outrageous talents of the 17-year-old Brazilian striker Pelé. After scoring four goals before Brazil reached the final against Sweden, Pelé (bottom left) added two more. His first goal, however, was one of the greatest World Cup goals. He met the ball on his chest after it was kicked into Sweden’s goalmouth. As it was about to bounce, Pelé flicked the ball over the head of a defender who had closed in on him. Next, he ran around the defender and cracked the ball on the volley to give Brazil a 3-1 lead.