Qatar World Cup is about to end. France and Argentina will play for the title of World Champions. We looked back at every single World Cup final and share with you the most exciting and memorable World Cup finals since the creation of the tournament in 1930.
2006: France-Italy 1-1
While the tournament itself was not the most thrilling, the drama surrounding Materazzi and Zidane will remain vivid for everyone.
Zidane scored a penalty kick early in the match to give France a 1-0 lead, but Materazzi quickly equalized for Italy.
Not only did these two players score the goals in this championship game, but they also took part in the decisive event that determined where the trophy would go.
The French talisman headbutted Marco Materazzi, knocking him to the ground.
This occurred after being provoked by the Italian defender, who had apparently made some pretty unpleasant remarks about Zidane’s sister, Zidane retaliated.
Italy went on to win the match in a penalty shootout after Zidane was formally dismissed for the offense.
Pictures of Zidane passing the trophy after being sent off from the game was a sad moment for the fans watching the French playmaker’s tragic end to what had been an outstanding career.
1970: Brazil-Italy 4-1
Depending on your age, you probably picture Pele, Ronaldo, or Neymar when you think of the World Cup in Brazil.
A finalist’s performance in the 1970 World Cup final in Mexico may have been the most polished and complete of any finalist before or since.
The Brazilian team defeated the Italians 4-1, and the game-winning goal is frequently used to characterize the entire contest.
After Pele passed the ball to the charging full-back Carlos Alberto, he finished the move with a stylish goal that could have been from a Barcelona team led by Pep Guardiola.
A goal that’s still regarded as one of, if not the finest, in the annals of World Cup finals.
1998: France-Brazil 3-0
There was a memorable final delivered by France 98, but not entirely for the right reasons. Having never won the World Cup before, France was under pressure because they were competing against Brazil and their legendary scorer Ronaldo.
There were rumors that Ronaldo wouldn’t play in the match because of illness before the game even began.
Ronaldo reportedly had a seizure just before the game began, which is why his name wasn’t initially listed on the roster.
The great striker did, however, start the game, but he and the rest of his colleagues, who were undoubtedly affected by what had happened, both appeared to be diminished versions of their former selves.
France’s performance was brilliantly strong in defense and on constant attacks. They dominated the game, led by Zidane in particular, who scored two goals.
The French won their first World Cup with a late goal from Petit. They defeated Brazil 3-0.
What occurred to Ronaldo before the championship game remains a mystery to this day, and the whole explanation might never be known.
2002: Brazil-Germany 2-0
The previous World Cup final between Brazil and France, in which Brazil lost 3-0, was marred by rumors that the nation’s star striker was unwell before the match.
Ronaldo’s illness certainly had an impact on Brazil, who gave a below-par effort. Ronaldo and the company had a chance to make amends in 2002, which they correctly did.
The star player scored both of Brazil’s goals in the second half to secure a well-earned victory and restore its status as the best national team in the world.
In 2002, Brazil was an unstoppable force thanks to the three Rs up front: Ronaldo, Rivaldo, and Ronaldinho, as well as two legendary wing-backs: Cafu and Roberto Carlos.
1966: Germany-England 4-2
The 1966 final saw West Germany take the lead, much to the dismay of the home crowd. England have never before progressed to the World Cup final, and now they are there, playing at home, losing to Germany!
A goal from Peters gave the hosts a 2-1 lead after Hurst had tied the score for England, but West Germany scored an injury-time goal to force extra time.
Hurst scored his second of the game in the 101st minute to bring England on the verge of victory. Hurst’s effort was blocked by the crossbar and went down and out of the goal, causing the English players to celebrate and the German players to argue.
In order to determine whether it was a goal, the referee had to speak with his linesman, who was certain the ball had entered the goal and England had taken a 3-2 lead.
Hurst walked up and slammed home a fourth goal to secure England’s victory for the first time in history.
