Here are 10 notable FIFA games throughout time:
1. Uruguay vs. Brazil in the 1950 FIFA World Cup final This match, also referred to as the "Maracanazo," took place on July 16, 1950, at the Maracan Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Brazil faced Uruguay in the championship game, and the Brazilians were the clear favorites. Over 200,000 fans, a record number, came to see the game. Friaça's goal gave Uruguay the lead in the 47th minute, but Juan Alberto Schiaffino's goal gave Brazil the lead back in the 66th minute. Alcides Ghiggia, however, scored an incredible goal with just 11 seconds left to give Uruguay a 2-1 lead, clinching their second World Cup victory and pulling off one of the biggest upsets in football history.
2. England and West Germany square off in the 1966 FIFA World Cup final. On July 30, 1966, Wembley Stadium in London, England, hosted this illustrious game. The final featured England versus West Germany. In the 18th minute, Geoff Hurst gave England the lead, but West Germany's Wolfgang Weber drew even in the 89th, forcing extra time. Geoff Hurst scored two goals quickly in the extra session to complete his hat-trick, giving England a 4-2 victory and their first-ever World Cup title.
3. Italy vs. West Germany in the 1970 FIFA World Cup semifinals. Italy defeated West Germany 4-3 after extra time in a game that many people consider to be one of the best in World Cup history.
4. Argentina vs. England in the quarterfinals of the 1986 FIFA World Cup. On June 22, 1986, at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca, a highly acrimonious quarterfinal game was played. In a game against England, Diego Maradona scored the famed "Hand of God" goal, which would live on in infamy. Maradona punched the ball into the goal in the 51st minute, and despite the English players' objections, the goal was upheld. Four minutes later, Maradona scored what is frequently referred to as the "Goal of the Century," dribbling past numerous English players on his way to the goal. England managed to get one goal back through Gary Lineker, but Argentina held on to win 2-1, knocking England out of the competition.
5. United States vs. China in the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Final. The United States defeated China in a penalty shootout to win the Women's World Cup for the second time, highlighting the drama of the competition.
6. On July 9, 2006, the Olympiastadion in Berlin, Germany, hosted the 2006 FIFA World Cup Final. Two footballing heavyweights, Italy and France, competed in the much-awaited match. The anticipation of the world champion's inauguration created an electrifying atmosphere.
7. Spain vs. Netherlands in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final Spain and the Netherlands squared off in the 2010 World Cup final on July 11, 2010, at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. Both teams played with a rough and fierce approach. Andrés Iniesta's goal for Spain in the 116th minute of extra time broke the scoreless tie after 116 minutes of play. Spain's first World Cup title was secured with this goal, solidifying their 1-0 victory and their place as a footballing powerhouse.
8. Brazil vs. Germany in the 2014 FIFA World Cup semifinals. The semi-final match between Brazil and Germany at the Estádio Mineiro in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on July 8, 2014, ended up being a historic and stunning game. German dominance was evident early on, as their five goals in the opening 29 minutes stunned the home fans. Brazil was stunned by Toni Kroos' two goals, Thomas Müller, Miroslav Klose, Sami Khedira, and a number of other players. Brazil suffered its worst defeat in World Cup history, losing 7-1 to Germany despite Oscar scoring a consolation goal for Brazil.
9. France vs. Croatia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup final The World Cup final took place in the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow, Russia, on July 15, 2018. The match between France and Croatia was entertaining. Mario Mandzukic of Croatia accidently scored an own goal in the 18th minute to give France the lead. In the 28th minute, Ivan Perisic pulled Croatia even, but goals from Antoine Griezmann, Paul Pogba, and Kylian Mbappé gave France the lead. Croatia's Mandzukic was able to get one back, but France held on to win 4-2, claiming their second World Cup championship.
10. United States vs. Netherlands in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup Final. The United States faced the Netherlands in the championship match up on July 7, 2019, at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais in Lyon, France. Prior to Megan Rapinoe's successful penalty kick conversion in the 61st minute, the game remained scoreless. In the 69th minute, Rose Lavelle scored her second goal, giving the Americans a 2-0 victory. With this victory, they won their fourth Women's World Cup title, reaffirming their position as the industry's dominant force.
