To get you ready for what could be in store we’re taking you through five of the most iconic moments in World Cup history that are sure to get you in the mood!
Frank Lampard vs Germany - 2010
Starting with controversy and Frank Lampard's disallowed goal from the 2010 World Cup. In a knockout game against fierce rivals Germany, England were down 2-1 when Lampard's shot rattled the crossbar and quite clearly crossed the line.
However, the goal wasn’t given which left English fans in despair and anguish as to what could've been, with a goal that may have turned the game around. Germany then went on to win and advance to the next stage.
Dennis Bergkamp vs Argentina - 1998
Moving onto some of the most iconic commentaries of all time. Dennis Bergkamp's 90th-minute match-winning goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup quarter-finals, will forever go down as not just one of the greatest goals of all time, but also the commentary over the goal is arguably just as iconic.
The commentator - Jack Van Gelder - certainly expressed how he was feeling in the moment with a piece of commentary that has become a staple in the mind of many football fans. But who could blame him? His country had just scored a 90th-minute winner in the quarter-finals of the World Cup from a fantastic display of control and composure from Bergkamp himself.
Luis Suarez vs Ghana - 2010
Next up is a moment of confusion yet also pure genius... Uruguay were drawing 2-2 in the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup when in the 120th minute a header from Ghana that was about to go in was cleared off the line by Luis Suarez, with his hand.
He was in turn sent off for this act and Ghana were rewarded with a penalty to win the game and advance to the semi-finals. However, Ghana went on to miss the penalty and then lose on penalties to Uruguay only minutes later. As Ghana missed the penalty, the camera panned to Suarez walking into the tunnel celebrating and overcome with joy at how his ‘trick’ had worked.
Zinedine Zidane vs Italy - 2006
Onto something that didn’t include any football. Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt.
To set the scene, France were drawing 1-1 against Italy with 10 minutes to go in extra time. Both of the goals in the game had been scored by Zidane himself and his soon-to-be victim Marco Materazzi, an aggressive centre-back. Then suddenly Zidane decided to headbutt Materazzi in the chest for reportedly insulting the Frenchman's mother and sister.
The referee and camera didn’t catch this act at first as it was far away from the current play but once the fourth official and the referee had talked, it was a clear decision for a straight red card. France went on to lose the game in penalties and Zidane was forced to apologise for his actions.
Diego Maradona vs England - 1986
Moving onto arguably the most iconic and controversial moment in World Cup history, 'The hand of God goal’ by Diego Maradona. Once again, another quarter-final but this time it was England vs Argentina at the 1986 World Cup.
In the 51st minute, Maradona used his hand to get to a ball that he couldn’t reach with his head, this touch ended up in the back of the net fooling England goalkeeper Peter Shilton. The referee, Ali Bennaceur gave the goal but due to the English players' protests, the referee went to confirm with the linesman who would've had a better view. However, they didn’t see the hand either. With the English players in disbelief, the game carried on with Argentina coming out on top, winning 2-1.
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