World Cup classics revisited: matches that defined generations, from the 1930s to modern day.
In four minutes at the Estadio Azteca, Maradona scored the most controversial and the most beautiful goal in World Cup history. The same match, the same man, two faces of football.
Zico, Sócrates, Falcão and the most gifted Brazilian side since 1970 only needed a draw. Across the pitch, a striker who had been written off came back to life in 45 minutes and rewrote World Cup history.
16 passes, a penalty, and a Dutch goal before West Germany had even touched the ball. And still Cruyff went home without a title. The most ironic final in World Cup history.
Pelé, Gérson, Jairzinho and a captain's goal from Carlos Alberto that is still voted the most beautiful in World Cup history. The final that sealed a third title and the Jules Rimet Trophy forever.
Five goals in 30 minutes of extra time, Beckenbauer on the pitch with a broken collarbone and a plaque still standing outside the Azteca. The 1970 semi-final is bigger than the scoreline.
Puskás's Hungary had not lost in four years and had thrashed Germany 8–3 earlier in the same World Cup. Then, in the rain, came the greatest upset in the history of the tournament.
