Choosing the best football matches in history is no easy feat. We have witnessed countless defining moments in the sport that have impacted football in more than one way.
From legendary icons like Pelé and Maradona to modern-day sportsmen like Neymar and Messi, we’re lucky to live in an age where we can enjoy watching football and being part of a global community. And as difficult as it is to pick which matches are forever ingrained in history, there are a few that stand out.
Judging on competitive balance, quality of play, and overall individual brilliance, these football matches have been the reason for many celebrations. Before you read the list, visit the page of sports betting company in Tanzania to find out more about sports betting.
1. Brazil 1 – 7 Germany (2014)
The football match between Brazil and Germany is not only one of the greatest of all time, but it is also one of the most memorable ones. The event occurred on July 8, 2014, at the Estádio Mineirão in Belo Horizonte. The Brazilians lost Neymar to injury; the national team captain Thiago Silva was also unable to participate due to the second yellow card of the tournament during their match versus Colombia. Given the absence of these important players, a tight encounter was expected, since both sides were established FIFA World Cup contenders. But this game was anything but predictable. The German national team led 5-0 at halftime after scoring four goals in the first six minutes. The score went up to 7-0 in the second half. Brazil scored the game’s sole goal in the last minute to win 7–1. Toni Kroos, Germany’s playmaker, was named man of the match.
2. France 2 – 1 Portugal (2000)
Zinedine Zidane and Luiz Figo, two of Europe’s finest players of the time, were battling it out for a spot in the final versus Italy. Nuno Gomes’ precise strike gave Portugal the lead in the first half. Thierry Henry evened up for France in the second half. Zidane’s unrivaled class shone through in this fiercely contested quarterfinal. The French prodigy delivered a performance so grand that put to rest any remaining questions about his status as the greatest European player of his era. The game finished with Zidane scoring a golden penalty kick past Vitor Baia in the last seconds of extra time to bring France to the World Cup final.
3. Liverpool 5 – 4 Alaves (2001)
The 2001 UEFA Cup Final featured Liverpool and Deportivo Alaves. This match was Liverpool’s first European final since 1985 when they were banned from European competition. Moreover, it was Alaves’ first European final. Markus Babbel scored an early goal for Liverpool in the fourth minute. Steven Gerrard managed to score in the 16th minute, increasing their advantage. Soon, Iván Alonso scored and gave Alaves the hope of a comeback. Liverpool made it 3-1 just before the halftime break when Gary McAllister went on to score from the penalty mark. With several more goals throughout the match, the game ended with Liverpool as the victor. In fact, the latter completed a treble by winning the Football League Cup, FA Cup, and UEFA Cup.
4. Brazil 1 – 0 England (1970)
The “Final That Never Was” was dubbed the much-awaited battle between the last two World Champions. During this era, Pelé—the Greatest Player Ever—was at the pinnacle of his abilities. Pelé’s thunderous header was blocked by Gordon Banks’ save after a brilliant cross from Jairzinho. For more than an hour, both teams were able to resist each other’s greatest shot. Bobby Moore executed a fantastic tackle on Pelé to prevent the Brazilian icon from scoring against Banks. After a Brito and Piazza communications error, England should have equalized, but Goeff Attle misjudged from close range. During the 63rd minute, Jairzinho slammed home the game-winning goal on a magnificent assist by Pele, who had been well-set up by Tostao.
5. France 2 – 1 Italy (2000)
The final game of Euro 2000, between France and Italy, was one of the finest matches in UEFA Euro history. The match was held in De Kuip in Rotterdam to determine the champion. Italy led until Sylvain Wiltord’s low strike from the left beat goalkeeper Francesco Toldo in the last minute of injury time. As a result, the game resumed in extra time. France came out as the victor of the match in extra time just before halftime when Robert Pires delivered the ball from the left to David Trezeguet, who scored the tournament-winning golden goal. The competition is usually regarded as the greatest in the UEFA Euros.
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