1970: The Game of the Century
In Mexico City's Azteca Stadium, Italy and West Germany played a match so epic it earned its own name: 'The Game of the Century'. Italy scored early through Roberto Boninsegna and defended grimly for the next 82 minutes. But in stoppage time, defender
Karl-Heinz Schnellinger, who hadn't scored in his club career in Italy, bundled home an equaliser for West Germany. What followed in extra time was pure, unadulterated chaos. Five goals were scored in 30 minutes, a World Cup record for extra time. West Germany went ahead through Gerd Müller, before Italy struck back twice through Tarcisio Burgnich and Gigi Riva to lead 3-2. Müller equalised again, making it 3-3. Yet, just seconds later, Gianni Rivera slotted home the winner for Italy, ending the 4-3 thriller and cementing its place in football folklore. The drama was heightened by German icon Franz Beckenbauer playing on with a dislocated shoulder and his arm in a sling, as his team had used all their substitutes.
1986: Maradona's Solo Masterpiece
Four days after scoring the 'Hand of God' and the 'Goal of the Century' against England, Diego Maradona delivered a performance against Belgium that some argue was even better. In a tense semifinal, Maradona was the difference-maker. For 50 minutes, Belgium's defence held firm. Then, Maradona decided the game. In the 51st minute, he ghosted onto a through ball from Jorge Burruchaga and deftly chipped the ball over the onrushing goalkeeper Jean-Marie Pfaff. Just 12 minutes later, he produced a goal of staggering individual brilliance. Receiving the ball outside the penalty area, he slalomed past four Belgian defenders in a dizzying run before firing the ball into the net. It was a goal so similar in its genius to his solo effort against England, cementing his status as the tournament's single, dominant force. Argentina won 2-0, with both goals coming from their captain, who was playing on a level no one else could reach.
1982: The Night of Seville
The semifinal between France and West Germany in Seville is remembered for its exhilarating drama, brutal controversy, and incredible resilience. After trading early goals, the match became infamous for one of the most shocking incidents in World Cup history. German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher charged out of his goal and violently collided with French substitute Patrick Battiston, knocking him unconscious and breaking his teeth and vertebrae. Incredibly, the referee gave no foul, let alone a card. The game, tied at 1-1, went to extra time where France, inspired by the injustice, surged into a 3-1 lead. But the Germans staged a remarkable comeback, with Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Klaus Fischer, via a spectacular bicycle kick, making it 3-3 and forcing the World Cup's first-ever penalty shootout. Fittingly, Schumacher was the hero, saving two penalties as West Germany advanced.
2014: The Mineirazo Massacre
This wasn't a contest; it was a demolition. Host nation Brazil, playing without the injured Neymar and suspended captain Thiago Silva, met Germany in Belo Horizonte expecting a tight, emotional encounter. What they got was a national trauma known as the 'Mineirazo'. Germany produced one of the most ruthless and clinical displays in football history, scoring five goals in the first 29 minutes, including four in a shocking six-minute spell. The Brazilian team and the entire stadium seemed to enter a state of shock as Thomas Müller, Miroslav Klose, Toni Kroos (twice), and Sami Khedira put the game to bed before halftime. Klose's goal was historically significant, making him the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 16 goals, surpassing Brazil's own Ronaldo. Germany added two more goals in the second half through Andre Schürrle, before a late consolation for Brazil made the final score 7-1, the largest margin of victory ever in a World Cup semifinal.
2006: Zidane's Cool Composure
Zinedine Zidane's 2006 World Cup is remembered for its dramatic ending, but his semifinal performance against Portugal was a masterclass in control and temperament. In a tournament that became a celebration of veteran stars, the 34-year-old French captain was the orchestrator-in-chief. The match against a talented Portugal side featuring a young Cristiano Ronaldo and an experienced Luis Figo was tense and tight. The decisive moment came in the 33rd minute when Thierry Henry was fouled in the box. Zidane stepped up to take the penalty against Ricardo, a goalkeeper renowned for his penalty-saving heroics. With immense pressure on his shoulders, Zidane calmly sent the ball into the net, scoring the only goal of the game. For the rest of the match, he controlled the tempo, using his sublime touch and vision to keep possession and steer France to their second World Cup final in eight years.
