While the FIFA World Cup is the zenith of men’s elite football, the final of the FIFA World Cup is the zenith of the zenith, and a dream of every professional who kicks a football to make their living.
Because of the heightened momentousness of the moment, the final of the world cup is incomparable to any other football match. It is a breeding ground for a peculiar kind of strangeness, of absurdity, of madness, of magnificence, and of long-lasting glory.
As we slowly inch closer to the 22nd men’s FIFA World Cup final and wish for another indelible final, FootTheBall has assorted a list of top 10 finals based on, frankly, their awesomeness in one way or the other.
West Germany vs Hungary, 1954, Switzerland: 3-2
Unbeaten for 31 matches and over four years, Hungary’s Golden Team, which boasted of superstars such as Sándor Kocsis and Ferenc Puskás, was known to put the fear of God in their opponents. Ask Poland who withdrew from their two-team world cup qualifying group with Hungary.
In their first world cup post-World War II, West Germany were confronting the mean task of taking on the Mighty Magyars, who were the clear favourites to lift their first world title. The West Germans needed a miracle to stop Hungary’s train of destiny at the Wankdorf Stadium in Bern, Switzerland, and they got, what is today known as “The Miracle of Bern”.
From going down 2-0 within the first 10 minutes, Helmut Rahn’s strike in the 84th minute completed the comeback, and brought not only sporting success but also international recognition to West Germany.
Argentina vs West Germany, 1986, Mexico: 3-2
It was Diego Armando Maradona’s tournament. It had Diego Armando Maradona’s momentous say in a thrilling final.
Using his Hand of God, Maradona and his Argentina brushed aside England to set up the final showdown against the then-two-time champions West Germany.
In a game that ebbed and flow, La Albiceleste started on a high and landed two punches before West Germany fought back and returned the favour. The telling knock-out blow came to decide the outcome was stirred by the maestro.
Heavily marked throughout the game, Maradona, in a moment of inspiration, found an inkling of space and pierced open West Germany’s tight defence to assist a sprinting Jorge Burruchaga in the 83rd minute of the game.
In front of more than 114,000 people in Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca, Carlos Bilardo-coached Argentina won their second world title in three…
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