Ten of the Best World Cup Matches in History

As Tunisia and Japan prepare to contest the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history on Saturday in Monterrey, FIFA has looked back at ten of the tournament's most memorable encounters. From stunning comebacks to dramatic penalty shootouts, these matches have defined the World Cup's legacy.

England 1966: Portugal's Comeback Against DPR Korea

In the quarter-finals, Portugal were on a high after defeating two-time reigning champions Brazil in their final group match. They faced DPR Korea, who stunned the Portuguese by racing into a three-goal lead. Portugal needed the brilliance of Eusebio, who scored four goals to inspire a stunning 5-3 comeback victory.

Mexico 1970: The Game of the Century

The semi-final between Italy and West Germany saw Roberto Boninsegna give Italy an early lead, but the score remained 1-0 until the 92nd minute when Karl-Heinz Schnellinger equalized. In extra time, Germany took the lead, lost it, drew level again, and then fell to a late winner by Gianni Rivera in what became known as 'The Game of the Century'. Italy won 4-3.

Spain 1982: Rossi's Hat-Trick Sinks Brazil

Paolo Rossi had gone over 15 hours without scoring for Italy and was expected to be dropped for their crucial second group stage match against Brazil. Coach Enzo Bearzot kept faith in him, and Rossi scored a hat-trick to eliminate the star-studded Brazilian side, who had looked invincible. Italy won 3-2.

Spain 1982: First Penalty Shootout in World Cup History

The semi-final between West Germany and France was the first World Cup match decided by penalties. After a 1-1 draw in regulation, France took a 3-1 lead in extra time, only for West Germany to equalize at 3-3. The Germans won the shootout 5-4.

Mexico 1986: France's Penalty Redemption

Four years later, France faced Brazil in the quarter-finals. Careca scored a stunning team goal to put Brazil ahead, but Michel Platini equalized. In the second half, Zico missed a penalty for Brazil, and the match went to a shootout. Socrates and Julio Cesar missed for Brazil, while Luis Fernandez converted the winning penalty for France.

USA 1994: Brazil vs Netherlands Quarter-Final

Brazil took a 2-0 lead through Romario and Bebeto, but the Netherlands fought back with goals from Dennis Bergkamp and Aron Winter. Branco's stunning free-kick in the 81st minute secured a 3-2 victory for Brazil, who went on to win the tournament.

France 1998: England vs Argentina Last 16

In a match marked by controversy, Argentina took the lead, but Michael Owen equalized with a stunning solo goal in the 16th minute. Argentina regained the lead, and then David Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Diego Simeone. England forced extra time and penalties, but Argentina won the shootout 4-3.

Germany 2006: Italy vs Germany Semi-Final

A star-studded match in Dortmund saw few goals but plenty of drama. Both teams hit the woodwork and made crucial saves. The game remained 0-0 until extra time, when left-back Fabio Grosso broke the deadlock in the 119th minute. Alessandro Del Piero added a second to seal Italy's 2-0 victory and a place in the final.

Russia 2018: Portugal vs Spain Group Stage

Cristiano Ronaldo delivered one of his finest World Cup performances in a 3-3 draw with Spain. He scored twice, but Diego Costa equalized twice for Spain. Nacho Fernandez gave Spain the lead with a stunning half-volley, but Ronaldo scored a brilliant free-kick in the 88th minute to earn Portugal a point.