With World Cup mode in full frenzy, football fans are sinking their teeth into the sport’s biggest international competition, as the unique prospect of a first-ever winter tournament takes place in Qatar. Supporters will start to congregate around screens across the world, as the all-consuming festival of football returns for the first time since 2018.
As World Cup odds are constantly changing due to the tournament’s unpredictability, those in Qatar know that small moments will define the big games. Like in Russia four years ago, there will be a host of world-class finishes, capable of turning a game on its head. With that in mind, let’s revisit the last edition of the World Cup and look at the best goals from an entertaining summer.
Cristiano Ronaldo vs Spain
Table of Contents
The legendary Cristiano Ronaldo announced his arrival in Russia with a memorable hat-trick against Spain in Portugal’s first group stage game, with his late free kick the pick of the bunch. Fresh off the back of a third successive Champions League with Real Madrid, Ronaldo clawed his way back into the game with a special set-piece to defy David de Gea, curling away from the Manchester United keeper. While the reigning European champions struggled and ultimately went out at the round of 16 to Uruguay, it’s an individual moment Ronaldo will be proud of.
Denis Cheryshev vs Croatia
In terms of great solo goals, few come better than Denis Cheryshev’s pure strike against Croatia, as hosts Russia went on a brilliant run of form on home soil. Having dumped Spain out on penalties, then Real Madrid man Cheryshev gave his side the lead inside half an hour with a stunning first touch and delicate finish before the Croats drew level before the interval. In a match of few chances, eventual finalists Croatia won on penalties, but it was a quarter-final defined by Cheryshev’s goal.
Lionel Messi vs Nigeria
It wouldn’t be a World Cup if we didn’t mention the brilliance of Lionel Messi. Having come so close to winning Argentina the tournament in 2014, narrowly losing the final to Germany inside the Maracana, he landed in Russia with a point to prove. Unfortunately for Nigeria, who always appear to draw Argentina in the group stages, they were the ones to feel his wrath. Latching on to a great through ball, this one was all about the first touch — the simplicity and grace of how Messi plucks a difficult pass out the air with such ease — then slotting it past Francis Uzoho in the Nigeria goal.
Benjamin Pavard vs Argentina
From Argentinian ecstasy to a goal at their expense. Messi and co. looked in control of their round of 16 tie against France — until Benjamin Pavard arrived on the scene. The most unlikely goal scorer on the pitch, the French right-back hit one of the sweetest half volleys you are ever likely to see, flying past the defence from the edge of the box. The technique was jaw-dropping and it inspired the French to a 4-3 victory, with Kylian Mbappe’s brace enough to separate the two teams.
