Matt Jones

No.8: Jorge Burruchaga, Argentina’s Unlikely Hero (Mexico, 1986) It’s difficult to quantify a moment. So far in this series we’ve had instances that last a few seconds, classic games played over 90 minutes at least and even staggering runs that have lasted almost an entire competition. But for a soccer player, the absolute pinnacle—the zenith […]

No.9: Andres Iniesta Wins It For Spain (South Africa, 2010) Spain lost their opening game of the 2010 World Cup against Switzerland. There were stratospherically high hopes for Vincent Del Bosque’s side after their win in the European Championships had coincided with the blossoming of world class talents like Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Fernando Torres. […]

No.10: Zinedine Zidane The Man For France, Mystery Surrounds Ronaldo (France, 1998) As a soccer player, can anything possibly top winning a World Cup in front of your supporters? Having dealt with the pressure, the expectation and the hyperbole that grips a host nation, to actually sample glory at the end must be an enormously […]

No.14: Michael Owen Bursts Onto The World Stage (France, 1998) When it comes to World Cup memories, positive ones have been pretty scarce for England in recent years. Prosperous and promising qualifying campaigns have only paved the way for major tournament disappointment since Bobby Robson’s Three Lions side reached the semi-final of the 1990 World Cup. Penalties, […]

No.15: Brazil Crumble At The Maracana (Brazil, 1950) If there’s any moment on our list that’s most applicable heading into the 2014 World Cup, it’s perhaps this one, when Brazil last hosted the tournament 64 years ago. Back then, the format was a little different from what we are accustomed to in the modern game. Four […]

No. 18: Gol Di Grosso! Gol Di Grosso! (Germany, 2006) Is there a more gut-wrenching way to lose a game than in the very last minute of extra time? As a supporter, by that point you naturally cast your mind towards a penalty shootout and what could potentially happen there. Managers do exactly the same, […]

No. 19: Poetry In Motion From La Albiceleste (Germany, 2006) One of the great things about soccer is the way in which supporters can appreciate different types of goals. A player in the mould of Cristiano Ronaldo picking the ball up, beating a couple of men and then smashing a strike into the top corner […]

No. 20: South Korea’s Sensational Run (Japan & South Korea, 2002) Being the host nation or city in any tournament can typically gives rise to a duo of far removed scenarios. Some teams can crumble under the enormous pressure that accompanies this tag. The build-up, the fandom, the unrelenting intensity of proceedings can prove too […]

No. 21: Total Football, (Germany, 1974) Every so often, one team can capture the imagination of the watching world. Typically, they are sides that play in a striking style, with unique ideas and ultimately, sample their fair degree of success. In 1974, the Dutch national team—competing at their first World Cup in 36 years—did exactly […]

No. 23: Senegal Shock The World (Japan & South Korea, 2002)  Nowadays it’s traditional for the host nation to play in the World Cup opener, but back in 2002, it was the current holders France who started the first ever World Cup to be played on Asian soil. The French side were the favorites for […]

No. 24: Gemmill's Solo Stunner For Scotland (Argentina, 1978) Whilst it may seem an unfathomable prospect these days, Scotland were actually a very good soccer team towards the back end of the last century. I kid you not! Boasting arguably the world’s finest footballer at the time in Kenny Dalglish, the toughest player in the […]

No. 25: Donovan Sends The States Crazy (South Africa, 2010) After draws in their opening two games of the 2010 World Cup, the United States Men’s National Team knew that they had a wonderful chance of making it to the knockout stages. A hard earned 1-1 tie with England was followed up by a pulsating 2-2 […]