Five memorable World Cup moments

By Dominic Brock

1) Maradona's wickedness and wizardry against England, 1986

Diego Maradona's infamous "hand of God" goal has gone down in history as arguably the most infamous moment in a football World Cup.

But it was the diminutive Maradona's second goal that confirmed his status as one of the greats.

Four minutes after punching the ball into England's net for the opening goal, Maradona took the ball inside his own half, then began a weaving, 60-metre run, beating four English defenders before rounding goalkeeper Peter Shilton to score what has been dubbed the "Goal of the Century".

2) Zidane goes out with a bang, 2006

The script had been going perfectly for French football genius, Zinedine Zidane.

After coming out of international retirement, the three-time World Player of the Year helped take France to the 2006 World Cup final, where they were locked at 1-1 with Italy in extra time.

But then Italian defender Marco Materazzi made a comment about Zidane's sister, and all hell broke loose. The man known as "Zizou" dropped Materazzi with a thumping headbutt to the chest, before receiving his marching orders.

Italy won the game - and the Cup - on penalties, and Zidane's career was over in stunning fashion.

3) Brazil produces a Samba wondergoal, 1970

The 1970 Brazil team featured playmaking wizards Pele, Jairzinho, Rivelino, Gerson and Tostao, and is regarded as one of the greatest attacking outfits ever assembled.

But it was Carlos Alberto who scored the the team's most memorable goal, as Brazil demolished Italy 4-1 to win the World Cup final in style.

Brilliant dribbling, great awareness, an absolutely perfect final pass from Pele and a slick finish all featured in arguably the best team goal scored in a World Cup.

4) The Johan Cruyff turn hits the world stage, 1974

Dutch master Johan Cruyff was one of the greatest dribblers of the ball the game has known, but against Sweden in 1974 he produced a brilliant trick sparked a thousand imitations.

The "Johan Cruyff turn" was something the game hadn't seen before: Cruyff, with the ball at his feet and his back to Swedish defender Jan Olsson, planted his left foot and faked a cross with his right, but instead used his right foot to drag the ball behind him before turning 180 degrees and dribbling past a stunned Olsson.

5) Michael Owen becomes a superstar, 1998

Before he lost his speed and became a bench warmer for Real Madrid and Manchester United, Michael Owen grabbed the attention of the football world with a terrific goal against old foes Argentina in the 1998 World Cup.

Owen, then aged just 18, took a pass from David Beckham 40 metres from the Argentina goal, then dribbled past defenders Roberto Ayala and Jose Chamot before firing into the top left corner of the net in a goal reminiscent of Maradona's 1986 miracle.