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Fox Sports
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Was Argentina-France the Best World Cup Final Ever? Ranking The 5 Best
Editor's note: This story was published on Dec. 19, 2022. Was the 2022 FIFA World Cup final the best in the tournament's history? There were multiple game-tying goals, a hat-trick by one global superstar, and yes — the elusive title for the GOAT. But there have been plenty of other classics. We looked back at every men's final and picked the five greatest: 5. 1970: Brazil 4, Italy 1 in Mexico Although this match is the only one that wasn't really close in score, there was so much history rolled up in this that it has to be considered an all-time great. To wit: This marked the first time two former champions had met in a World Cup final. It was the last match of Pelé's World Cup career and made him the only player to this day to win three World Cup titles. Brazil coach Mario Zagallo became the first person to win the World Cup as a player and manager. Overall, this was a historic event and made Brazil the most successful national team with three titles, a distinction it still holds. 4. 1954: West Germany 3, Hungary 2 in Switzerland Known in German circles as "Wunder von Bern" (Miracle of Bern), this is one of the largest upsets in World Cup history as Hungary was a heavy favorite to claim the title. This match earned Germany the first World Cup title in its history and remains the only World Cup final where a team overcame a two-goal deficit to win the match (had France won on Sunday, it would have repeated this feat). Hungary struck twice early taking a 2-0 lead after just eight minutes, but West Germany outscored the Hungarians 3-0 the rest of the way with the final score coming in the 84th minute. A truly epic comeback for the ages. 3. 1966: England 4, West Germany 2 (a.e.t) in England Known for the "Phantom Goal" that gave England its first and only World Cup title. The final was played in its home country at the historic Wembley Stadium, and it started at a frenzied pace with both sides connecting on a goal within the first 20 minutes. After West Germany tied it in stoppage time to send it to extra time, it was all England. The Three Lions were able to drive home two more scores to take the crown. Those two goals were scored by Geoff Hurst, who became the first player with a hat-trick in the World Cup final. It was an all-around impressive performance played on a country's home turf and had history all over the place. 2. 1950: Uruguay 2, Brazil 1 in Brazil Better known as the "Maracanazo" for the shocking defeat – and one of the sport's greatest upsets – at the iconic stadium in Rio de Janeiro. This wasn't technically a World Cup final, but rather a de facto final determined by a final group stage. Because of that, Uruguay needed to beat Brazil and Brazil just needed to avoid defeat to claim the title. Uruguay trailed 1-0 in the second half, but scored goals in the 66th and 79th minutes while holding the Brazilians in check to claim the 2-1 victory and title. It was the second title for Uruguay. 1. 2022: Argentina 3, France 3 (a.e.t, Argentina wins 4-2 on PK) in Qatar Recency bias aside, this is without a doubt the greatest World Cup final in history. There were so many compelling storylines and even more added as the match was played: Would Messi get his first in what was potentially his last World Cup? Could France be the first repeat champion in 60 years? You could even throw in the fact the Golden Boot race was tied between Kylian Mbappé and Messi, two of the world's greatest stars taking part in this game. Argentina was in control 2-0 before Mbappé laced a penalty kick into the back of the net to halve the deficit for France. Mbappé scored just one minute later in the 81st minute to tie the match with the final heading for extra time. In extra time, Mbappé would connect on another penalty to tie the match and make him just the second player in World Cup final history with a hat trick (this followed a Messi goal that looked like a fairytale finish). After that penalty score, the title was settled in penalties – both stars converted their kicks, of course – with Argentina coming away with the crown. Messi winning his first World Cup in the likely final opportunity would have been enough to be among the best finals ever, but the drama, talent and back-and-forth intrigue made this the undisputed best. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Item 1 of 1 Get more from the FIFA Men's World Cup Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
San Francisco Chronicle
17-07-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Euro 2025: Switzerland draws inspiration from historic upsets as it preps for Spain in quarterfinals
Switzerland coach Pia Sundhage is leaning into soccer history to prepare for one of the toughest games in her storied career Friday at the Women's European Championship. Her fast-improving young team has a quarterfinal against world champion and tournament favorite Spain in the Swiss capital that once staged a legendary upset. The 'Miracle of Bern' — when West Germany stunned Hungary in the men's 1954 World Cup final — might have seemed ancient history to Switzerland's players who have been taken to the nation's hearts this month. A more recent vintage is Switzerland's men surprisingly beating Spain, the soon-to-be champion, at their opening game of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. 'We try to share stories, that's what life is all about,' Sundhage said Thursday, hours after showing video of that 1-0 Swiss win to her players. 'Sharing stories brings us together.' 'And just the mindset that it is possible,' the veteran coach said. 'We feel it, we remind each other it is possible because it's football.' Switzerland defender Noelle Maritz said listening to Sundhage and watching the game film 'really made me feel goosebumps.' World Cup miracle The modern Wankdorf Stadium that hosts Switzerland's first game in the knockout rounds at any Women's Euros is built on the site of soccer lore from 71 years ago. The great Hungary team captained by Ferenc Puskás had beaten West Germany 8-3 in the group stage, and in the final scored twice within eight minutes. The Germans rallied to win 3-2 in a shocker that was the subject of a movie, 'Das Wunder von Bern,' which was released in 2003. 'We told that story as well, of '54,' Sundhage said Thursday. 'Those old stories and pictures are wonderful. If you want to change something you have to repeat it and have to spread the word.' Sundhage credited the idea of seeking inspiration in the past from the squad's sporting coordinator, Johan Djourou. The former Arsenal defender went to three World Cups with the men's national team though missed the 2010 tournament in an injury-hit season. 'He was talking about it in a very emotional way,' she said of one of just two wins in 27 games against Spain for the Swiss men. 'There are some stories that we would like to happen again.' Alexia and Aitana On Friday, as it was 15 years ago, Switzerland will face Spanish generational talents: Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Harnandez then, Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí now. 'She's a unique player,' the California-born Maritz said of trying to control Bonmatí. 'She really knows how to decide matches.' The host nation's Euro 2025 already will be remembered as a success in the national soccer story, even if it is Spain advancing to a semifinal against France or Germany. Yet Sundhage wants more facing the 2023 Women's World Cup winner, which she expects will dominate possession of the ball. 'I would say this is the biggest ever' challenge, the 65-year-old coach said. 'We're going to play against the world champs, and on home soil. This is the moment.'
Winnipeg Free Press
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Euro 2025: Switzerland draws inspiration from historic upsets as it preps for Spain in quarterfinals
Switzerland coach Pia Sundhage is leaning into soccer history to prepare for one of the toughest games in her storied career Friday at the Women's European Championship. Her fast-improving young team has a quarterfinal against world champion and tournament favorite Spain in the Swiss capital that once staged a legendary upset. The 'Miracle of Bern' — when West Germany stunned Hungary in the men's 1954 World Cup final — might have seemed ancient history to Switzerland's players who have been taken to the nation's hearts this month. A more recent vintage is Switzerland's men surprisingly beating Spain, the soon-to-be champion, at their opening game of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. 'We try to share stories, that's what life is all about,' Sundhage said Thursday, hours after showing video of that 1-0 Swiss win to her players. 'Sharing stories brings us together.' 'And just the mindset that it is possible,' the veteran coach said. 'We feel it, we remind each other it is possible because it's football.' Switzerland defender Noelle Maritz said listening to Sundhage and watching the game film 'really made me feel goosebumps.' World Cup miracle The modern Wankdorf Stadium that hosts Switzerland's first game in the knockout rounds at any Women's Euros is built on the site of soccer lore from 71 years ago. The great Hungary team captained by Ferenc Puskás had beaten West Germany 8-3 in the group stage, and in the final scored twice within eight minutes. The Germans rallied to win 3-2 in a shocker that was the subject of a movie, 'Das Wunder von Bern,' which was released in 2003. 'We told that story as well, of '54,' Sundhage said Thursday. 'Those old stories and pictures are wonderful. If you want to change something you have to repeat it and have to spread the word.' Sundhage credited the idea of seeking inspiration in the past from the squad's sporting coordinator, Johan Djourou. The former Arsenal defender went to three World Cups with the men's national team though missed the 2010 tournament in an injury-hit season. 'He was talking about it in a very emotional way,' she said of one of just two wins in 27 games against Spain for the Swiss men. 'There are some stories that we would like to happen again.' Alexia and Aitana On Friday, as it was 15 years ago, Switzerland will face Spanish generational talents: Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Harnandez then, Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí now. 'She's a unique player,' the California-born Maritz said of trying to control Bonmatí. 'She really knows how to decide matches.' Thursdays Keep up to date on sports with Mike McIntyre's weekly newsletter. The host nation's Euro 2025 already will be remembered as a success in the national soccer story, even if it is Spain advancing to a semifinal against France or Germany. Yet Sundhage wants more facing the 2023 Women's World Cup winner, which she expects will dominate possession of the ball. 'I would say this is the biggest ever' challenge, the 65-year-old coach said. 'We're going to play against the world champs, and on home soil. This is the moment.' ___ AP soccer:
Hamilton Spectator
17-07-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Euro 2025: Switzerland draws inspiration from historic upsets as it preps for Spain in quarterfinals
Switzerland coach Pia Sundhage is leaning into soccer history to prepare for one of the toughest games in her storied career Friday at the Women's European Championship. Her fast-improving young team has a quarterfinal against world champion and tournament favorite Spain in the Swiss capital that once staged a legendary upset. The 'Miracle of Bern' — when West Germany stunned Hungary in the men's 1954 World Cup final — might have seemed ancient history to Switzerland's players who have been taken to the nation's hearts this month. A more recent vintage is Switzerland's men surprisingly beating Spain, the soon-to-be champion, at their opening game of the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. 'We try to share stories, that's what life is all about,' Sundhage said Thursday, hours after showing video of that 1-0 Swiss win to her players. 'Sharing stories brings us together.' 'And just the mindset that it is possible,' the veteran coach said. 'We feel it, we remind each other it is possible because it's football.' Switzerland defender Noelle Maritz said listening to Sundhage and watching the game film 'really made me feel goosebumps.' World Cup miracle The modern Wankdorf Stadium that hosts Switzerland's first game in the knockout rounds at any Women's Euros is built on the site of soccer lore from 71 years ago. The great Hungary team captained by Ferenc Puskás had beaten West Germany 8-3 in the group stage, and in the final scored twice within eight minutes. The Germans rallied to win 3-2 in a shocker that was the subject of a movie, 'Das Wunder von Bern,' which was released in 2003. 'We told that story as well, of '54,' Sundhage said Thursday. 'Those old stories and pictures are wonderful. If you want to change something you have to repeat it and have to spread the word.' Sundhage credited the idea of seeking inspiration in the past from the squad's sporting coordinator, Johan Djourou. The former Arsenal defender went to three World Cups with the men's national team though missed the 2010 tournament in an injury-hit season. 'He was talking about it in a very emotional way,' she said of one of just two wins in 27 games against Spain for the Swiss men. 'There are some stories that we would like to happen again.' Alexia and Aitana On Friday, as it was 15 years ago, Switzerland will face Spanish generational talents: Andrés Iniesta and Xavi Harnandez then, Alexia Putellas and Aitana Bonmatí now. 'She's a unique player,' the California-born Maritz said of trying to control Bonmatí. 'She really knows how to decide matches.' The host nation's Euro 2025 already will be remembered as a success in the national soccer story, even if it is Spain advancing to a semifinal against France or Germany. Yet Sundhage wants more facing the 2023 Women's World Cup winner, which she expects will dominate possession of the ball. 'I would say this is the biggest ever' challenge, the 65-year-old coach said. 'We're going to play against the world champs, and on home soil. This is the moment.' ___ AP soccer:
