FIFA World Cup in pictures: Most heartbreaking moments
Take a look at some of the most shocking and heartbreaking moments at the FIFA World Cup tournament which have redefined history over the years.
Roberto Baggio anchored Italy in the 1994 World Cup Final against Brazil. The game ended in a scoreless tie, leading to the first penalty shootout in the World Cup. Baggio had to score to keep his team's chances alive, but his shot went wide over the crossbar, making Brazil the world champions. Image: AFP
In the 2006 World Cup Final between Italy and France, Zinedine Zidane was provoked into headbutting Italian defender Marco Materazzi, leading to him receiving a red card. France eventually lost the final to Italy, and Zidane had to watch his team lose from the locker room. Image: Reuters
Perhaps one of the most infamous moments in World Cup history, Luis Suarez deliberately used his hand to stop the ball from crossing the goal line during the Ghana vs Uruguay quarter-final match in 2010. After Suarez received a red card, Ghana was awarded a penalty, and Asamoah Gyan stepped up to take the shot. But the ball hit the crossbar. Uruguay eventually eliminated Ghana after the game went into a shootout. Image: AFP
The infamous Brazil vs Germany match in the 2014 World Cup is a haunting moment for the Brazilian football fans. As the tournament's hosts, they were left humiliated, with the match ending with a 7-1 scoreline in favour of Germany. Brazil were in action without Neymar due to an injury, and their defence looked toothless, conceding four goals in six minutes. Image: Reuters
Lionel Messi won the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, but there was a time when he was haunted by the 2014 FIFA World Cup final. La Albiceleste came agonisingly close to winning the title before Mario Götze scored a stunning volley in extra time to help Germany become world champions. Image: AFP
Cristiano Ronaldo was left in tears after Portugal endured a shocking 1-0 defeat against Morocco in the 2022 World Cup semifinal. CR7's dream to lift the World Cup trophy faded away, but he would be back in action in the 2026 WC. Image: Reuters
The 1986 World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and England had a controversial moment when Diego Maradona punched the ball into the net. The Argentine's words after the match became legendary, saying, "A little with the head of Maradona, a little with the hand of God." Argentina won the match 2-1, as referee Ali Bin Nasser let Maradona's controversial first goal stand. The team went on to win the World Cup. Image: AP
