The World Cup may only take place every four years but since it’s inaugural staging in 1930, it has created many memorable moments. Ahead of its recommencement in Russia next year, we take a look at five of the most standout contests from the iconic international soccer tournament.

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1. Brazil 1-7 Germany (2014)

Belo Horizonte was the venue for this memorable Semi-Final contest in which the host nation capitulated at the hands of Joachim Low’s side. It was notable for not only being Brazil’s biggest World Cup loss but also for being their first home competitive defeat in 39 years. The crowd were left rubbing their eyes in disbelief as Germany marched into five goal lead with barely thirty minutes on the clock. Without Neymar and Thiago Silva, the hosts were all over the place and couldn’t cope with the clinical nature of Germany, who eventually clinched the title with a narrow success over Brazil’s neighbours Argentina in the final.

 
2. West Germany 3-3 France (1982)

Another absorbing Semi-Final which took place in Sevilla resulted in West Germany progressing on penalties. During the match, French captain Michel Platini was mesmeric and later described this as the “most beautiful game”. The match also saw goalkeeper Harald Schumacher clatter Patrick Battiston and knock out two of his teeth. Karl Heinz Rummenigge got on the scoresheet before a superb bicycle kick from Klaus Fischer sent the game to penalties. 

 
3. Argentina 2-2 England (1998)

Three goals inside the first 16 minutes set the tone for this game, which was one of the of the few standout matches during the second round of this particular competition. After Alan Shearer has equalised for the Three Lions, Michael Owen made a name for himself with the 18 year old scoring a superb solo goal. David Beckham was later dismissed before Sol Campbell’s header was ruled out controversially. Argentina later won on penalties with Carlos Roa proving the hero between the sticks.

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4. Brazil 4-2 Peru (1970)

Held in Guadalajara, this absorbing quarter final provided six goals and bags full of drama. The eventual champions Brazil played some spellbinding football and cemented their place as one of the greatest teams to ever grace a football pitch. Tostao netted twice and claimed an assist with Rivelino returning the favour later on. Peru roared back and went in search of the equaliser before Jairzinho rounded the keeper to put the game out of reach of Los Incas. Whilst Peru still have to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, Brazil were the first side to cement their place at the forthcoming tournament and are 11/2 third favourites in the latest football betting markets however this current team is unlikely to supercede the class of 1970 as the greatest of all time.

5. Germany 0-2 Italy (2006)

This match wasn’t jam-packed full of goals but it was full of incident, chances and drama. These two sides created numerous opportunities but could not be seperated for 119 minutes with Gianluigi Buffon coming to Italy’s rescue three times during that period. The Italians hit the woodwork twice in extra time before Fabio Grosso curled in a wonder goal to finally break the deadlock. Italian supporters went wild when the iconic Alessandro Del Piero added a second to send Italy into the final.
 
There have been a number of unforgettable contests throughout the history of the tournament and many more will surely follow. Soccer fans throughout the world will be glued to their TV screens when the World Cup gets underway in Russia on June 14th 2018.