10 of the best World Cup goal celebrations in the history of the competition
Over the years, footballers have invented various styles to celebrate their goals. Some dance while others showcase their acrobatic moves. This article recounts the top 10 best World Cup goal celebrations that fans will remember for years.
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Not all players celebrate after scoring. Others give a simple fist pump in the air and move on. However, some goals are worth celebrating, especially a last-minute equalizer or the winning strike.
FIFA World Cup celebrations
Did you watch Julius Aghahowa's several backflips at the 2002 World Cup? It is one of the top 10 best World Cup goal celebrations. Brian Laudrup, Zinedine Zidane, and Andres Iniesta also produced memorable celebrations after scoring in the global tournament.
10. Bebeto vs Netherlands (1994)
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The legendary Brazilian forward scored his country's second in their 3-2 quarterfinals victory over the Netherlands in the 1994 World Cup. Bebeto expressed his joy by doing the iconic 'rocking the cradle' gesture with his hands to welcome his newborn child. Since then, many footballing fathers have replicated the gesture after scoring.
9. Roger Milla vs Romania (1990)
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Milla starred in the 1990 World Cup, leading Cameroon to the quarterfinals. His iconic celebration also became one of the talks in the tournament. Milla would run to the corner and proceed to shake his hips every time he scored.
8. Siphiwe Tshabalala vs Mexico (2010)
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Tshabalala scored the first World Cup goal in 2010 and performed one of the most interesting World Cup celebrations. His teammates joined him, with their arms outstretched as they danced an interpretation of the Macarena, surrounded by vuvuzela noise.
7. Robbie Keane vs Saudi Arabia (2002)
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After pulling a sensational volley for the Republic of Ireland, Keane headed to the corner flag and pretended to be Robin Hood. He gestured as if firing a bow and arrow straight at the camera in what has become one of the best celebrations in the World Cup. Ireland won 3-0.
6. Diego Maradona vs Greece (1994)
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The legendary Argentine footballer made headlines for many reasons. After scoring a brilliant against Greece in the 1994 World Cup, his iconic celebration became a subject of discussion. Maradona ran towards the nearest camera, eyes bulging as he screamed, expressing joy and anger. However, he failed a d*ugs test nine days later and was sent home.
5. Papa Bouba Diop vs France (2002)
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Diop ran to the corner, took his shirt off, placed it on the ground, and danced around it alongside his teammates after scoring the winner against defending champions France. It is one of the most exciting celebrations in World Cup history.
4. Brian Laudrup vs Brazil (1998)
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The Dane scored against Brazil in the quarterfinals and laid down on the pitch, resting his elbow on the ground. It is one of the coolest ways to celebrate a goal against defending champions. Unfortunately for Laudrup and his country, Brazil won the match 3-2 and knocked them out.
3. Zinedine Zidane vs Brazil (1998)
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Zidane kissing his shirt after netting against Brazil in 1998 final is one to talk about. The French legend scored his country's second goal in their 3-0 win over the Selecao to lift the coveted trophy. Zizou kissed his shirt repeatedly, showing his love for France.
2. Andres Iniesta vs The Netherlands (2010)
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Iniesta removed his shirt to reveal a message after scoring an extra-time winner against the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final. His message, "Dani Jarque siempre con nosotros" ("Dani Jarque, always with us"), was a tribute to his close friend Daniel Jarque who passed away in 2009. So, which is the best World Cup celebration?
1. Julius Aghahowa vs Sweden (2002)
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Arguably the best celebration in a football match, Nigeria's Julius Aghahowa performed several backflips after scoring against Sweden. It is one of the most over-the-top and flawlessly executed celebrations ever in the tournament.
Performing one of the best World Cup goal celebrations in history is not an easy task. Many players prefer keeping it simple, while others are not afraid of trying unique styles and enjoying the moment with fans. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will provide another platform to watch what players will come up with after scoring.
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Source: Legit.ng
