World Football: 20 Moments That Gave Us Goosebumps

Football never ceases to amaze us. Even for the most veteran of observers, there are moments that absolutely startle you. Though these moments can be few and far between, these events become immortalized into our minds.

That moment could be the return of a superstar, an international title when the odds are completely against the winning side or even a goal that comes out of nowhere.

In 2012, we have witnessed some incredible moments occur like the Premier League's title race, which went down to the final minutes of stoppage time. What Manchester City did will be remembered for years, but that is only one moment out of hundreds of great memories.

Of course, some of these examples are more than just moments. They could be runs in a tournament, a match or even just a couple of minutes.

In order to help remember some of these great moments, here are 20 examples of moments that cause chills whenever they are remembered.

Maracanazo

The final match of the 1950 World Cup featured Brazil and Uruguay and took place at the famed Estádio do Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro.

Brazil were overwhelming favorites going into this "final". They were ahead in the final group at that World Cup by two points and just needed to secure a draw to win the World Cup.

But Uruguay maintained their shape, even though Brazil had an impressive attack. Even after going down 1-0 in the second half, Uruguay's resiliency showed when they scored twice in a 13 minute stretch, which gave La Celeste an improbable 2-1 win.

The result caused some Brazilian fans to commit suicide, while many others remained in disbelief. Many Brazilian players who played in this match never got another chance to play for the national team.

Senegal Stuns France in 2002 World Cup Opener

It was one of the greatest upsets in football history. France, who were the defending World Cup and European champions, were opening up their quest to repeat as champions against a Senegal side that was participating in their first World Cup.

Even with star Zinedine Zidane injured, France still possessed some fantastic talents, including Thierry Henry, Marcel Desailly and Patrick Vieira, among others. But those talents were never able to star, thanks to a great effort from the Senegalese side.

Senegal got a goal in the 30th minute from Papa Bouba Diop, which gave the African side an improbable lead. After 90 minutes, Senegal maintained this lead and won 1-0, starting France's demise in the tournament.

Denmark Secures Euro 1992

Denmark weren't even supposed to be in Euro 1992. But after Yugoslavia's removal due to their civil war that engulfed their country, Denmark were put in as their replacement.

After scrapping their way through the group stage, Denmark were paired up with the Netherlands, who had stars like Frank de Boer, Frank Rijkaard, Dennis Bergkamp, Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten, among others. But Denmark were able to keep the score drawn at two and went to penalties. Denmark were able to advance on spotkicks to face Germany, who had just won the World Cup two years earlier.

From the beginning of the final, Denmark played fantastic football and won their first major international title by a 2-0 score.

Greece's Euro 2004 Title

Greece weren't expected to contend in Euro 2004. Only in their third major international tournament, Greece had long been one of the weaker nations in European football.

But Greece overcame the odds by advancing through a group stage in which they defeated host Portugal and drew with Spain. Once in the knockout stage, the Greeks defeated both France and the Czech Republic, due in large part to their great work on set pieces.

Greece once again defeated Portugal in the final, this time by a 1-0 score. This completed one of the most remarkable runs in football history, regardless of the negative tactics the Greeks displayed.

Andres Iniesta's Goal vs Chelsea

It was the goal that sparked the rise of arguably the most dominant football club in history. Down 1-0 thanks to a Michael Essien goal, Barcelona found themselves in need of a goal in order to advance to the final.

After losing Eric Abidal to a red card, Barcelona's chances appeared to evaporate. This was compounded with Chelsea holding onto possession during the final 15 minutes of the game.

But Barca got one more good chance, in which a Lionel Messi pass found Andres Iniesta, whose shot landed in the top corner of the net, giving the Catalan side the lead on away goals.

Iniesta's goal was the official introduction of Barcelona's dominance under Pep Guardiola in Europe, and was instrumental in completing Barca's sextuple. 

Italy Celebrate Fabio Grosso's Winner

This image would not have been possible if it weren't for a late goal by Fabio Grosso against Germany. With Germany attacking for a majority of the match, Italy weren't able to set up their own attack. 

But on a late corner in added time, Andrea Pirlo's pass found Grosso, whose shot managed its way in. After the goal, Grosso had his "Tardelli" moment when he screamed at the top of his lungs and got swarmed by his teammates.

What made this such a memorable moment was that many of these Italian players had to deal with a match-fixing scandal back home. Grosso's goal allowed the Italian players to let go of their emotions and swarm their hero.

Ronaldo's 2002 World Cup Final Performance

In the 1998 World Cup, Ronaldo infamously had a seizure the night before the final. That did not stop the striker from participating in the final, where he put on the worst performance of his career while Brazil got humiliated 3-0.

Come 2002, Ronaldo came out on fire. He scored four times in the group stage while pushing Brazil to a perfect group stage record. Ronaldo scored twice more in the knockout stages before the final. That final saw Ronaldo score a brace and push Brazil to their first World Cup title in eight years.

Roy Keane's Performance vs Juventus

Down 2-0 in the first half and 3-1 on aggregate in the second leg of the 1999 Champions League semifinal, Manchester United found themselves in a deep quandary. To make matters worse, the Red Devils saw their captain Roy Keane get booked, which meant that he would miss the final should United advanced.

But that didn't deter Keane, who would score an important goal on a corner to jumpstart United's attack. Two later goals from Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole pushed United into the final.

But it is pretty safe to say after that without this first half by Keane, it would have been difficult for United to advance.

In Sir Alex Ferguson's memoir Managing my Life, the Scottish manager said this of Keane, "It was the most emphatic display of selflessness I have seen on a football field. Pounding over every blade of grass, competing as if he would rather die of exhaustion than lose, he inspired all around him. I felt it was an honour to be associated with such a player."

Dennis Bergkamp's Winner vs Argentina

It was the ending of a 1998 World Cup quarterfinal between the Netherlands and Argentina. With less than a minute remaining, Frank de Boer sent a long ball into the Argentine penalty area, which was received by Dennis Bergkamp.

Bergkamp's first touch on the pass was incredible, which led to a move that shrugged off Roberto Ayala. On his third touch, Bergkamp ripped his shot into the top corner, giving the Dutch a 2-1 win and a spot in their first World Cup semifinal in 20 years.

When the goal was scored, this Dutch television commentator certainly felt the excitement caused by Bergkamp's brilliance.

Thierry Henry Scores on His Return with Arsenal

Thierry Henry and Arsenal fans had gone through a tumultuous stretch after the French striker left the club in 2007. Henry had become a shell of his former self, while Arsenal remained without silverware.

But Henry was able to secure a loan away from the New York Red Bulls, which allowed the striker to rejoin Arsenal. Henry's first appearance came against Leeds United in the FA Cup. Within minutes of coming on, Henry scored the only goal of the match, causing the crowd to go nuts.

Henry ended his successful loan several weeks later with his legacy enhanced. Arsenal went on to finish third in the league, and Henry's arrival certainly changed the demeanor of the club.

Carlos Alberto's Wondergoal in the 1970 World Cup Final

It could be called the perfect goal. During Brazil's 4-1 win in the 1970 World Cup final, a piece of brilliance scored one of the greatest goals of all-time.

Up 3-1 and with very little time left, Brazil marched down the field. Using crisp passes that avoided the Italians, Pele received the ball and passed to Carlos Alberto, who fired a shot into the net to secure the 4-1 win.

Even 42 years later, this is one of the most beautiful goals ever scored. This goal also punctuated that Brazilian side, which has been regarded as one of the best of all-time.

Diego Maradona's Goal of the Century

Diego Maradona's match against England in the 1986 World Cup quarterfinals is one of the most famous performances in football history.

Three minutes after scoring his infamous "Hand of God" goal, Maradona went on a fantastic run in which he beat ten English players to score, putting Argentina up 2-0.

What Maradona did in Mexico City on that hot afternoon led Argentina onto their second World Cup title in a tournament that is widely regarded to be one of the most memorable World Cup's in history.

Manchester City's Premier League Title

The final day of the 2012 Premier League season. Manchester City and Manchester United were tied on top of the table, though City held a lead in goal differential. It was expected that City would defeat QPR at home to clinch their first league title in 44 years.

City took an early lead through Pablo Zabaleta and held a 1-0 lead in the second half. But QPR fought back both literally and figuratively. Joey Barton got sent off for elbowing Carlos Tevez in the face and also went after Sergio Aguero. Barton got a 12 match suspension for his actions.

QPR also got goals from Djibril Cisse and Jamie Mackie, which gave the London-based club a 2-1 lead. City had no luck and continued to get stymied in their chances. Going into stoppage time, City needed two goals to win the league.

Within a minute of the start of stoppage time, Edin Dzeko scored to tie the match at two. With the crowd still celebrating the last goal, Sergio Aguero moved into the penalty area and scored the winning goal, giving Man City their first Premier League title ever.

Arsenal Claims the 1989 League Title in the Final Minute

Liverpool vs. Arsenal was the final match of the 1989 league season. Due to the Hillsborough Disaster, this fixture got pushed to the end of May while the campaign for all other sides in the English first division was over. Liverpool were on top of the table and would win the league as long as Arsenal did not win by two or more goals.

Early on, Alan Smith redirected a free kick to put Arsenal up. But Liverpool held its ground and the match appeared that it would end 1-0 in favor of the Gunners. However, this wouldn't be enough for Arsenal to win the league.

With just seconds remaining, Lee Dixon punted the ball up to Smith in what would be the final attack of the game. Smith was able to get his flick onto the boot of Michael Thomas, who buried his chance and gave Arsenal the league in what was one of the most exciting ends to a match ever.

Marco Tardelli's Goal Celebration

It was the 1982 World Cup final. Italy, who had not won a World Cup in 44 years, were holding a 1-0 lead. Midfielder Marco Tardelli made the score 2-0 to the Italians in the 69th minute.

After scoring, Tardelli ran the length of the pitch while screaming. The genuine emotion that Tardelli exhibited is one of the most memorable goal celebrations of all-time.

Tardelli's Scream has since been immortalized by countless players.

Manchester United Winning the 1999 Champions League Final

After winning the Premier League and the FA Cup, all that Manchester United had to accomplish to secure the first English treble was to win the Champions League final against Bayern Munich.

The German club got an early goal and held the lead going into stoppage time. Within seconds of stoppage time starting, United earned a corner and were able to score through Teddy Sheringham on a failed clearance.

Just seconds later, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tapped in a redirected corner to give United an improbable 2-1 victory and the treble.

Jimmy Glass Keeps Carlisle in the Football League

After 70 years in the football league, Carlisle United required a win on the final day of the campaign in order to remain in the Football League.

With the score drawn at one apiece, Carlisle went on the attack, desperately seeking the winning goal. During the final corner of the match, on-loan goalkeeper Jimmy Glass moved into the penalty area in an attempt to salvage the season.

After an initial header got saved, Glass volleyed in the rebound with just seconds remaining in stoppage time. Carlisle fans swarmed the pitch with their side winning 2-1, and carried the keeper, who would only make three appearances with the club, off the pitch.

David Beckham's Goal vs Greece

David Beckham's England career had been highlighted by his red card against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup. That was until the final World Cup qualifier for the 2002 World Cup.

Needing at least a draw to reach the World Cup, England were down 2-1 to Greece at Old Trafford in stoppage time. Two minutes into stoppage time, Greece committed a foul about 30 yards away from the goal.

On the resulting free kick, Beckham bent the ball into the left corner, tying the match at two but more importantly, giving England the top spot in their qualification group and a spot in the World Cup.

The Miracle of Istanbul

Liverpool found themselves with a massive mountain to climb. After 45 minutes, the Reds were down 3-0 to AC Milan in the Champions League final and appeared to have no chance of coming back.

But in a 15 minutes stretch in the second half, Liverpool were able to strike back with three goals of their own, tying the match at three apiece, which was the score after 120 minutes. Milan nearly scored at the death, but Andriy Shevchenko's shot was miraculously stopped by Jerzy Dudek.

Liverpool went on to win in penalties, completing a comeback that is one of the greatest moments in the club's illustrious history.

Iraq Winning the 2007 AFC Asian Cup

Going into the 2007 Asian Cup, not much was expected of Iraq. The tournament was filled with Asian powers such as Japan, Australia, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Iran, among others. Iraq was now in the fifth year of a civil war and did not even have a proper domestic league set up, but its players were still able to make the tournament and hoped to at least contend.

Iraq won their group (due in large part to a convincing 3-1 win over Australia), and eased their way into the semifinals after beating Vietnam 2-0. Their semifinal matchup was going to be much more difficult. The Iraqis were now facing a South Korean side that was arguably the strongest side in the tournament.

But Iraq held the South Koreans in check for 120 minutes, and were able to win on penalties 4-3, advancing U'sood Al-Rafidain into the Asian Cup final, where they would face their neighbors, Saudi Arabia.

With the odds still against them, Iraq emerged victorious 1-0 on a goal from Younis Mahmoud, completing one of the most remarkable runs ever witnessed in an international tournament.

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