A playful pride
The Cameroon players celebrate Francois Omam-Biyik scoring, following one of the greatest leaps in World Cup history, against Argentina at Italy 1990. It earned the Indomitable Lions a 1-0 win in the opening match, and one of the biggest upsets ever witnessed in the tournament.
Dudes in denim
The USA players celebrate Earnie Stewart’s goal against Colombia at USA 1994 in front of 94,000 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. It snatched the Stars in Stripes, appearing in one of the most iconic kits in World Cup history, their first victory in the competition in 44 years.
Turkish bliss
The Türkiye players celebrate euphorically after Ilhan Mansiz’s winner against Senegal in the Korea/Japan 2002 quarter-finals. It was the latest and last golden goal ever scored in the World Cup.
‘The Madman’ sparks crazy celebrations
The Uruguay players celebrate wildly after Sebastian Abreu’s winning penalty in the shootout against Ghana in the South Africa 2010 quarter-finals. Luis Suarez’s handball denied the Black Stars a last-gasp winner in extra time, with Asamoah Gyan thudding the resulting spot-kick against the crossbar. It went to penalties, with Fernando Muslera repelling efforts from John Mensah and Dominic Adiyiah. It left Abreu with the opportunity to win it for La Celeste. Despite being renowned for his Panenka penalties, ‘El Loco’ opted to try one in the biggest moment of his career and, as Richard Kingson dived to his right, it sailed into the middle of the net.
Poldi tops a German pile
The Germany players celebrate Arne Friedrich’s goal, which followed a fantastic dummy from Bastian Schweinsteiger, against Argentina at South Africa 2010. It helped Joachim Low’s side win 4-0 in what sits joint second on the biggest quarter-final victories in World Cup history. It was also the utility man’s only goal in his 82 appearances for Germany.
Rapture for reds in blue
“We all lost it, went crazy,” said a laughing Sergio Ramos on their goal celebration. Spain had been put through the wringer by Paraguay at South Africa 2010. Iker Casillas had repelled an Oscar Cardozo penalty and Justo Villar had denied a retaken Xabi Alonso spot-kick before David Villa’s late, in-off-both-posts winner. It sealed Spain their first World Cup semi-final.
Warriors go wild
The Korea Republic players rejoice after Lee Keunho’s deadlock-breaker against Russia at Brazil 2014. It ultimately earned the Taegeuk Warriors a point.
English elation
Dele Alli jumps on to the top of an England pile after Harry Kane broke the deadlock against Tunisia at Russia 2018. The Three Lions ultimately won 2-1 thanks to their No9 completing his brace in injury time.
Green glee
The Senegal players react to Mbaye Niang’s goal against Poland at Russia 2018. It secured a 2-1 success on the Lions of Teranga’s return to the competition for the first time since their Korea/Japan 2002 heroics.
Eagles land on each other
The Tunisia players pile on top of each other to celebrate Wahbi Khazri’s fine goal against France at Qatar 2022. It earned the Carthage Eagles their first World Cup win over European opposition in what was their 12th attempt.
All aboard ‘The Atomic Flea’
Lionel Messi finds himself on the bottom of a pile-on after opening the scoring for Argentina against France at Qatar 2022. The No10’s double helped La Albiceleste draw 3-3, with Lionel Scaloni’s men ultimately triumphing on penalties in arguably the greatest World Cup final of all time.
