The most exciting part of any soccer game are the “goals”. It is above all what the spectators pay for and it is an integral part of what makes football so attractive.
In the past month we have experienced historic moments. From bows to great teams to underdogs, from jubilation to despair, from sadness to ecstasy, it’s been a rollercoaster ride for football fans everywhere. Let’s take a look at the top 10 goals of the FIFA World Cup 2022 so far:
10. Al-Dawsari’s second goal vs Argentina (Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia, Group C)
Saudi Arabia pulled off one of the biggest upsets in World Cup history with a 2-1 win over Argentina, considered by many to be tournament favourites. The script changed when Al-Dawsari hit the back of the net in the 53rd minute to put his team ahead and it brought plenty of emotion and excitement. It was as exciting as everyone thought it could be. The defeat ended Alviceleste’s 35-game unbeaten streak since 2019, when it was the first time since 1958 that Argentina lost after scoring the opening goal in a World Cup game.
9. Richarlison’s second goal vs South Korea (Brazil 4-1 South Korea, Round of 16)
With South Korea blowing, Brazil killed the game in the first half. A brilliant Brazilian goal saw Richarlison launch the attack and keep the ball under pressure, and Thiago Silva delivered the extra pass to split the Korean defence. Richarlison calculated the run well to get the ball and put it in the net, finishing a beautiful game and most importantly showing Joga Bonito’s class at his best.
8. Marcus Rashford free-kick vs Wales (England 3-0 Wales, Group B)
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford scored the first direct free-kick goal at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He opened the scoring for England from around 25 yards, which saw them top Group C and eliminated the country of Wales from the tournament. Rashford couldn’t have put the free-kick into the top left corner better as Danny Ward had no chance. He dedicated the goal shortly after scoring to his friend who had recently died after a long battle with cancer.
7. Goal by Paik Seung-Ho vs Brazil (Brazil 4-1 South Korea, Round of 16)
While it was a consolation for the Koreans, it was a goal that would be remembered forever. With Brazil being the Crusaders the entire second half, South Korea, trailing 4-0 at halftime, naturally had an opportunity to come into the field in search of consolation. Paik secured the goal in the 76th minute with a nice shot from outside the box.
6. Luis Chávez’s free-kick vs Saudi Arabia (Saudi Arabia 1-2 Mexico, Group C)
Looking dead and buried, the Mexicans came out of the tournament, needing to score and hoping Poland would concede more against Argentina in the final group stage games if they wanted to progress to the knockout stages by as narrow a margin as possible. Unfortunately, they didn’t make the playoffs, but what a blow it was for Chavez to keep the Mexicans’ hopes alive at this point! Luis Chávez’s free-kick was the fastest goal of the World Cup group stage at 120km/h and is considered by many to be one of the goals of the tournament.
5. Mbappé’s goal vs Poland (France 3-1 Poland, Round of 16)
Another brilliant finish from Donatella made the young prodigy the first player in history to score 8 goals before turning around 24 years after that goal. Success in itself! He drove past the veteran Kamil Glik, cut in and hit the top right corner with a precise shot. Szczesny tried but couldn’t help himself as France had a relatively easy night against Poland.
4. Neymar’s goal vs Croatia (Croatia 1(4)-1(2) Brazil, quarter final)
Neymar’s brilliance was in vain as Kockasti beat Brazil on penalties after a painful defeat. He opened the scoring in the 106th minute of extra time when the PSG star’s stunning solo goal equaled Pelé’s record 77 goals and put Brazil on the brink of a semi-final against Argentina. He scored with a right-footed shot that went over the defense and past Croatian goalkeeper Dominic Livakovic, who many believed to be the goalkeeper of the tournament.
3. Messi’s goal vs Mexico (Argentina 2 x 0 Mexico, Group C)
The game was evenly matched until the man of the tournament stepped in to surprise the crowd once again. Argentina were on a knife edge as they needed to score first to qualify for the knockout stages. Then, as usual, Lionel Messi came through! He finished off Angelo Di Maria’s pass into the box and fired deep into the bottom corner from 25 yards in the 64th minute to beat the influential Guillermo Ochoa and give Alviceles a vital lead.
2. Vincent Aboubakari’s goal vs Serbia (Cameroon 3-3 Serbia, Group G)
Aboubakar avoided the offside trap to score the most outrageous goal of the World Cup against Serbia. Perhaps it was the feeling of being on the sidelines that made him seek a luxurious conclusion. Maybe not. As his past shows, he is more than capable of producing such dreamy booms. Cameroon were out until they came back and scored the second goal in this glorious moment. He also assisted on the third goal in an emotional match.
1. Richarlison net vs Serbia (Brazil 2-0 Serbia, Group G)
Check out this beautiful destination if you haven’t already! The Brazilian striker scored a stunning scissor-kick goal to help his side beat Serbia 2-0 in their first group game. He was in tears after scoring the goal. Brazil struggled to break through a stout Serbian defense until they scored from close range in the 62nd minute. Vinicius Junior assisted both goals and said he had reached the World Cup. His outrageous effort was certainly at the top of the list.