Soccer was most probably the biggest sport of the 20th century. This was in no small part due to some of the great games played at both club and national levels. These are a few of the great soccer games of the 20th century.
In 1953, England played Hungary in a highly anticipated game dubbed the Match of the Century. England had not lost to foreign opponents at Wembley, while Hungary was an exciting team that had won the Olympic soccer championship in 1952. The game did not disappoint, although in truth, England fans would be applauding the Hungarian squad by the end of 90 minutes.
From the moment the game started, Hungary dominated the match. By the end of the first half, they would go 4-1 up. In the second half, England did make more of a game of it, scoring two further goals. Hungary also found the net twice more to leave the score Hungary 6 – England 3. Such a result ended any myths that England may have been the best team in soccer, and made the Hungarians clear favorites for the 1954 World Cup.
England played Germany a few times during the 20th century, but their game against the Germans in 1966 was the best game between the two teams and a great World Cup final. Germany started the game well and went one goal up, but England got back into the game and went 2-1 ahead. A late German equalizer took the game into extra time. During the extra-time period, Hurst scored a further two goals for England, which won the game 4-2 and the FIFA World Cup.
Brazil had been playing some great soccer during the 1970 World Cup. As such, they made it to the final, where they played Italy. In the final itself, Brazil turned on the style in a great display of attacking soccer that the Italians could not match. Pelé was inspirational during the game and put Brazil one goal up in the first half. However, an Italian equaliser kept the score level after the first half. In the second half, Brazil were not to be denied, and Gerson put Brazil back in front. More was to come as Brazil opened the floodgates to score two further goals and a fantastic fourth goal to end a great final.
This World Cup final between Brazil and Sweden was a classic game. This World Cup final was one where Pelé was terrific and set numerous records. Sweden started the game well and went one goal up; however, the Brazilians pulled one back and then went in front just before half-time.
However, in the second half, the floodgates would open as Pelé scored twice to become the youngest World Cup final goal-scorer. These goals had sunk the Swedish ship, although two goals in between from Sweden and Brazil made the final score 5-2. Overall, this game had a record number of goals for a World Cup final and was the first World Cup win for Brazil.
So, these are four great soccer games of the 20th century. The World Cup finals of 1966, 1970, and 1958 were perhaps the best played. In addition to this, England’s game with Hungary also had a big impact as England’s first home defeat to foreign opponents.
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