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The Eight Greatest Soccer Matches Of All Time

Originally posted on Stadium Rant | By Matthew Adams | Last updated May 19, 2026 8:01 AM ET

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Soccer, the beautiful game, has had many great matches. The classic matches are usually great cup finals of some description or another, but also games in the later stages of the knockout phases for the biggest prizes. These are eight of the greatest soccer matches ever played in the professional game.

England 4 — Germany 2: 1966

For England, this match must be included. At any rate, even for the neutral, this was a great World Cup final. In 90 minutes, with England seemingly heading for a 2–1 victory, they would be pegged back to 2–2 late in the game. Famously, in extra time, the match would get all the better, with a controversial third goal that barely crossed the line (it did). The fourth goal was a great strike from Hurst, which capped off a classic World Cup final.

Brazil 4 — Italy 1: 1970

Undoubtedly, this era had some of the best teams and games seen in a World Cup. The 1970 World Cup final was not quite a close encounter between England and Germany, but it was a great game simply because of the fine football that Brazil played in the final. Italy was a very strong team, but against Pele, Alberto, and co in the final, they could do precious little as Brazil strolled to victory to become the last team to lift the Jules Rimet trophy.

Italy 4 — Germany 3: 1970

This was the semi-final of the 1970 World Cup. What a semi-final it was! Italy overcame one of the great German teams to make it to the final, but were given some game. In 90 minutes, the German late equalizer made it 1–1. The extra time, however, would see the game seen saw, with Germany’s Muller putting them 2–1 up, only for Italy to regain the lead at 3–2. Unwilling to lie down, the Germans would equalize again, only for a late Italy goal to seal it at 4–3. With that, they clinched a place in the World Cup final.

England 3 — Hungary 6: 1953

This was not a World Cup match, but for an international game, it was a lesson to England and a great showing from Hungary. Nine goals are not a bad return from any game, even if Hungary scored six of them. They were simply too good for the English, boasting a unique style of play and system, and became the first team to beat England on their own turf.

CD Alaves 4 — Liverpool 5: 2001

This UEFA Cup final provided one of the best European finals. Played out between Liverpool and Alaves of Spain, who were somewhat underdogs going into the final. To their credit, they pushed Liverpool all the way after falling behind a couple of times in the game, only to be level at 4–4 into extra time. Here, they had two players sent off and a goal disallowed, and bad luck would see to it that an own goal would give Liverpool the fifth winning goal near the end.

Real Madrid 4 — Reims 3: 1956

The first European Cup final was also one of the greatest soccer matches in history. Reims started well and went two goals up. However, Madrid would come back and equalize before halftime, courtesy of Rial. A third goal for Reims would put them ahead again in the second half, only for Real to win the game and the first final with two goals towards the end. This was truly a great game and the beginning of Real’s era of European dominance.

Argentina 3 — West Germany 2: 1986

This was one of the best World Cup finals. Played between two great teams, and it had five goals. Argentina would twice lead, only for Germany to equalize twice. The third and decisive goal would come five minutes from the end, courtesy of Burruchaga, to seal a 3–2 win for Argentina.

Blackpool 4 — Bolton 3: 1953

This was a classic FA Cup final that yielded seven goals and a starring role from Stanley. After scoring within the opening minutes, Bolton would be 3–1 up in the second half. From here, Matthews would set up Blackpool’s three goals that gave them a 4–3 victory with a late 92-minute goal from Perry. Mortenson was also the first player to score a hat-trick in the FA Cup final. Bolton had surrendered the cup, and for Blackpool, it was a great final victory.

End Of My Greatest Soccer Matches in History Rant

Arguably, those are some of soccer’s greatest games. Be it in the World Cup, FA Cup, or European competitions, those greatest soccer matches provided goals (and lots of them), drama, controversy, and great performances from players and teams. Seldom will you see better soccer matches than those.

This article first appeared on Stadium Rant and was syndicated with permission.

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