The 50 Most Badass Moments in World Cup History

Journey back in soccer history with our guide to all of the classic highlights from tournaments past.

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Complex Original

Image via Complex Original

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With the World Cup in South Africa upon us, everybody's getting caught up in the fever. Hooray for soccer! But newbies, take note: This competition existed well before every game was broadcast in HD and the U.S. had a decent team. Eighteen times, in fact—eighteen glorious tournaments full of moments to remember, from the magic (Pele) to the tragic (Andres Escobar) to the Maradona-ic...yeah, 'nuff said. So, to prep you for the month of madness, we sought the help of noted footy author (and real-life Englishman!) Tim Webber to compile this comprehensive list of the greatest World Cup moments of all time. Oh, whoops, did we say "greatest"? What we meant was: badass!

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Diana Ross Penalty Miss

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David Beckham Red-Carded

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Zaire Forget The Rules

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Pele Announces Himself

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Bobby Moore Arrested

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Pele Misses

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Roy Keane Walks Out

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Saeed Al-Owairan Keeps Running

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The Battle Of Santiago

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Sacchi Subs Baggio

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Brazil Lose At Maracanã

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Argentina Get Enough Goals

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Jack Charlton's Meltdown

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The Worst Foul In History

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Josimar!

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Zico's Perfect Free Kick

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Letchkov Heads Bulgaria Through

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Cambiasso Caps Argentina Rout

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Salenko Hits Five In One

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Ahn Is Sacked

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Zidane Headbutts Materazzi

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East Shocks West

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Voeller And Rijkaard Spitfest

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North Korea Shock Italy

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Germany And Austria Stop Trying

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Ronaldo Final Mystery

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Romania And Argentina Trade Blows

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Diego Maradona Fails Doping Test

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USA's Amateurs Beat England

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Manuel Negrete's Scissor-Kick

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Senegal Down The Champions

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Eusebio Saves Portugal

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Rivelino Shouts "Duck!"

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Gazza Cries

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The Hand of God

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Nine-Man Cameroon Beat Argentina

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Dennis Bergkamp At His Best

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Roger Milla Starts Dancing

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Save Of The Century

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Italy Start Attacking

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And It's Still Baggio

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Kuwaiti Official Gets Goal Disallowed

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The Cruyff Turn

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Belgium And USSR Share Seven

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Marco Tardelli Celebrates

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Arie Haan Shoots And Scores

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Andrés Escobar Is Shot Dead

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Greatest Team Goal Ever

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World Cup's Greatest Match?

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Diego Maradona Destroys England

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