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Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal to Zinedine's headbutt - some memorable moments from FIFA World Cup so far

The next edition of the World Cup will be played next year in Qatar while the women's tournament will go ahead in 2023 in Australia/New Zealand.

  • DNA Web Team
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  • May 23, 2021, 01:36 PM IST

FIFA World Cup, which takes place every four years could be possibly held every two years, for both the men's and women's tournaments.

The body will be launching a feasibility study into the ramifications of such a move after a proposal was brought to light by the Saudi Arabia Football Federation (SAFF) at the annual congress, reported Goal.com.

The next edition of the World Cup will be played next year in Qatar while the women's tournament will go ahead in 2023 in Australia/New Zealand.

"We believe the future of football is at a critical juncture. The many issues that football has faced have now been further exacerbated by the ongoing pandemic. It is important to review how the global game is structured, which should include whether the current four-year cycle remains the optimum basis for how football is managed both from a competition and a commercial perspective as well as overall football development," Goal.com quoted SAFF president Yasser Al-Misehal as saying.

"Having fewer yet more meaningful competitive national team matches could potentially address concerns regarding player welfare whilst at the same time enhancing the value and merit of such competitions," he added.

So as FIFA look to make changes in the format, a look at some of the memorable moments from FIFA World Cup so far.

 

1. Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal

Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal
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The infamous little cheat or becoming the hero for his country - depending on each one's point of view - Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal was one of the greatest goals ever seen on the world stage. Picking the ball up in his own half, Maradona beat every player before slotting it past the helpless Peter Shilton.

2. Van Persie's flying header

Van Persie's flying header
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The Netherlands wiped out the defending champions Spain, 5-1 and the key moment was Robin van Persie's sensational flying header goal in the 44th minute.

 

Spain didn't recover and lost its second game to Chile and bowed out of the tournament without advancing to the knockout round. 

 

The Netherlands, meanwhile, advanced to the semis but lost to Argentina, and then went on to defeat host Brazil in the third-place game.

 

3. Kuwait walks off after goal

Kuwait walks off after goal
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This is one of the most bizarre incidents in World Cup history. France was leading 3-1 against Kuwait. They scored another but as Kuwaiti defenders thought they had heard a whistle, remained rooted to the spot. 

 

The Kuwaiti FA president, Prince Fahid, told his players to walk off the field in protest, and the referee foolishly disallowed the goal. This allowed the game to continue but France eventually won 4-1.

4. Zinedine's headbutt

Zinedine's headbutt
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Zinedine Zidane, who is one of the world's most recognised veteran footballers, was sent off during the clash between France and Italy, due to head-butting his rival player Materazzi. 

 

Words were exchanged between the two as they walked up the pitch, Zidane did not appear to agree with Materazzi, and proceeded to headbutt him in the chest. He was sent off immediately in his last international match. France lost in penalty shootouts.

5. Wayne Rooney-Cristiano Ronaldo 'betrayal'

Wayne Rooney-Cristiano Ronaldo 'betrayal'
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It was during the England vs Portugal game in 2006 when England's striker Wayne Rooney was given a red card. He was sent off due to 'accidentally' stamping on a Portuguese player's private area. 

 

The act surely was surprising, however, what came next shocked all. Ronaldo's intervention secured the red card and sparked outcry amongst England fans. It even caused Rooney to shove him in anger. 

 

To make matters worse, Cristiano was seen winking as Rooney as he sauntered off the pitch.

 

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