The Best Goals in Brazil’s history

The Roberto Carlos Wonder Freekick against France

One of the greatest goals of all-time was scored by Roberto Carlos, the Brazil’ left-back. The goal was scored against France in a 1-1 draw in the 1997 Tournoi de France, a warm-up tournament before the 1998 World Cup.

Roberto Carlos placed the ball down 40 yards out in the centre of the pitch. He struck the ball with the outside of his left boot to place a wicked spin on it. The ball spun around the wall and looked as though it was heading out of play. However, the spin curved the ball back towards the goal, kissing the post on its way in. Fabian Barthez, the French goalkeeper, was rooted to his spot.

To this day, the goal is known as the ‘impossible goal’, due to its defiance of physics. Roberto Carlos has since said that it is his favourite goal and that it is a “football miracle”.

Ronaldo’s Record-Breaking World Cup Goal

In the 2006 World Cup, Luis Ronaldo scored a historic goal in World Cup history against Ghana. The two teams faced each other in the round of 16 which resulted in a 3-0 win for Brazil. In the 5^th minute, “Kaka” passed the ball through to Ronaldo to set him up in a one-on-one against the Ghana goalkeeper. Using a bit of skill, Ronaldo rounded the keeper and slotted home into an empty net.

The history behind this iconic goal is that it was Ronaldo’s 15^th goal in the World Cup finals competitions. The previous record was held by Gerd Muller, who had scored 14 goals in World Cups. When Ronaldo scored against Ghana, he became the outright top goal scorer in World Cup history.

In 2014, Miroslav Klose beat this record by scoring his 16^th World Cup goal against Brazil. The semifinal match ended 7-1 to Germany, who advanced to the final and beat Argentina 1-0 to win their fourth World Cup.

Maicon Scores from Impossible Angle against North Korea

In the 2010 South Africa World Cup, Maicon scored one of the goals of the competition by beating the keeper from an impossible angle. The right-back was given the chance to run forward and received a pass at almost the byline. He took on a shot from the tight angle that somehow managed to beat the keeper and end in the back of the net.

In the 2010 World Cup, Brazil managed to top their group and advance to the quarterfinals. They were defeated by the runners-up, the Netherlands, in a 2-1 loss.

Garrincha’s Fantastic Freekick Goal in 1966

The 1966 England World Cup would prove to be one to forget for Brazil. The nation found themselves in a group with Portugal, Hungary and Bulgaria. Unfortunately for Brazil, they were eliminated in the group stage having only won once.

Their 2-0 victory against Bulgaria in the opening fixture would give Brazil a good chance of advancing to the next round. In the victory at Everton’s Goodison Park in Liverpool, Pelé and Garrincha scored the two goals. The Garrincha freekick goal was one of the most outstanding in the competition and proved to be the last goal ever scored by the Brazilian.

The Famous Pelé Goal in the World Cup Final

In the 1958 Sweden World Cup, Brazil faced the hosts in the final. Featuring for Brazil was 17-year-old Pelé, who became the first teenager to ever score in a final. In fact, Pelé scored two goals in the 5-2 victory over Sweden.

One of the goals scored by Pelé is arguably the best goal scored in a World Cup final. The teenager showed the world his talent by chesting down the ball, flicking it over his opponent and firing it home. The victory was Brazil’s first taste of World Cup glory, and the nation went on to win it a record four more times. Pelé is still the most decorated World Cup player, with an unmatched three trophies.

The Ronaldinho Freekick Lob against England

The South Korea 2002 World Cup resulting in Brazil winning the tournament. In the quarterfinals, Brazil faced one of the better English sides of the modern era. Between the English goalposts, Arsenal keeper David Seaman stood at 6’4”.

From around 40 yards out with the scores level at 1-1, Ronaldinho placed the ball for a freekick. He surprised everyone in the stadium, including his teammates, by going for goal instead of crossing it to one of his colleagues. The goal was seen around the world as it went over the outstretched arm of the tall goalkeeper and dipped under the crossbar to find the back of the net. The outstanding goal proved to be the decisive 2-1 winner. Brazil went on to win the World Cup.