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Mejores goles de consolación en Mundiales de fútbol

Explore a unique collection of the most memorable goals scored in FIFA World Cups, those that, despite not changing the final outcome, left an indelible mark. From spectacular long-range shots to moments of pure individual magic, these goals prove that the beauty of football transcends victory. Discover goals from legends like Carlos Valderrama, Roger Milla, and Jürgen Klinsmann, who shone even in defeat. This list celebrates the skill, emotion, and passion that make football a universally loved sport.

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  1. 1

    Luis Chávez's Free-kick vs. Saudi Arabia (2022)

    0 Global Votes
    • Fantastic free-kick

      (+4)

    This free-kick goal stood out for its impeccable execution, combining power, spin, and precision from a considerable distance. The ball's trajectory, featuring a late dip, made it virtually unstoppable, leaving a lasting impression on football fans. It was a moment of individual brilliance that showcased Chávez's technical skill on a global stage.

  2. 2

    Dari's Header Goal vs. Croatia (2022)

    0 Global Votes
    • Scored a beautiful header

      (+2)

    Achraf Dari's goal was an impressive header that equalized the score in the 2022 World Cup third-place match, showcasing Morocco's resilience. Its technical execution and the context of the game make it a memorable goal, despite his team not securing the final victory.

  3. 3

    Ivan Perišić's Goal vs. France (2018)

    0 Global Votes
    • Fantastic play and touch

      (+2)

    Ivan Perišić's goal in the 2018 World Cup final was a moment of pure technical quality and a powerful strike that equalized the score, demonstrating Croatia's ability to compete at the highest level. Although his team did not win the match, the goal represented a historic milestone as Croatia's first-ever goal in a World Cup final, offering a brief but intense moment of hope and celebration.

  4. 4

    Mario Mandžukić's Goal vs. France (2018)

    0 Global Votes

    This goal stands out as a prime example of a consolation goal in a World Cup final, as Mandžukić capitalized on an opponent's goalkeeping error to score. Despite Croatia already being behind, the goal showcased the team's persistence and added a moment of excitement in the match's closing stages. Its uniqueness is further highlighted by the fact that the same player had scored an own goal earlier in the same game.

  5. 5

    Eden Hazard's Goal vs. England (2018)

    0 Global Votes
    • Sealed a deserved win for Belgium

      (+1)

    Eden Hazard's goal was crucial in securing Belgium's 2-0 victory over England in the 2018 World Cup third-place play-off. His powerful strike in the 82nd minute not only sealed the bronze medal for his country but also represented a moment of individual brilliance in a high-stakes match.

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  7. 6

    Thomas Meunier's Goal vs. England (2018)

    0 Global Votes

    This goal was crucial in securing Belgium's third-place finish at the 2018 World Cup, marking the team's best-ever performance in the tournament. Its early execution and the significance of the match make it a memorable goal that sealed a significant victory for his nation.

  8. 7

    Julian Green's Goal vs. Belgium (2014)

    0 Global Votes
    • Scored with his first touch in a World Cup

      (+2)

    This goal stands out as a remarkable consolation goal due to its spectacular nature and the emotional impact it generated in an already decided match. Scored in extra time during a World Cup Round of 16 game, Julian Green's goal, from a young debutant, offered a glimmer of hope and narrowed the deficit, even though it did not change the final outcome.

  9. 8

    Dirk Kuyt's Goal vs. Brazil (2010)

    0 Global Votes

    This goal was instrumental in the Netherlands' comeback against Brazil in the 2010 World Cup quarter-finals, contributing to an unexpected victory. Its impact on the match's outcome and the elimination of a tournament favorite makes it a memorable moment in World Cup history.

  10. 9

    Fabio Grosso's Goal vs. Germany (2006)

    0 Global Votes

    This goal was a moment of pure euphoria and relief for Italy, scored in the 119th minute of the 2006 World Cup semi-final against host Germany. Its emotional impact was immense, as it broke a goalless deadlock in extra time and secured Italy's passage to the final, where they would ultimately win the tournament.

  11. 10

    Michael Owen's Goal vs. Brazil (2002)

    0 Global Votes
    • Considered one of the all-time great World Cup goals

    Michael Owen's goal was a moment of individual brilliance that put England ahead in a World Cup quarter-final match against a formidable Brazil side. Although the final result was a loss, the goal showcased Owen's quality and offered a glimmer of hope in a decisive encounter. Its emotional impact and technical execution make it a memorable strike.

  12. 11

    Roberto Baggio's missed penalty (1994)

    0 Global Votes

    This moment represents one of the most heartbreaking and memorable images in World Cup history, encapsulating the agony of defeat at the very last moment. Baggio's miss in the 1994 final penalty shootout symbolizes the extreme pressure and cruel fate that sometimes accompanies great athletes in decisive moments.

  13. 12

    Roger Milla's Goal vs. England (1990)

    0 Global Votes

    This goal is a memorable example of a consolation goal that, despite the eventual defeat, encapsulated the spirit and historic performance of Cameroon in the 1990 World Cup. Roger Milla's strike, from a 38-year-old player, showcased his skill and charisma on a global stage, leaving an indelible mark on the memory of football fans.

  14. 13

    Gary Lineker's Goal vs. Argentina (1986)

    0 Global Votes
    • Sealed the Golden Boot for Gary Lineker

    Gary Lineker's goal is a prime example of a consolation goal in a World Cup, as it was a late effort that ultimately could not change the final outcome of the match. Despite England's defeat, the goal showcased Lineker's ability to find the net in crucial moments and helped him secure the tournament's Golden Boot.

  15. 14

    Sócrates' Goal vs. Italy (1982)

    0 Global Votes
    • Equalizer against Italy

    This goal stands out for its technical beauty and Sócrates' elegance, even though it couldn't prevent Brazil's elimination in a memorable match. It represents an iconic moment for the 1982 Brazilian national team, one of the most admired in history, leaving an indelible mark on football's collective memory.

  16. 15

    Teófilo Cubillas Goal vs Scotland (FIFA World Cup, Argentina 1978)

    0 Global Votes
    • Unique set-piece goal

      (+2)

    This goal is a masterpiece of ingenuity and technique, executed with an outside-of-the-boot free-kick that caught the Scottish defense by surprise. Cubillas' ability to curl the ball around the wall and into the near post with exceptional vision and precision demonstrates remarkable skill. It was a moment of individual brilliance that contributed to a memorable victory for Peru at the 1978 World Cup.

  17. 16

    Gerd Müller's Goal (1970 World Cup)

    0 Global Votes

    Gerd Müller's 94th-minute goal in the 1970 World Cup semi-final against Italy was a moment of pure resilience. It allowed West Germany to equalize the match 3-3 in extra time, pushing the 'Game of the Century' to an even more dramatic climax, despite his team's eventual loss.

  18. 17

    Bobby Charlton's Goal vs. West Germany (1970)

    0 Global Votes

    This goal was a moment of individual brilliance in a crucial 1970 World Cup match, showcasing Charlton's quality in his final game for England. Despite England's eventual defeat, the goal kept hope alive and was a flash of skill in a memorable encounter.

  19. 18

    Pelé's first World Cup final goal vs. Sweden (1958)

    0 Global Votes

    This goal is a masterpiece of individual skill, where Pelé, at just 17 years old, displayed extraordinary technique and composure in a World Cup final. Its execution, which included a flick over a defender before a volleyed finish, is a testament to his footballing genius. The strike solidified Brazil's victory and stands as a landmark in the career of a legend.

Frequently asked questions

A consolation goal is a goal scored by a team that is already losing, often in the final minutes of the match, and which does not change the ultimate outcome of the game. It serves to reduce the deficit on the scoreboard, but the team still loses.
Goals are selected based on their impact, the beauty of the play, the context of the match (even in a defeat), and the lasting memory they created in World Cup history, even if they weren't decisive for a win.
Yes, community participation is welcome. Users can suggest goals they believe are worthy of inclusion, provided they meet the definition of a consolation goal in a FIFA World Cup.

How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing

This ranking focuses on recognizing the beauty and impact of goals that, despite not leading to victory, left a memorable mark in the history of the FIFA World Cups. Not all goals are decisive, but some are unforgettable.

  • Goals scored in FIFA World Cup matches are considered where the scoring team was already at a disadvantage and the goal did not change the final outcome of the match.
  • The aesthetic quality of the goal, the difficulty of its execution, the quality of the individual or collective play, and the moment it occurred are key factors for selection.
  • The goal's ability to generate emotion or awe, even in a context of defeat, is valued, similar to Marco Tardelli's goal in the 1982 final, which, although a winning goal, its iconic celebration showed pure joy.
  • The historical relevance and widespread recognition of the goal, even if it was in a heavy defeat like Ernst Wilimowski's four goals in 1938, also influence its inclusion.
  • The goal must have been scored in a FIFA World Cup match.
  • The team that scored the goal must have been losing at the time of the score, and the goal must not have altered the final outcome of the match (i.e., the team still lost or drew, but did not win).
  • Spectacularity, individual technique, or the collective beauty of the play leading to the goal are prioritized.
  • The emotional impact or relevance of the goal within the match or tournament narrative is valued, despite its 'consolation' nature.