Exploring six memorable but forgotten World Cup goals

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 12, 2026, 4:00 AM

Last updated Jun 12, 2026

Exploring six memorable but forgotten World Cup goals

Summary

An examination highlights six lesser-known goals from World Cups, including notable strikes by Ogris and Quagliarella. These goals, set against challenging playing conditions of early tournaments, showcase unique moments that have been overshadowed in football history. The analysis reflects on how early World Cups lacked the technological advancements and pitch conditions of the modern era. The piece seeks to revive appreciation for these forgotten highlights as interest builds for upcoming tournaments.

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The Guardian Sport

Key Details

•Ogris's goal noted for its artistry
•Quagliarella’s chip at Ellis Park lauded
•Early World Cups faced poor pitch conditions
•Heavy balls and outdated gear impacted gameplay
•Focus on reviving interest in old tournament highlights

Latest Updates

4:00 AMThe Guardian Sport — The Joy of Six: forgotten World Cup goals

What they're saying

"
From Ogris’s Florentine charge to Quagliarella’s Ellis Park chip, half a dozen World Cup classics that deserve to be better remembered The first six or seven World Cups certainly are not without their charms, but they are noticeably light on the kind of viscerally spectacular goals that we take for granted in the modern game. Hardly surprising when you contemplate what teams of the era had to endure: quagmire-like pitches, boots comprising 50% leather and 50% landfill, and balls so heavy that they basically constituted gym equipment. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Jonathan O'Brien

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