The FIFA World Cup, the pinnacle of international football, has always been a stage for the unexpected — where legends are born, and drama unfolds. Among the most thrilling elements of the tournament are the historic comebacks that defy the odds, showcasing sheer willpower, tactical brilliance, and moments of magic. From underdogs rising against giants to last-minute turnarounds, here’s a deep dive into some of the most unforgettable World Cup comebacks in history. deposit togel 5000
1. Germany vs. Hungary – 1954 Final (The Miracle of Bern)
Final Score: Germany 3 – 2 Hungary
Comeback Context: Down 0-2 in the first 8 minutes.
The 1954 World Cup final between West Germany and Hungary is widely remembered as “The Miracle of Bern.” Hungary, led by the legendary Ferenc Puskás, were heavy favorites. They stormed into a 2-0 lead within just 8 minutes. But the Germans, under captain Fritz Walter, mounted an incredible comeback. By the 18th minute, the score was level. In the 84th minute, Helmut Rahn scored the winner, completing one of the greatest upsets and comebacks in World Cup history. The win marked Germany’s first World Cup title.
2. Portugal vs. North Korea – 1966 Quarterfinal
Final Score: Portugal 5 – 3 North Korea
Comeback Context: Down 0-3 in the first 25 minutes.
When Portugal met North Korea in the 1966 quarterfinals, few expected drama. But North Korea shocked the world by taking a 3-0 lead in the first 25 minutes. Enter Eusébio — Portugal’s "Black Panther." He scored four goals and led Portugal to a 5-3 victory. The turnaround was as stunning as it was historic, and Eusébio's performance remains one of the most iconic individual efforts in World Cup lore.
3. West Germany vs. France – 1982 Semifinal
Final Score: 3 – 3 (Germany won 5-4 on penalties)
Comeback Context: Trailing 3-1 in extra time.
The 1982 semifinal between West Germany and France in Seville is one of the most dramatic matches in World Cup history. After a 1-1 draw in regulation time, France surged to a 3-1 lead early in extra time. Just when it seemed over, West Germany struck back with goals from Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Klaus Fischer to tie it 3-3. The Germans went on to win in the first-ever World Cup penalty shootout, completing an epic comeback and sending shockwaves around the football world.
4. Belgium vs. Japan – 2018 Round of 16
Final Score: Belgium 3 – 2 Japan
Comeback Context: Down 0-2 by the 52nd minute.
In one of the most recent and thrilling World Cup comebacks, Belgium faced Japan in the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup. Japan took a shocking 2-0 lead with goals from Genki Haraguchi and Takashi Inui. Belgium responded with relentless pressure, scoring two goals through Jan Vertonghen and Marouane Fellaini to level the score. Then, in the 94th minute, Nacer Chadli finished a breathtaking counterattack, capping off a 3-2 comeback victory — the first time a team had come from two goals down to win in regular time during a knockout game since 1970.
5. South Korea vs. Italy – 2002 Round of 16
Final Score: South Korea 2 – 1 Italy (AET)
Comeback Context: Down 0-1 until the 88th minute.
Co-hosts South Korea made history in 2002 with a string of shocking results, none more dramatic than their comeback against Italy. After falling behind to a Christian Vieri goal, South Korea equalized in the 88th minute through Seol Ki-hyeon. The Golden Goal era was in play, and in extra time, Ahn Jung-hwan headed in the winner, sending South Korea to the quarterfinals and eliminating a stunned Italy. The match remains controversial but is also a testament to Korea’s resilience.
6. England vs. Cameroon – 1990 Quarterfinal
Final Score: England 3 – 2 Cameroon (AET)
Comeback Context: Trailing 2-1 in the 83rd minute.
Cameroon were the Cinderella story of the 1990 World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals — a first for any African team. Against England, they came back from a 1-0 deficit to lead 2-1. However, England won two penalties — both converted by Gary Lineker — one in the 83rd minute and another in extra time, securing a 3-2 victory. Cameroon’s exit was heartbreaking, but their fight left a lasting legacy.
7. Brazil vs. Sweden – 1994 Group Stage
Final Score: Brazil 1 – 1 Sweden
Comeback Context: Not a win, but a crucial equalizer to keep Brazil's campaign alive.
Brazil, the eventual champions of 1994, faced a strong Swedish team in the group stage. After going down 1-0, Romário scored a vital equalizer that changed the momentum of the tournament. Though not a complete comeback, the match marked a turning point for Brazil’s golden generation, demonstrating their ability to respond under pressure.
8. Argentina vs. England – 1998 Round of 16
Final Score: 2 – 2 (Argentina won 4-3 on penalties)
Comeback Context: Trading goals in a rollercoaster 1st half.
The 1998 clash between Argentina and England featured one of the most explosive first halves in World Cup history. Argentina went ahead with a penalty, England equalized through Alan Shearer, then took the lead through a wonder-goal by Michael Owen. But Argentina struck back before halftime to level the match. Though it ended in penalties, the match showcased the volatility and passion of two historic football rivals.
9. France vs. Croatia – 2018 Final
Final Score: France 4 – 2 Croatia
Comeback Context: Croatia equalized after falling behind, then collapsed.
The 2018 final between France and Croatia saw early drama. Croatia came back from a 1-0 deficit to level the score, showing grit and determination. But France pulled ahead decisively with a trio of goals, leaving Croatia unable to respond. While not a comeback for the ages, Croatia’s resilience after conceding first in every knockout round was a pattern that brought them to their first final — a comeback storyline in itself.
10. Uruguay vs. Ghana – 2010 Quarterfinal
Final Score: 1 – 1 (Uruguay won 4-2 on penalties)
Comeback Context: Survived a last-minute penalty, won in shootout.
In one of the most controversial and emotional matches of the modern era, Uruguay and Ghana were tied 1-1 heading into the final moments of extra time. Ghana earned a penalty after Luis Suárez blocked a goal-bound header with his hand. Asamoah Gyan missed the penalty, sending the match to a shootout. Uruguay won 4-2 on penalties, turning what seemed like certain elimination into victory.
What Makes a Great Comeback?
Historic World Cup comebacks share several key elements:
Emotional intensity: A true comeback must involve high stakes and emotional swings.
Unlikely heroes: Often, it's not the superstars, but unexpected players who lead the charge.
Turning points: Tactical shifts, substitutions, or single moments — like missed penalties — often spark momentum changes.
Historical impact: Many comebacks echo beyond the match, changing team legacies and inspiring future generations.
Honorable Mentions
Mexico vs. Germany (2018): Mexico’s shock 1-0 win was not a comeback, but a defiance of expectations.
Russia vs. Spain (2018): Russia held on and came back via penalties in a major upset.
Netherlands vs. Mexico (2014): Late goals from Sneijder and Huntelaar erased a 1-0 deficit.
Final Thoughts
The World Cup, with its rich history and global stage, has always been ripe for moments of redemption and resilience. Comebacks in this arena are more than just scoreline shifts — they are narratives of heart, belief, and sometimes, destiny. Whether it's a legendary player rising to the occasion or an underdog nation refusing to yield, these moments remind us why the beautiful game captures the world’s imagination every four years.
As we look ahead to future tournaments, one thing remains certain: football will continue to surprise us, and comebacks will always be a part of its soul.