The world was watching; we continue our silver anniversary celebration with a look at the most memorable World Cup finals moments of the past quarter-century - The 2002 World Cup

Soccer Digest, June-July, 2002 by Michael Lewis

SIX WORLD CUPS HAVE BEEN held since SOCCER DIGEST published its first issue some 25 years, ago and each tournament has left an inedible mark on soccer history. Here are the World Cup moments that we will never forget:

1. The Hand of God ... Argentina vs. England, quarterfinals, 1986

People will be continue to talk about this goal for a long, long time. Six minutes into the second half of the match, Maradona tried to play himself into the penalty area, but defender Steve Hodge managed to loft the ball back to goalkeeper Peter Shilton. Maradona and Shilton jumped for the ball at the same time, and the Argentine knocked the ball into the net with his left hand. Despite protests, referee Ali Bennaceur pointed to the center circle. Later, Maradona claimed "the Hand of God" scored the goal.

2. ... and the feet of a god Argentina vs. England, quarterfinals, 1986

This one wasn't too shabby, either. Only four minutes after the "hand ball," Maradona went on the greatest jaunt in Cup history. He took possession 10 yards into Argentine territory and performed an 180-degree turn that left Peter Reid and Peter Beardsley standing in their tracks. He then raced down the right side into English territory past Ray Wilkins. Terry Fenwick tried to pull him down at the top of the penalty area, but Maradona shrugged off the defender. Shilton came out of the net, committed, and fell to the turn. Terry Butcher tried a last-ditch effort with a sliding tackle under Maradona, who pushed the ball into the unattended net. Time elapsed: 10 seconds. Number of touches: nine.

3. Vive la France! France vs. Brazil, finals, 1998

You could make a case for the inclusion of several moments in France's 3-0 Cup triumph over Brazil, but it was a dominant, collective effort that made the game so great. Zinedine Zidane's two headed goals in the 3-0 final triumph over France and the Le Stade de France crowd's incredible reaction a second after the referee blew his final whistle were memorable. Yet perhaps the most indelible image was of the millions who thronged the Arc d'Triomph and Champs-des-Elysses after France pulled off one of the great surprises in World Cup history.

4. From pariah to hero Italy vs. Brazil, quarterfinals, 1982.

After beginning the year serving the final months of a two-year suspension for an alleged role in a match-fixing scandal, Paolo Rossi was an unlikely candidate to become a World Cup savior. After his hat trick against Brazil propelled the Italians into the semifinals, however, he became a national hero. Rossi started the scoring in the eighth minute and from then on, every time Brazil scored, Rossi countered with a goal, connecting again in the 25th and 75th minutes. His third goal gave the Italians a 3-2 lead, which they did not relinquish.

5. Rest in peace Colombia vs. United States, first round, 1994

Talk about being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Colombian defender Andres Escobar--trying to knock a John Harkes cross out of harm's way--inadvertently redirected it into his own net for the first goal in what turned into a 2-1 American triumph. That was the least of his worries. Several days after a disgraced Colombian team was eliminated in the first round, Escobar was assassinated outside of a Medillin nightclub by the Colombian mob.

6. The punch West Germany vs. France, semifinals, 1982

We can only wonder what would have happened had Dutch referee Charles Corver rightfully red-carded German goalkeeper Harold "Toni" Schumacher for punching French midfielder Francois Battiston in the face in this classic. Battiston, while firing a shot that barely missed the net, was leveled in full stride by Schumacher. The goaltender did not even receive a yellow card. Not having to play a man down, the Germans climbed back from a 3-1 extra-time deficit before prevailing in penalty kicks, 5-4.

7. The drug cocktail Argentine, 1994

This one didn't actually take place on the field, but Maradona's dismissal from the Cup after failing a dope test caused such a worldwide scandal that it makes our list. Before the event, many observers wondered how Maradona--who lost 26 pounds in the weeks leading up to the finals--slimmed down in such a short period of time. Once the reasons were revealed, the Argentine Football Association pulled Maradona from the tournament. FIFA eventually slapped him with an 18-month worldwide suspension.

8. Thank heavens Holland vs. Argentina, quarterfinals, 1998

Dutch striker Dennis Bergkamp laid on his back with his hands stretched to the sky, almost thanking the heavens for his marvelous goal that lifted Holland to a 2-1 triumph over Argentina. Silent for most of the match, Bergkamp trapped a 50-yard diagonal pass from defender Frank DeBoer, took a couple of steps around defenders, and placed a 12-yard shot past goalkeeper Carlos Roa.

9. Roger and out Cameroon vs. Colombia, second round, 1990

Cameroon substitute forward Roger Milla's soccer life began at 38. Milla was one of the few pleasant surprises in an otherwise defense-first Cup, striking twice for the Africans--including this extra-time game-winner. On the goal, Colombian keeper Rene Higuita--nicknamed the "Merry Wanderer" because of his forays outside of his box--was caught 10 yards out of his goal, and Milla wound up with an easy score, sending Cameroon to the quarterfinals.