Ronaldo 88’

Portugal vs Spain

Fans had high hopes for this match and they were not disappointed. Cristiano Ronaldo was on fire and his superb goal in the 88th minute snatched his side a point and also gave us the first hat-trick of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The perfect angle at which Ronaldo took aim for the free kick ensured that the ball arrowed straight into the net, sending the Portugal fans into euphoria.

Kim 90+3’, Son 90+6’

South Korea vs Germany

It was still 0-0 after 90 minutes with Germany desperately needing three points, but Kim Young-gwon scored in the third minute of stoppage time. As German hopes of the goal being offside died, keeper Manuel Neuer left the net unguarded to play upfield. No wonder then that South Korea scored another three minutes later through Son Heung-min. Germany were eliminated in the first round for the first time in 80 years. The holders’ jinx had struck again. 

Chadli 90+4’

Belgium vs Japan

There are numerous reasons why this match has been the best game of World Cup 2018 so far. Both teams were equally brilliant and everybody’s jaw dropped on the floor when unfancied Japan scored two goals in four minutes early in the second half. While their defence held strong, they couldn’t stop Belgium from levelling things by the 74th minute.

The main drama unfolded in stoppage time when Japan had a free kick followed by a corner, and went for the win. Belgium thwarted their attempts and launched a swift counter-attack instead, with Nacer Chadli tapping home the winner. Whether it was Japan punching above their weight or Belgium’s stunning comeback, it was one thrilling match!

Kroos 90+5’

Germany vs Sweden

After losing their first match to Mexico, the Germans put their best foot forward (quite literally) to prove their worth. The match seemed destined to end 1-1, especially after Jerome Boateng received a second yellow. But despite being a man down, the defending champions managed to earn a free kick just outside the box. What followed — from an acute angle — was Toni Kroos’ magic.

Shaqiri 90’

Switzerland vs Serbia

After Granit Xhaka had equalised with a missile of a strike, Xherdan Shaqiri completed the job by picking up the ball near the halfway line, racing into the 18-yard box, and deftly passing the ball into the net past defender and keeper. His celebration would be hard to forget as well.

Rojo 86’

Argentina vs Nigeria

By opening the scoring in the first half, Lionel Messi finally had a chance to redeem himself. But Nigeria fought hard and equalised in the 51st minute. With elimination writ large, Marcos Rojo slammed home a Gabriel Mercado cross in the 86th minute to set off wild celebrations among the Albiceleste fans and take Argentina through to the Round of 16.

Gimenez 89’

Uruguay vs Egypt

It was a typically tepid start to the World Cup for Uruguay and the match was headed for a goalless draw when they were awarded a free kick late in the game. Centre back Jose Gimenez leapt high in the air to head in the winning goal, breaking the hearts of the Egypt fans.

Aspas 90+1’

Spain vs Morocco

When Morocco took a 2-1 lead with nine minutes remaining, the Spain fans kept their fingers crossed. One minute into stoppage time, Spain were back level as Iago Aspas steered the ball past the keeper with a clever back-heel. Even though it was initially ruled offside, VAR came to Spain’s aid and the goal was awarded, securing Spain top spot in Group B.

Coutinho 90+1’, Neymar 90+7’

Brazil vs Costa Rica

In a match they were expected to win, Brazil tried their best to score but Costa Rica’s defence was impenetrable. Additional time of six minutes was tagged on after the regulation 90, which the Brazilians used to the hilt. Philippe Coutinho broke the deadlock, and then star player Neymar scored his first goal in the 2018 FIFA World Cup — at 6 minutes 49 seconds, the latest recorded 90th minute goal in World Cup history since 1966. 

Kane 90+1’

England vs Tunisia

Harry Kane is the rising star of this year’s World Cup and England’s youngest ever World Cup captain has been at it since day one. With the teams seemingly set to share the spoils, Kane positioned himself perfectly to nod home at the back post, doing justice to a beautifully delivered corner and securing all three points.

Ansarifard 90+3’

Iran vs Portugal

Iran knew they needed a win to progress, but the goals just wouldn’t come. It was only deep into injury time that they were awarded a penalty, allowing Karim Ansarifard to score the equaliser. It was too little too late in the end as Iran’s knockout stage dreams were dashed, but the goal did pull Portugal down to second position in Group B, forcing them to face Uruguay next.

Mina 90+3’

Colombia vs England

Harry Kane’s sixth goal of the World Cup was taking England through to the quarters when Mateus Uribe shot at goal from 30 yards to get an exceptional save out of Jordan Pickford. The resultant corner was headed in by that man again, Yerry Mina, despite Kieran Trippier guarding the post. Mina had already scored with two headers in the group stage.