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Pele is set to be discharged from Sao Paulo hospital today, after he was admitted with severe stomach pains.
The Brazilian football legend, 74, sparked concerns among his fans when he was forced to cancel a book signing at a museum named after him in his native city, Santos.
He was taken in for medical treatment on Wednesday evening after complaining about stomach cramps.
“He made some tests and will be discharged tomorrow. Everything is fine,” Jose Fornos Rodrigues, the former player's personal aide, told Reuters .
Show all 50 1 /5050 greatest World Cup moments 50 greatest World Cup moments Ronaldo misses the final - 1998 At France '98, Ronaldo was the story of the tournament. The then Inter Milan star was banging in goals and dragged Brazil all the way to the final. The stage was set for the striker to be crowned the world’s greatest by playing a starring role in the match against France. But then it all went wrong. Just prior to kick-off the news came through that he wouldn't be starting the match, but no explanation was given. Then at the last minute he was reinstated, but would go on to have an awful game and contribute to Brazil's 3-0 defeat at the hands of the host. The story has since become a conspiracy theorist’s dream. The favoured story is that he had a fit, induced by the pressure he was under. Another was that he was dumped by his girlfriend, while some suggested he had been in a bust-up with his team-mates. It's also been alleged that he was only reinstated into the team on the orders of Nike, who were sponsoring the striker. Whatever the truth, it was a sad end to a wonderful tournament. But as you can see from moment No 13 in this countdown, Ronaldo was to make amends in the best possible way.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Massing v Caniggia - 1990 It was the opening game of the 1990 World Cup and Cameroon were holding on for dear life as they led Argentina 1-0. With a few minutes left on the clock Claudio Caniggia broke free from the edge of his own box. One poor tackle came in, but Caniggia skipped past him, then another - but, although knocked off balance, the Argentinean just kept going. But Caniggia couldn't escape the third. Benjamin Massing is seen storming across the pitch and then BAM - Caniggia is sent flying with a challenge so forceful the Cameroonian defender lost his boot. Massing was shown the red card but Cameroon held out for a famous victory.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Beckham's first England goal - 1998 David Beckham made his first World Cup appearance at France 98, and as always, his participation was complicated by off-field matters. Beckham had played in all of England's qualifying matches, but was dropped by Glenn Hoddle for the first two games of the tournament. The England manager publicly accused the midfielder of not concentrating on the tournament. Golden Balls was finally given a full run-out for the final, must-win, group stage game against Columbia - and he was to answer his critics in trademark style. On 29 minutes, Beckham curled in a sublime free-kick, his first goal for the Three Lions, and with it made the score 2-0 and ensured England reached the last-16.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Zico silences Scotland - 1982 Scotland fans found themselves in la-la land during the 1982 World Cup. At the Estadio Benito Villamarin in Seville, David Narey had put them a goal up against the mighty Brazilians. And for 33 minutes the stadium was rocking to the chants of the kilt-wearing masses who wondered if they were witnessing history. But the 'White Pele' had other ideas. Zico stepped up and scored a sublime 30-yard free-kick into the top corner. Goalkeeper Alan Rough could only stand and watch as the bagpipes were silenced and the Samba rhythms kicked in. Brazil went on to win the match 4-1.
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50 greatest World Cup moments The worst defence - 2002 France arrived at the 2002 World Cup as defending champions and among the favourites. Yet they failed to score a single goal and were eliminated at the group stage. Their limp defence is best remembered for the defeat to Senegal. The African nation were making their first appearance at a Finals and were given little chance in the opening game of the tournament. But Papa Bouba Diop's goal in the 30th minute was enough to cause a huge upset, and the colonial undertones to the match made the result all the more satisfying for the Africans.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Gordon Banks' save - 1970 That Gordon Banks is better remembered for this one save during England's match with Brazil in 1970, than winning the World Cup, is a sign of how powerful a moment it was. The move started when Jarzinho latched on to a pass and sped down the wing. Reaching the by-line he pulled a cross towards the back post. Banks, who had been defending his near post, suddenly had to adjust. As he scrambled across goal, Pele met the pass with perfect timing and headed it with powerful precision into the bottom corner. The Brazilian screamed 'goal' as he headed it and was already working himself into a celebration. Yet defying the laws of physics, Banks was able to propel himself downwards and backwards and get a hand to it. Somehow, he pushed the ball over the bar. The Mexican crowd ripped into applause at what they had witnessed while Pele would later say it was the greatest save he ever witnessed.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Paul Gascoigne reduced to tears - 1990 Under the stewardship of Bobby Robson, England reached the semi-finals of Italia '90, the nation's best showing since 1966. There, they faced the familiar foe of West Germany as they looked to reach the final. The game ended in heartache, but for Paul Gascoigne, the pain started far earlier than the eventual penalty shoot-out. With the scores at 1-1 and heading to extra-time, Gazza put in a poor challenge on Thomas Berthold and was booked. The yellow card meant the then Tottenham midfielder would have missed the final. And with this knowledge, he went to pieces. The television cameras showed Gazza holding back the tears, while Gary Lineker is clearly seen warning the bench to keep an eye on him. The moment endeared him to England fans, his tears summing up the mood of the nation, and upon his return he was engulfed by 'Gazzamania'. Sadly, Gascoigne would later admit that this high point of his career, which saw him lavished with attention, contributed to his off-field problems with alcohol that led to his decline.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Arie Haan belter - 1978 Among our World Cup Countdown, there are numerous classic goals, lauded for the dribbling skills of the individual involved. But there's nothing like a player spanking the ball, hitting it so sweetly that the trajectory from foot to goal couldn't be drawn any better by a physician. That's exactly what happened in Holland's game against Italy at the 1978 tournament. From around 45-yards out, Arie Haan smashes the ball towards goal. It swings to the right, evading the keeper - and while the ball stays low, it's still rising when it hits the inside of the post. Incredible.
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50 greatest World Cup moments David Beckham's redemption - 2002 Beckham's career took something of a nose dive at the 1998 World Cup. Over the subsequent years, he rebuilt his career and by the time of the next competition he was once again a favourite among the fans. But when England were drawn against Argentina in Group F, it provided the midfielder with the ideal opportunity to fully redeem himself - and in typical Beckham fashion - he seized his chance. England won the match 1-0 thanks to a Beckham penalty. You could sense the tension as he strode up to score, and despite scuffing his kick down the middle of the goal, the back of the net bulged and Beckham went nuts.
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50 greatest World Cup moments The fastest hat-trick - 1982 Not only does Laszlo Kiss have a fantastic name, he also holds the record for the fastest hat-trick in a World Cup. The Hungarian came on as a substitute his side's match against El Salvador in 1982, and in the space of just 8 minutes, had hit the back of the net three times. In all fairness, El Salvador's heads were down when he came on with the score already 5-1. They finished the match with the score at 10-1 - the most lopsided result in World Cup history.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Danish dynamite - 1986 The likes of Preben Elkjaer, Jesper Olsen, Jan Molby and Michael Laudrup lit up the 1986 World Cup during the group stage. With a total football style, they first saw off the Scots, then led Uruguay a merry dance as they thrashed them 6-1, and most impressively beat West Germany 2-0 to progress with a 100 per cent record. They appeared unstoppable, but whether the plaudits went to their heads or they ran out of steam, they found themselves on the wrong end of a good thrashing from Spain. Despite going 1-0 up, they imploded, and eventually lost the game 5-1. They may not have won anything, but the attacking Denmark side of the 1986 tournament was one of the most interesting.
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50 greatest World Cup moments The endorsement curse The World Cup is a marketing dream. With the entire globe focused on the event and the most famous names in the world on show, it's the ideal time to try and sell a few more drinks or televisions. Yet with the amount of money involved combined with the unpredictability of football, advertisers can find themselves pulling their hair out. The 2002 World Cup was a perfect example. Only a handful of the 49 players signed up by Nike actually scored in the tournament. Renault and their rivals Fiat saw their chosen celebrities - Thierry Henry and Francesco Totti respectively – both sent off in disgrace. Meanwhile 7-Up found their star endorsement rendered worthless even before the football began. They based their entire campaign around Ireland's captain Roy Keane - but the hot-headed player was on a plane home before anyone had had a chance to buy a single can of the fizzy stuff.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Roberto Baggio solo run - 1990 Italian superstar Roberto Baggio scored one of the great World Cup goals during the 1990 tournament. In the final group stage match against Czechoslovakia, Baggio picked up the ball on the halfway line. A smooth one-two and then he was off towards goal. Nipping between two defenders, he singled out the last with a terrifyingly fast run. The defender backed off for too long and when the chance opened up, Baggio scored with a splendid finish. The Stadio Olimpico went wild as the home team continued their progress through the tournament.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Dario Rodriguez stunner - 2002 Dario Rodriguez's effort in the 2002 Finals must go down as one of the great World Cup goals. From Alvaro Recoba's corner for Uruguay, the ball is touched by three players without even grazing the turf, before it hits the back of the net. The corner swings in, is headed away by Danish defender Rene Henriksen before coming to the feet of Pablo Garcia. He controls the ball on the volley, performs a couple of keepie-uppies before moving it across to Rodriguez. He spanks it first time, volleying it into the top corner. Incredible.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Pele vs Mexico - 1962 Brazil lifted their second World Cup in 1962, and as was the case throughout their most dominant era, it was Pele they had to thank. Their opening game of the tournament in Chile was against fellow Latin Americans Mexico. They won 2-0, with the second goal coming from Pele, and it was one of his best. Surrounded by two defenders, he chips the ball between them, before coming out best from a 50-50 challenge. He continues on, skipping round another before getting to the ball before two more defenders. From there, a thunderous finish finds it's way into the bottom corner. A truely memorable World Cup goal.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Ronaldinho lobs David Seaman - 2002 Although not a moment to savour for England fans, Ronaldinho's lob against England in the 2002 World Cup was certainly unforgettable. Debate still rages over whether the Brazilian wizard meant to go for goal, but either way, the 40-yard strike that eluded a flailing David Seaman was the difference between England and Brazil. Ronaldinho would be sent off later in the game but the Samba Boys held out for a 2-1 win on their march to a fifth World Cup.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Graham Taylor gets the sack - 1994 Not strictly a World Cup moment, but Graham Taylor is worthy of a mention in our countdown. The former Aston Villa boss was England manager during their failed qualification for USA '94 in what was a debacle of a campaign. Draws with the likes of Poland and defeats to Norway and the Netherlands saw England fail to progress from an admittedly tricky group. But England were abysmal and the focus of both fan and media frustration was directed squarely at Taylor. One of the greatest complaints against him was his chop and change team selection that saw the likes of Stuart Ripley and Andy Sinton get a run out. Two moments summed up England's capitulation. In the final qualification game, England had an outside chance of reaching the USA if they beat San Marino by a massive margin. But after just 8.3 seconds, the visitors to Wembley were ahead thanks to a goal from computer salesman David Gualtieri. Meanwhile Taylor's famous moment of meltdown came during the defeat to Holland in Rotterdam. Some strange refereeing decisions saw the former Aston Villa boss apoplectic on the touchline, with Taylor memorably telling the linesman: "the referee's got me the sack, thank him ever so much for that won't you." And sure enough he had - Taylor was forced to resign six days after England failed to qualify.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Leonidas - The Black Diamond - 1938 The undisputed star of the 1938 World Cup was the Brazilian Leonidas. Known as The Black Diamond, he was a pioneer of the free-running, open style of play that has become synonymous with Brazil. In a baffling decision, he was rested for the semi-final and Brazil were knocked out by Italy. Despite this, Leonidas still finished the tournament as the top scorer with seven goals.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Jose Batista sees red - 1986 The game was just 56 seconds old when Jose Batista went clattering through Gordon Strachan. And with that, the Uruguayan had secured the record for the fastest ever sending off in a World Cup. The 1986 group stage match between Uruguay and Scotland was a must win for Alex Ferguson's side, and the sending off looked to have given them a chance. Yet they failed to capitalise, drew 0-0, and were on their way home from Mexico.
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50 greatest World Cup moments The Maradona of the Arabs - 1994 The greatest goals of the World Cup tend to come from household names. The likes of Bergkamp, Maradona and Pele are regularly cited when the arguments are put forward for the goals of the tournament. But at the 1994 World Cup, the goal of the Finals came from an unlikely hero - Saeed Al-Owairan of Saudi Arabia. During the group stage match against Belgium, Saeed set off from his own half, shrugged off the challenge of two opponents before heading in towards goal. He then skipped past two more Belgians, before sliding in for the ball just ahead of the advancing keeper and a last ditch challenge to knock it into the back of the net. The goal was later voted sixth in FIFA's Goal of the Century rankings and earned Saeed the nickname 'The Maradona of the Arabs'.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Norman Whiteside - 1982 The former Manchester United favourite wrote himself into the record books with his appearance at the 1982 World Cup. At the age of 17 years and 41 days, Whiteside broke Pele's record to become the youngest ever player to appear in the Finals. He played in every match of Northern Ireland's memorable campaign, including the 1-0 win over hosts Spain.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Puskas changing sides - 1962 The 1962 World Cup saw a player representing Spain, despite having represented Hungary at the 1954 World Cup. That he was the first player to do this was of note, but the fact it was the legendary Ferenc Puskas made it all the more notable. The Real Madrid star had been a part of the notorious Mighty Magyars Hungarian national team of the 1950s, a side credited with reinventing football in the post second world war era. But Puskas was to take Spanish nationality and turned out for the national side at the Finals in Chile. Yet he couldn't replicate the form he showed for Hungary, with whom he scored 84 goals in 85 games. He failed to score a single goal in his four appearances for Spain and they were eliminated at the group stage of the 1962 World Cup.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Ramón Quiroga rugby tackle - 1978 When goalkeepers get yellow cards, more often than not it's for time wasting. So when Peruvian Ramón Quiroga found himself in the book for a challenge in the oppositions half it was quite a feat. The incident occurred in the 1978 Finals when Quiroga put a challenge in on Grzegorz Lato of Poland. What on earth he was doing that far up field is anyone's guess, but the rugby tackle that earnt him a booking is an undisputed classic moment.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Jurgen Klinsmann takes a tumble - 1990 Jurgen Klinsmann's reputation as a diver was well earned. The German striker was a true pioneer of the shot-by-a-sniper, twenty-two-rolls-after-a-challenge art. His most notorious tumble came during the 1990 World Cup final against Argentina. A challenge from Pedro Monzon caught Klinsmann, and was maybe worth a booking. But Klinsmann's reaction ensured Monzon saw red. After his initial fall, the German continued to roll, then pole-vaulted himself back into the air in a dive with true artistic merit. West Germany would go on to win the final 1-0, Klinsmann was declared a hero at home, but branded a villain by everyone else.
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50 greatest World Cup moments The 'Goal of the Century' - 1986 Diego Maradona is the subject of a number of moments in this countdown - some of them controversial - but here we celebrate the little Argentinean for all the right reasons. Just four minutes after the 'hand of god', Maradona scored a goal of such class it's now commonly referred to as the 'goal of the century'. Picking up the ball on the half-way line, Maradona set off towards goal. He would beat five England players - Hodge, Beardsley, Reid, Butcher and Fenwick - before rounding Peter Shilton and putting the ball into the back of the net. There could be no complaints from the England team when this one went in.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Roberto Baggio's penalty miss - 1994 USA '94 was the first World Cup decided by penalties. The final was played out between Brazil and Italy at the Rose Bowl in California and when, after 120 minutes, both teams had failed to score, the game went to spot-kicks. The nerves were obvious. First, Franco Baresi missed for Italy and then Marcio Santos failed to capitalise for Brazil. The next four spot-kicks went in before Daniele Massaro missed for the Italians. Current Brazil manager Dunga scored the next one, meaning Roberto Baggio had to score. The pony-tailed Juventus star took a long run up before smashing his penalty over the bar. It was the most costly penalty miss the world had ever witnessed.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Pickles the dog - 1966 At number 66 in our countdown, it has to be Pickles the dog. In fact, if it wasn't for him, England may never have lifted the Jules Rimet trophy! A few months before the tournament started, the World Cup trophy was stolen from Westminster Central Hall. Ransom demands and hoaxers followed but the Jules Rimet was unearthed a week after it disappeared by a black and white mongrel called Pickles. The dog sniffed out the trophy, which was wrapped in newspaper at the bottom of a suburban garden hedge in south London. As a reward, Pickles was invited to England's celebration banquet and was allowed to lick the plates clean.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Gerry Armstrong earns Northern Ireland an incredible win - 1982 At the 1982 World Cup, Northern Ireland recorded two draws in their opening two group games. To progress they needed a win over Spain, who were hosting the tournament. Victory appeared a task too far, surely? Step forward Gerry Armstrong. The then Watford striker opened the scoring in Valencia in the 47th minute. And despite Mal Donaghy seeing red, Spain were unable to find an equaliser as Northern Ireland recorded a memorable victory.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Clive Thomas and the final whistle - 1978 General practice among referees is to blow the final whistle during a moment when the action has calmed down - and certainly not at a pivotal moment in a match. But not if you're Welsh referee Clive Thomas. Sweden and Brazil were drawing 1-1 in 1978 when the Samba Boys were awarded a last minute corner. The ball was swung in and Zico headed it into the net. A last minute winner - or so everyone thought. But Thomas had blown the final whistle as the ball came across, and the goal was ruled out in a hugely controversial incident.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Chile change - 1962 Host nations have a habit of doing well in the World Cup. On six occasions the organisers have lifted the trophy, and failing that, they've tended to progress to the latter stages of the tournament. That was the case in 1962, when Chile reached the semi-finals. Yet their progress caused a problem. The organisers decided to switch the venue of their semi-final with Brazil from Viña del Mar to Santiago to accommodate more fans. But the crowds in Viña del Mar were furious that their home team's match had been taken away from them, and boycotted the alternative semi between Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia that they were given. As a result, the attendance for Czechoslovakia's win was recorded at just 6,000 - the lowest World Cup semi-final attendance in history.
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50 greatest World Cup moments The worst foul ever - 1982 When it comes to odd goalkeeping decisions, there have been many. This though, has to top the list. It occurs in the 1982 World Cup, and West Germany goalkeeper Harald Schumacher got a little too excited when he came steaming out of his penalty area. The opposition were France, and after a peach of a ball through, Patrick Battison and the aforementioned Schumacher found themselves in a foot race to make it to the ball. Battison just came through first, but Schumacher had no intention of stopping. He clattered his opponent, left him unconscious, minus two teeth, and with damage to his vertebrae. And to add insult to considerable injury, the referee gave a goal kick.
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50 greatest World Cup moments The highest attendance - 1950 The largest ever crowd to witness a World Cup match occurred all the way back in 1950. It should also hold the record for the largest number of disappointed fans. The huge attendance of 200,000 came in the World Cup final between Brazil and Uruguay. The Maracana in Rio de Janeiro was packed out to witness what was expected to be a stroll for the host nation. But Uruguay stunned the samba boys and won 2-1.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Andrés Escobar own goal - 1994 Every player looks glum when he puts the ball into his own net, but when Andrés Escobar scored an own goal in the 1994 World Cup, he had more reason than most to be feeling blue. The defender put into his own net during the group stage against the United States and Columbia went on to lose the match. With Columbia eliminated, it was to get worse for Escobar, who was killed upon return to his home country. It's widely believed he was murdered as punishment for his own goal by disgruntled drug lords who incurred huge gambling losses because of his mistake. A footnote to the sorry episode was that the BBC had to issue an apology the following day after pundit Alan Hansen commented on another match: "the Argentine defender wants shooting for a mistake like that."
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50 greatest World Cup moments Rivelinho free-kick - 1974 One of the classic free-kicks in World Cup history came from Brazilian play-maker Rivelino in 1974. The likes of Pele, Tostao and Gerson were all missing from the all-conquering team of 1970, and it was their new No 10 Rivelino who was charged with picking up the baton. Two goalless draws meant victory in the final group match with Zaire was essential, and it was Rivelino who inspired the team to victory. He then scored in the subsequent two matches, against Argentina and East Germany before defeat to Holland saw Brazil lose their crown. But it was the goal against East Germany that lingers in the memory. Brazil were awarded a free-kick outside the box and Rivelino stepped up. He ran at the ball with fearsome pace before unleashing the ball straight at the wall. Team-mate Ze Maria then ducked out the way and the shot went flying into the net without German goalkeeper Juergen Croy moving an inch.
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50 greatest World Cup moments England penalty heartache - 1990 It's not the most glorious of moments for England fans to remember, but the images of the beaten England team after losing on penalties to Germany in the semi-final of Italia 90 have been some of the most enduring. Bobby Robson's side drew the match 1-1 and when there were no goals after extra-time, a dreaded penalty shootout was necessary. Lineker, Beardsley and Platt tucked the first three away for England, and Germany matched them goal for goal. Next up was Stuart Pearce, the lion heart of the England team. He smashed his penalty but the shot was saved by the legs of Bodo Illgner. When Germany scored the next one, Chris Waddle had to score. He put the ball well over the bar and England's dream, sadly, was over once more.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Maradona leads Argentina past Belgium - 1986 After overcoming England in controversial fashion in the quarter-finals of the 1986 World Cup, Argentina faced Belgium in the next round. It was a game in which the man that had been at the centre of that controversy proved his genius beyond all doubt. Maradona scored both goals in the 2-0 win. The first was a beautiful flick over the keeper while the other was a trade mark run of world class. Receiving the ball 40 yards from goal, he skips between two defenders before rounding a third and thundering the ball beyond the goalkeeper. With the magic that he displayed, even England fans considered whether to forgive him.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Hungary v El Salvador - 1982 The tiny central American country of El Salvador qualified for only their second ever World Cup in 1982, and were desperate to prove they could mix it with the big boys. Unfortunately they lost all three of their group games, the worst of which an absolute pummelling at the hands of Hungary. They were beaten 10-1 in a result that tied for the most lopsided result in World Cup history. The final goal of their humiliating defeat was scored by Hungary's Tibor Nyilasi in the 83rd minute.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Gary Lineker hat-trick - 1986 From England's perspective, memories of the 1986 World Cup are dominated by a certain little Argentinean. But a happier memory from Mexico was Gary Lineker's hat-trick against Poland. It was the final match of the group stage, and it was make or break for Bobby Robson's side. England had lost their first match and drawn the second and were yet to score a goal when they faced the Poles. But they broke their duck in style with Lineker bagging three first-half goals, one of five hat-tricks the now Match of the Day presenter scored for the national team.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Finidi George celebration - 1994 The award for most bizarre goal celebration goes to Finidi George. Nigeria, wearing kits that appeared to be made out of newspapers, were taking on Greece in the 1994 World Cup when George scored a beautiful lob over the oncoming goalkeeper. To celebrate, George got down on his hands and knees and cocked his leg as if he were a dog using a lamp post. The reason for his celebration is unknown, but he appeared delighted with it, finishing off with a little jig.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Hakan Sukur scores after 11 seconds - 2002 Turkey were taking on South Korea in an unlikely match-up for the third-place play-off in 2002 when Hakan Sukur stunned the hosts. It took just 11 seconds for Turkey to open the scoring and with it silence the emphatic Asian crowd. They would go on to win the match 3-2. The goal beat the previous record of 15 seconds, set by Czechoslovakia's Vaclav Masek in 1962.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Roger Milla - 1990 Cameroonian Roger Milla was one of Africa's first international football stars, but it is for his celebration that he is best remembered. Coaxed out of international retirement by the President of Cameroon, Milla took his place in the side for the 1990 World Cup. Despite being 38-years-old (and consequently well past his best in many peoples eyes) Milla emerged as one of the tournament's stars, scoring four goals - each one celebrated with a dance around the corner post. The iconic jig continues to be mimicked to this day.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Pele in Sweden - 1958 Pele is the footballer most synonymous with the World Cup, having appeared at four finals and lifted the Jules Rimet a record three times. But it was at the 1958 World Cup in Sweden that football fans first got a glimpse of the rising star. At the time he was just 17, and was at that stage the youngest ever player to appear in the tournament. Yet despite his age, Pele showed no signs of stage fright. He scored the only goal against Wales to see Brazil through to the semi-finals, and then scored a hat-trick against France to gain the Samba boys a place in the final. Come the final, he didn't let up, banging in a further two goals against Sweden to secure the cup for Brazil...not for the first or last time.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Jorge Campos - 1994 Mexican goalkeeper Jorge Campos takes the award for zaniest World Cup football kit. The eccentric stopper designed his own strip (presumably all he had to hand during the sketching process were highlighter pens) and showed them off at the 1994 World Cup. Unfortunately for Campos, his brightly coloured threads weren't enough to put the Bulgarians off, who knocked Mexico out on penalties in the second-round.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Frank Rijkaard v Rudi Voller - 1990 Whenever a spitting incident occurs in the modern game, the clash between Frank Rijkaard and Rudi Voller at the 1990 World Cup is quick to be hauled out of the archive. The two had been building up to the moment early in their second-round clash between Germany and Holland. After Voller put in a wild lunge on the Dutch keeper, Rijkaard got involved, a melee ensued and the two were sent off. The actual spitting incident happened in a flash, but Rijkaard's well placed projectile landing in Voller's silver mullet was to go on and become one of the enduring images of the event.
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50 greatest World Cup moments The first World Cup - 1930 The success of the Olympic football tournaments led FIFA, and in particular the president, Jules Rimet, to float the idea of staging a specific tournament for football. That was in 1928, and two years later, the first ever World Cup kicked-off. The tournament was staged in Uruguay, and involved 13 countries. Representing Europe were France, Romania and Belgium. But it was the hosts who would go on to lift the trophy, beating Argentina 4-2 in the final.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Dennis Bergkamp wonder goal - 1998 As its No. 98 of our 100 moments, we've selected a goal from the '98 World Cup in France, or more specifically, THE goal of the '98 World Cup. The strike in question came from Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp during Holland's quarter-final victory over Argentina. In the dying minutes, Frank de Boer plays a 60 yard ball up to Bergkamp. With one of the most sublime first touches ever seen, the Dutchman brings it down, then plays it through the legs of Roberto Ayala before spanking it into the net with the outside of his boot. Pure genius.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Ray Houghton scores against Italy - 1994 Ireland were the closest thing to a home team for England supporters when it came to the 1994 World Cup. At least their manager Jack Charlton was English. So, much of the focus was on the Irish, who faced a daunting opening group match against Italy. But just 11 minutes in and against all the odds, Ray Houghton scored the only goal of the match with a looping long range shot - and with it sparked some life into the USA World Cup. The only thing more shocking than Ireland's win was the eery lack of expression on Terry Phelan's face as the players celebrated the goal.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Ilunga Mwepu and the Brazilian free-kick - 1974 Making their first (and only) appearance at the World Cup, Zaire made sure they left their mark. Over the course of their three group matches in the 1974 tournament, they conceded 14 goals and scored none, but it was their apparent lack of knowledge when it came to the rules that stood out. The moment best remembered occurred when Brazil were awarded a free kick. When the referee blew his whistle, and before Brazil had a chance to take it, right back Ilunga Mwepu broke out of the Zaire wall and thumped the ball as hard as he could up the other end of the pitch. Mwepu was booked for his troubles but from his bemused reaction was apparently unaware what he had done wrong.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Siphiwe Tshabalala wonder goal - 2010 That South Africa were hosting a World Cup tournament was a big deal. That they scored the opening goal was an even bigger one. That it was an absolute screamer topped it all off. In the opening match of the tournament, the hosts found themselves up against Mexico, with the world watching. Up stepped Siphiwe Tshabalala, ten minutes into the second half. He latched onto a perfectly-weighted ball from Kagisho Dikgacoi, took one touch and rifled home, finding the top corner of the net to send a nation into unbridled joy. It was magnificent, not only for South Africa, but for the rest of the world who had really bought into the South African dream.
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50 greatest World Cup moments Carlos Alberto's beautiful goal - 1970 The 1970 World Cup is widely regarded as the greatest Finals competition in history. And it's no coincidence that the Mexico tournament featured the finest Brazilian team ever brought together. Jairzinho, Tostao, Rivelino and of course Pele (pictured, top), all lined up in the yellow, blue and white to dazzle the world with a style of football that seems unlikely to ever be surpassed. Among all the amazing moments to choose from, we've selected Carlos Alberto's goal against Italy - the last of their four goals in the final. Words can't do it justice, apart from to say, when people talk about the beautiful game, this is it.
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Fifa named him “Football Player of the Century”, while the International Olympic Committee bestowed him with the title “Athlete of the Century”.
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