10 thrilling late goals scored in World Cups

#9 Freddy Rincon vs West Germany, 1990

Colombia’s qualification for the 1990 World Cup marked their comeback to football’s biggest stage after nearly three decades. The side boasted many quality players like Carlos Valderrama, who was the South American Footballer of the Year in 1987, and Rene Higuita.

They were not one considered one of the favorites at Italia ‘90 but did definitely have an outside shot. Colombia were placed in Group D alongside favorites, West Germany, dark horses, Yugoslavia, and debutants, United Arab Emirates. They began their tournament well, beating the United Arab Emirates 2-0 courtesy goals from Bernardo Redin and captain Carlos Valderrama.

However, they lost their next match to Yugoslavia and needed to avoid defeat in their final group game against a West Germany side who had beaten Yugoslavia and United Arab Emirates quite comprehensively.

In the Colombia-West Germany game, both teams had chances to score but neither side was able to break the deadlock. Rudi Voller passed to substitute Pierre Littbarski who shot a powerful left-footed volley past Colombian goalie Rene Higuita and West Germany were 1-0 up.

During the final moments of injury time, Valderrama's pass found striker Freddy Rincon and he shot the ball between West German goalkeeper Bodo Illgner’s legs to equalize for Colombia.

The draw ensured Colombia finished third in their group and subsequently qualified for the round of 16 for the first time in their history. The Colombians would eventually bow out at the last 16 stage after a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon.