Paying homage to 5 of the most memorable World Cup giant-killings

THE PAIN IN SPAIN

1982 World Cup Finals, Valencia, Spain, 25th June, 1982, Spain 0 v Northern Ireland 1, Spain's Juan Juanito chases Northern Ireland's John McLelland

The destination: Valencia, Spain

The game: Spain 0-1 Northern Ireland, 1982

The stadium: The Mestalla’s imposingly steep terraces should be empty by now but such is the state of Valencia’s finances that construction on their new stadium was halted during the recession and has remained untouched. Often used for the Copa del Rey final and for international games it’s well worth a visit.

What happened: It should have been an insurmountable challenge. Having never before beaten Spain and with just five goals in their previous 13 games, Northern Ireland needed to beat the 1982 World Cup hosts to stay in the tournament. Amazingly, they managed just that, stunning the Mestalla crowd into silence as Gerry Armstrong (he of Sky Sports La Liga co-commentary fame) started and finished a swift counter-attack to put the underdogs ahead early in the second half. An attacking onslaught ensued but even though Mal Donaghy was sent off for a second bookable offence the Spanish couldn’t find a way past veteran Arsenal keeper Pat Jennings. Such was the structure of the 24-team competition that the Irish proceeded to a second group stage where a draw with Austria and defeat to France nipped their adventure in the bud. A real shame, but they returned to Belfast with heads held high.

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BERN, BABY, BERN

Morlock, West Germany's inside-right, scores against Hungary in the World Cup Final at Berne, Switzerland.

The destination: Bern, Switzerland

The game: West Germany 3-2 Hungary, 1954

The stadium: The amazingly named Wankdorf Stadium was, until 2001, the home of Young Boys before it was torn down and replaced by the new Stade de Suisse ahead of Euro 2008. Apparently rock band Muse credit the old arena as the inspiration for their song ‘Wankdorf Jam’.

What happened: The 1954 World Cup final is commonly referred to as ‘The Miracle of Bern’ and rightly remembered as one of the most controversial games ever played. On a 31-game unbeaten streak the Hungarians, spearheaded by ‘Galloping Major’ Ferenc Puskas, were outright favourites. Indeed, having already beaten their German opponents 8-3 in the group stages the game looked done and dusted when Hungary stormed to an early two-goal lead. However, by the 18th minute the sides were level before Helmut Rahn, scorer of the equaliser, pounced with six minutes to go to put the underdogs ahead. As the game edged towards its conclusion the drama climaxed in the pouring rain as Welsh linesman Benjamin Griffiths controversially ruled out a late Puskas effort before the Hungarians also had a stonewall penalty claim denied. The world learned a valuable lesson – never, ever, write off the Germans.