FIFA World Cup 2018: Top-three goals

Some goals define moments. Others win matches. Then there are the ones that conjure pure magic, leaving a lasting impression...

LIONEL MESSI (ARG VS NIG)Typically, Messi scored one of the best goals with the simplest of touches. Similar to Bergkamp’s memorable strike for Holland against Argentina at France ’98, Messi deftly controlled Banega’s angled pass on his thigh, instantly took the ball away from a Nigerian defender with a second touch, then used his right foot to strike it home.

BENJAMIN PAVARD

(FRA VS ARG)After Argentina unexpectedly took the lead in this crunch contest, the 22-year-old fullback Pavard levelled for France in spectacular fashion. Lucas Hernandez’s cross from the left evaded everyone in the middle, and Pavard side-stepped a halfvolley into the top left corner from the right corner of the penalty area.

NACER CHADLI

(BEL VS JAP)With scores level, Japan managed a corner and chose to send all their men forward. Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois got hold of the ball and released it to Kevin De Bruyne, who carried it deep and played it wide to Thomas Meunier. Meunier squared it into the box, where Lukaku’s clever dummy allowed Nacer Chadli to tap in the winner.