5 epic dying-minute goals in World Cup history

#3. Lionel Messi, Argentina vs Iran, 2014 World Cup group stage

FC Barcelona v Juventus - UEFA Champions League

This turned out to be a tough match for Argentina as Iran held them goalless until Lionel Messi scored a stunner. In the 91st minute, he hit the ball from 25 yards with his left-foot, breaking Iranian hearts. With this win, Argentina booked their place in the knockout stages and Messi won the prize for player of the tournament.

Messi said, “As soon as I got the ball at the end we were all in attack because we wanted to put Argentina through with a win.”

#2. Toni Kroos, Germany vs Sweden, 2018 World Cup group stage

Germany v Sweden: Group F - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia

The first goal was scored by Sweden, but three minutes into the second half, Germany scored an equalizer. It was a neck-to-neck match until Toni Kroos came into action. In the 95th minute, he gave a free-kick short pass to Marco Reus before sweeping the return pass into the goalpost.

Germany won by 2-1 and moved on to the knockout stages. Coach Joachim Low said to FIFA, "His free-kick was world-class, and he really deserved it."

#1. Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal vs Spain, 2018 World Cup group stage

Real Madrid v APOEL Nikosia - UEFA Champions League

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice to give Portugal the lead with first-half goals, but Diego Costa scored two goals in each half to equalize the score. Nacho Fernandez put Spain ahead with a goal from outside the area. They led with a score of 3-2, but in the 88th minute, Ronaldo hit a free-kick in the goalpost with his right foot to score a hat-trick.

Portugal drew the game 3-3 with Spain and the Spanish sports daily AS quite aptly had this on the front page: “Too little luck, too much Ronaldo.”