The best and worst set-piece routines seen at World Cups

Set-pieces are best remembered for the goals they produce. Eusebio against Brazil in 1966;Ronaldinho against England in 2002; Andreas Brehme against Argentina in 1990; more recently, Lionel Messi against Nigeria. But these are usually solo efforts. An imaginative and well-practised set-piece routine can produce unexpected moves that defences cant react to fast enough, leading to goals. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesnt. Heres a look at five World Cup set-pieces that were, well, unusual.

#1 2014: Thomas Muller, Germany vs Algeria

Germans spend a lot of time practising new set-piece routines, but this one against Algeria didn’t quite work out. In fact, it was one of the most hilarious fails we’ve seen all tournament.

#2 1998: Javier Zanetti - Argentina vs England

http://youtu.be/zdSgyZCbly8

In all the noise and furyoverDavid Beckhams red card, this peach of agoal gotovershadowed. What I love the most isZanettis movement: he dartsbehind andacrossthe English wall, completely unnoticed, and then suddenly pops up in the right place toreceiveVerons pass.

His turn-and-shoot was executedwith bloodless accuracy, givingthe English defenders absolutely no chance.

#3 1994: Tomas Brolin - Sweden vs Romania

http://youtu.be/48x5dX-x7r4

Similar to the last one, but executed differently. Greatmovement again, and by more than oneSwedish player. Thewallwasdragged out of position, with the Romaniansactually running forwardBrolin had acres of space to receive the ball and sprintinto.

#4 2006: Zinedine Zidane - France vs Italy

Perhaps the cockiest goal in World Cup history. This comment below the video sums it up: “You must be crazy to do this, World cup Final, panenka, best goalie in the world at the time.” The crazy was always there with Zidane, and he served up an unfortunate reminder later in the match. But this goal, the last of his career, was coolness personified (still, not as good as this one).

Panenkas (chipped penalties) are rare in football, and the commentators on ESPN weren’t sure what Zidane was trying. “He probably saw Buffon move early and got lazy with his shot,” opined one.

#5 1974: Mwepu Ilunga, Zaire vs Brazil

I’m including this one only because it is downright, mind-blowingly hilarious! It isn’t a routine (sadly; we need more of this). It was actually a defensive tactic. But nothing quite like this has been seen in World Cup history.

They, and every other side out there, should take a cue from this team on defending set-pieces.