World Cup 2014: Is Tim Cahill's goal the greatest ever scored in a World Cup?

Updated

Tim Cahill's stunning goal against the Netherlands is already being lauded as the goal of the 2014 World Cup.

Cahill faces stiff competition already with Robin van Persie's headed finish against Spain, but his volley on Thursday morning to equalise against the Dutch triggered an outburst of joy on social media.

Now we want to know if you think Cahill's goal is the greatest ever scored in a World Cup.

We've selected the pick of the bunch down the years, and want to know which you think is the best of the lot.

Tim Cahill v the Netherlands, 2014

Tim Cahill's goal against the Dutch needs no further explanation.

Down 1-0 thanks to Arjen Robben's opener, Cahill hit back for Australia barely a minute later.

A long ball from Ryan McGowan dropped over Cahill's shoulder, before he hammered it past Jasper Cillessen on his supposedly-weaker left foot.

Robin van Persie v Spain, 2014

A sublime goal that rewrote the book on what makes a good header.

Dutch striker Robin van Persie levelled the match against defending champions Spain with this corker off his head.

Latching on to a punted cross from the half-way line from Daley Blind, van Persie got into the perfect position before contorting his body mid-air to lob the ball past keeper Iker Casillas.

It opened the floodgates as the Netherlands went on to absolutely destroy Spain 5-1.

(GIF vision courtesy SBS)

Diego Maradona v England, 1986

His first goal would forever go down in footballing infamy, but his second was one of unheard of skill as Diego Maradona tore England apart in Mexico.

In a match that saw the brilliant forward blatantly handball in his "Hand of God" goal, Maradona summed up his career in a nutshell by coupling that with one of the most majestic goals ever scored in a World Cup.

Picking up the ball in his own half, the Argentine bamboozled his way past a host of English midfielders and defenders with the ball seemingly glued to his feet.

Bursting into the box, he decided against an early shot, instead rounding keeper Peter Shilton to cap off a truly stunning individual goal.

Dennis Bergkamp v Argentina, 1998

A goal that will live long in Dutch footballing folklore, Dennis Bergkamp's blistering peach of a finish against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup quarter-finals.

A long raking pass from Frank de Boer was perfectly cushioned by the Dutch genius, before nutmegging it through Roberto Ayala's legs ahead of a sizzling shot past the keeper.

The goal showcased all of Bergkamp's other-worldly talents, but will also be remembered for Dutch commentator Jack van Gelder's maniacally emotional commentary, featuring the words "Dennis Bergkamp" bellowed five times in succession.

Archie Gemmill v the Netherlands, 1978

The 'Trainspotting goal', Archie Gemmill's strike against the Netherlands was superb not only for its artistry, but also for the hope it gave Scotland of an unlikely progression to the next round in 1978.

Needing to win the game by three goals to progress, the Scottish midfielder exchanged an excellent one-two with Kenny Dalglish before ghosting into the Dutch box before hitting a superb finish past the Netherlands keeper to put his team 3-1 ahead.

In an emotional roller-coaster for Scottish fans, Johnny Rep got a goal back for the Netherlands as the match finished 3-2, ultimately denying Scotland a place in the next round.

Esteban Cambiasso v Serbia, 2006

One of the greatest team goals ever scored in a World Cup, Argentina's team of 2006 looked to have the ball on a string as it tormented Serbia in a first-round 6-0 drubbing.

The third goal was the pick of the bunch as the side strung 26 passes together, culminating in a back-heeled pass in the box for midfielder Esteban Cambiasso to smash the ball home.

The crowd rose as one in instant acknowledgment of a truly special goal at the Stadion Gelsenkirchen.

Every World Cup goal

Need more goals? Check out our Need more goals? Check out our interactive map of every World Cup goal ever.

Topics: socceroos, soccer-world-cup, soccer, sport, brazil, netherlands, australia

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