Of all the striking images at this World Cup, few have caught the imagination quite like the sight of Robin van Persie high-fiving Louis van Gaal after scoring that sublime headed equaliser in Holland’s 5-1 demolition of Spain.

As an expression of pure, unbridled joy, it was a worthy companion to Marco Tardelli celebrating scoring Italy’s second goal in their 3-1 win over West Germany in the 1982 World Cup final, when the midfielder — close to tears, fists clenched, arms shaking violently up and down — screamed uncontrollably as he hurtled towards the Azzurri bench. Or Pelé, moments after that gargantuan leap to head home Roberto Rivelino’s cross in Brazil’s final triumph over Italy in 1970, jumping into the arms of the bear-hugging Jairzinho,