Goals by our players World Cup tournaments have actually been few and far between over the years, but here’s 10 from the last 20 years – how many do you remember…?
2022
Phil Foden v Wales
While it’s fresh in the memory...
After winning the free-kick that led to England’s opening goal, Foden doubled the Three Lions’ lead when he arrived at the back post to turn in Harry Kane’s low cross from the right.
England went on to win 3-0 and this was Phil’s third goal for his country.
2018
Sergio Aguero v Iceland
This was typical Sergio as far as City fans were concerned.
Iceland were proving dogged opposition at the 2018 World Cup in Russia so when the ball came to Aguero in the box, he still had plenty to do with a defender on his shoulder near the penalty spot.
Kun received the pass with his back to goal, pushed it slightly to his right before spinning and thumping the ball in the top left corner to make it 1-0 to Argentina with 19 minutes played.
John Stones v Panama
The first of a brace by our cultured centre-back against the Central American minnows.
A corner from the right was met on the run by Stones with a powerful header that gave the keeper no chance and put England 1-0 up.
John Stones v Panama
And another!
With 40 minutes played, England were in cruise control and leading 3-0 when a set-piece routine saw Harry Kane nod the ball across the box and though Raheem Sterling’s effort was saved, Stones was on hand to rifle home his second and England’s fourth of the first-half.
Sergio Aguero v France
Aguero’s second goal of the 2018 World Cup proved no more than a consolation for Argentina.
Deep into added time and trailing 4-2 against France in the quarter-final, Lionel Messi’s pinpoint cross into the box found the head of Kun who expertly guided a powerful header past the keeper to make it 4-3.
Kevin De Bruyne v Brazil
With Belgium 1-0 up against Brazil in the quarter-final, Kevin De Bruyne doubled the advantage just past the half-hour with what would prove to be the winner in a 2-1 win.
Romelu Lukaku’s burst forward saw the striker play the ball to De Bruyne on the right of the box – Lukaku’s tumble made up KDB’s mind as he instead arrowed a low shot across the keeper and into the bottom left corner. Stunning!
2014
Fernandinho v Cameroon
Having just helped City secure the Premier League title in his first campaign, Fernandinho headed back home for World Cup duty with Brazil, hosts of the 2014 World Cup.
And the City midfielder was on target in a 4-1 win over Cameroon, bursting into the box and toe poking the ball past the keeper into the bottom right corner to complete the scoring for the Seleção.
2010
Carolos Tevez v Mexico
Carlos Tevez headed out for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa after an excellent first season with City.
The first of a brace against the Mexicans was somewhat controversial, Tevez looking a good yard offside when he headed Lionel Messi’s clever chip into the net with the keeper stranded on the edge of the box to make it 1-0.
Carlos Tevez v Mexico
Wow.
In an eagerly anticipated Round of 16 clash, Tevez sealed passage to the quarter-final for Diego Maradona’s side when an attempted through ball between two Mexican defenders bounced back to him and the City striker, never one to turn down an opportunity, then bought himself a yard of space before unleashing a 25-yard howitzer into the top right-hand corner of the net.
A wonderful goal by a wonderful player.
2002
Paulo Wanchope v Brazil
The enigmatic Paulo Wanchope was a popular figure during his time at City.
Along with team-mates Richard Dunne and Lucien Mettomo, he was one of three City stars who went to the 2002 World Cup.
The group stage clash with Brazil would end in a 5-2 defeat for Costa Rica, but Wanchope’s prod home on 39 minutes at least reduced the arrears before the break and gave him a pleasant memory for future years.
