The FIFA World Cup is about to begin, meaning a chance to make memories and career-defining moments – something Tottenham Hotspur players of past and present have done before.
With 10 members of Roberto De Zerbi’s squad heading to the USA, Mexico and Canada for this tournament, including new signing Andy Robertson, we decided to take a look at some of the most iconic moments starring Spurs players.
- Djed Spence – England
- Cristian Romero – Argentina
- Pedro Porro – Spain
- Micky Van de Ven – Netherlands
- Rodrigo Bentancur – Uruguay
- Lucas Bergvall – Sweden
- Pape Matar Sarr – Senegal
- Luka Vuskovic – Croatia
- Andy Robertson – Scotland
- Kevin Danso – Austria
Son sinks the world champions in 2018
After securing their fourth World Cup in 2014, Germany found themselves fighting survive going into the final round of group games in 2018.
A 1-0 defeat to Mexico in their opening game in Russia was followed by a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Sweden to stay alive. With the game ticking into stoppage time in Kazan against South Korea, the Germans were stunned when Kim Young-gwon opened the scoring two minutes into stoppage time.
Pouring everyone forwards in the hope of a reprieve, including Manuel Neuer, Germany were caught out with a long ball sending Son Heung-Min clean through to tap into an empty net and spark wild celebrations.
Richy’s stunning strike in 2022
In their opening game of the 2022 World Cup, Richarlison made himself Brazil’s hero with a double to secure the points against Serbia.
The first was pretty standard, following up on the rebound to open the scoring, but it was the second that caught the headlines.
His first touch from Vinicius’ cross looped up and the Spurs man leapt up and delivered the most acrobatic of finishes. It was a truly stunning strike. Not one words can really do justice.
Gazza’s tears in 1990
It is one of the iconic images… Paul Gascoigne in tears after picking up a yellow card against West Germany in the semi-final.
That yellow meant he would be suspended for the final.
While ultimately, as so often happens with England, it ended in heartbreak for everyone, that one moment showcases just how much it all means to players.
Trippier dares a nation to dream
England’s fairytale 2018 World Cup led them to Moscow for a semi-final against Croatia where, with five minutes on the clock, Kieran Trippier stepped up and buried a fantastic free-kick into the top corner.
Cue bedlam in the stands and across the nation.
As we all know it was destined to end in heartbreak and the wait to end many years of hurt rolls into this summer, but in that moment, it felt like football really was about to come home.
And, after all, football is all about moments, isn’t it?
World Cup champions
Made of 18 karat gold, the World Cup trophy may be the most iconic trophy in the whole of sport – and there are Tottenham players that have got their hands on it.
In 2018, Hugo Lloris was the first man to raise it for France as captain, celebrating their 4-2 triumph over Croatia. Cristian Romero, meanwhile, was another as Argentina came out on top on penalties against France in 2022.
Could there be another this time around? Will Romero make it back-to-back trophies? Will Pedro Porro and Spain claim another World Cup? Could Micky van de Ven and the Netherlands spring a surprise?
Or is it finally time for England and Djed Spence to bring it home?