FIFA World Cup: Analysing first goal to last goal before Qatar 2022

Scoring at the grand stage for your country is every footballer's dream

Over 2500 goals have been scored in 20 FIFA World Cup editions since the competition's inauguration in 1930. And every World Cup since the first goal was scored in the 1930 World Cup has seen that different goal milestone reached. We have collected the milestone goals in one of the most popular sports in this post.

1: Lucien Laurent, France – July 13, 1930 

Lucien Laurent scored the first FIFA World Cup goal in 1930 when he slid a volley home to the goalkeeper's right. As the ball rifled the net, the supporters stood up in enthusiasm, and the entire stadium was in rapture. "When I scored my goal, which was the first of the tournament and my first for France, we applauded one other but without climbing all over each other like they do now," he later claimed.

100: Angelo Schiavio, Italy – 1934 

Schiavio was instrumental in Italy's triumph to their first World Cup title, defeating Czechoslovakia in the final. He scored in extra time to help Italy win its maiden World Cup. Although he also scored the World Cup's 100th goal against the United States of America in 1934, and also completed his hat-trick against the same opponent. He was the first Italian to score a hat-trick, as well as their first goal in a FIFA World Cup.

500: Robert Young Collins, Scotland – 1958

Despite Scotland's failure to advance to the round of 16 in 1958, Robert Young had his sights set on scoring the 500th goal in the World Cup. They lost 3-1 to Paraguay, but Young Collins carved his name in the World Cup record books by scoring 500 World Cup goal.

1000: Rob Rensenbrink, Netherlands – 1978 

When Dutch superstar Johan Cruyff retired from football, Rob Rensenbrink made his imprint. Rensenbrink led the country to its first-ever World Cup final, where Argentina defeated them, but ended the tournament as the second-top scorer. He was one of the fortunate players to score the 1000th goal in FIFA World Cup history, which came against Scotland in a group game.

1500; Claudio Caniggia, Argentina – 1994

Claudio Caniggia was the most influential player in Argentina's World Cup encounter against Nigeria in 1994. Nigeria led the match, but the Argentine forward's quick brace enabled the squad to win a narrow victory. It was the 1500th goal of the FIFA World Cup, scored by the number 7, as Argentina comfortably qualified for the knockout stages. 

2000: Marcus Allback, Sweden – 2006 

Sweden met England in the 2006 World Cup, and both possessed world-class players. England were the one to make the breakthrough, but Sweden retaliated with a brilliant free-kick, through Marcus Allba, who set a new World Cup record by scoring the 2000th goal of the FIFA World Cup. He would go on to play in 70 Swedish matches and score 30 international goals.

2500: Fakhreddine Ben Youssef, Tunisia – 2018 

Tunisia were seeded in the most difficult World Cup group. And managed only one victory against Panama. Tunisia came from behind to win a merited victory, setting a FIFA World Cup record in the process. Fakhreddine Ben Youssef scored the 2500th goal of the FIFA World Cup. Which was one of his career's best moments. Unfortunately, it was his last World Cup. As he has not been picked in the squad since then.

2548: Mario Mandzukic, Croatia -2018 

Mario Mandzukic scored the final FIFA World Cup goal, the 2548th of the tournament, in a final match against eventual champions France. However, he was the one who handed France the lead by turning into his net, but he made amends with a goal in the final minute when he capitalized on Hugo Lloris's mistake, albeit it was insufficient as France were already on the verge of their second World Cup title.