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The Premier League: from 1992 to 2019

Next up in our Sporting Rivalries series is the Winter Olympics.

For many the Winter Olympics are the pinnacle of&nbsp;a&nbsp;sporting&nbsp;career, with stakes, pressure and expectation at their highest&nbsp;and where&nbsp;rivalries become fiercely competitive&nbsp;whether individual or national.

<img alt="Marie-Phillip Poulin playing for Canada in the 2014 Winter Olympics" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3441_default_big.png" style="float:left" title="Marie-Phillip Poulin" />Canada - USA: Women&rsquo;s Ice Hockey (1998-Present)

The two female heavyweights in ice hockey, who have dominated the sport for nearly three decades,&nbsp;are the United States and Canada. The two&nbsp;countries&nbsp;have contested five out of the six gold medal matches since women&rsquo;s ice hockey was introduced to the Winter Olympics in 1998, producing some particularly tense and thrilling encounters in the process.

The USA topped the podium in 1998, before enduring 20 years of Canadian dominance. Canada narrowly won the gold medal match 3-2 in 2002, and in 2006 the USA were stunned by Sweden in the semis and had to settle for bronze, whilst the Canadians marched to their second consecutive gold medal. Canada made it a hat trick of golds in 2010 as they defeated the USA 2-0 in the final.&nbsp;

The 2014 Winter Olympics saw one of the most nail biting and dramatic match ups between the two countries. The USA had led 2-0 after the first two periods&nbsp;but with&nbsp;just three and a half minutes remaining, Canada pulled one back, and with less than a minute left, they levelled the scores up to send the game into a sudden death overtime. Four years previously,&nbsp;Marie-Philip&nbsp;Poulin&nbsp;had scored the two decisive goals for Canada in the gold medal match, and she was once&nbsp;again&nbsp;the hero scoring the winner in overtime to complete a remarkable comeback.

There was to be similar drama four years later at the PyeongChang Games.&nbsp;The USA had opened the scoring&nbsp;before&nbsp;two goals in the space of&nbsp;five second period minutes gave the Canadians the lead &ndash; Poulin once again on the scoresheet.&nbsp;However,&nbsp;with six minutes remaining, the USA levelled, and the gold medal match was once again sent into overtime. Nothing could separate the two sides during the additional 20 minutes,&nbsp;resulting in&nbsp;the game&nbsp;being&nbsp;decided by a shootout for the first time in women&rsquo;s ice hockey history. The USA held their nerve and ended a 20 year wait for Olympic gold.

This is a rivalry consisting of the very best in their sport going toe to toe on the biggest stage&nbsp;but&nbsp;it is also a rivalry with a unique twist&nbsp;since&nbsp;many of the Canadian and USA athletes are club and college teammates during the domestic season.&nbsp;There&nbsp;is no room&nbsp;though&nbsp;for niceties when they pull on their national jerseys&nbsp;particularly during&nbsp;the buildup to the Winter Olympics&nbsp;when rivalry intensifies.&nbsp;While matchups between the very best can sometimes underwhelm, this is a fixture that always delivers.

<img alt="Nancy Kerrigan at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3442_default_big.jpeg" style="float:right" title="Nancy Kerrigan at the 1994 Winter Olympics" />Nancy Kerrigan - Tonya Harding: Figure Skating (1994)

Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan were a pair of figure skating rivals from the United States who battled it out on the ice for four years in the build up to the 1994 Winter Olympics in Norway&nbsp;but, unfortunately, it is one infamous incident away from the rink that will see their rivalry remembered forever.

The pampered and sheltered upbringing stereotype of a figure skater did not apply to either of these athletes. Harding came from an unstable family home, with money so tight that she would dance in her mother&rsquo;s home-made costumes&nbsp;whilst&nbsp;Kerrigan came from a similarly humble background, with her father having to work multiple jobs to fund her career.&nbsp;In 1991, the pair met at the US Figure Skating Championships, with Harding coming out on top. A month later at the World Championships, the skater from Oregon came out on top once more, taking a silver medal at her first major championships&nbsp;whilst&nbsp;Kerrigan took bronze. That year Harding became the first American woman, and only the second woman in history, to successfully land a triple Axel.&nbsp;But Kerrigan was hot on Harding&rsquo;s heels, and in 1992 she claimed bronze at the Winter Olympics and silver at the World Championships. The fiercely competitive Harding surprisingly finished fourth at the Olympics and sixth at the World Championships, as her personal life began to spiral out of control.

With the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer around the corner, the controversy that would define this rivalry reared its ugly head. Kerrigan was attacked after training, sustaining bruising on her leg that forced her to pull out of the National Championships the following night, a competition that Harding went on to win. It soon transpired that the attacker had been hired by Harding&rsquo;s ex-husband and former bodyguard to break Kerrigan&rsquo;s leg, forcing her to miss the Winter Olympics.

Kerrigan made a full recovery and was able to compete at the games the following month&nbsp;but&nbsp;Harding underperformed due to a problem with her laces and finished down in eighth&nbsp;whilst&nbsp;Kerrigan took silver and the 16-year-old Ukrainian,&nbsp;Oksana&nbsp;Baiul, surprisingly&nbsp;won the gold. The following month, with evidence and speculation mounting, Harding pleaded guilty to &quot;conspiracy to hinder prosecution&rdquo; in connection with the attack&nbsp;on Kerrigan,&nbsp;was stripped of her 1994 National Championships title&nbsp;and&nbsp;banned from ever competing again.&nbsp;The rivalry was so iconic that it inspired the 2017 film&nbsp;I, Tonya starring Margot Robbie.

Italy - Norway: Cross Country Skiing Relay (1992-2002)

The 4x10km Men&rsquo;s Cross-Country Skiing relay has seen some of the tightest finishes in distance sport&nbsp;with&nbsp;two nations dominating&nbsp;the sport for over a decade.

Norway took the gold in 1992 and Italy the silver. Fast forward two years and Norway were looking to defend their title on home soil. Eight-time Olympic gold medalist&nbsp;Bj&ouml;rn Daehlie&nbsp;entered the stadium for the last stretch of the grueling 10km leg&nbsp;but,&nbsp;in the final few strides, Italian&nbsp;Silvio Fauner&nbsp;came from behind to silence the home crowd and overtake the Norwegian on the line. After 40 punishing kilometers, over an hour and 40 minutes of skiing, the relay was won by the Italians&nbsp;by just&nbsp;0.4 seconds, royally stealing the thunder of the reigning champions and hosts.

<img alt="Norway's Thomas Alsgaard competing in the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3444_default_big.png" style="float:left" title="Thomas Alsgaard at the 1998 Winter Olympics" />In Nagano in 1998, Norway were out for revenge and yet again, the mammoth race was won by a fraction of a second. Norway&rsquo;s&nbsp;Thomas Alsgaard&nbsp;flung his right ski forward on the line while Fauner, the hero from four years ago, dived headfirst over the finish. It was gold to Norway, this time by 0.2 seconds.

In 2002, the gold medal&nbsp;came&nbsp;down to the final stretch of the final leg once more. Italian&nbsp;Christian Zorzi, one of the greatest sprint skiers on the planet, took the lead on the final turn. However, Alsgaard provided another moment of magic for the Norwegians on the final leg by producing a remarkable turn of speed to surge past his rival and secure a second consecutive gold for Norway by 0.3 seconds.

Over the course of three Olympic games, 120km and over five hours of skiing, three gold medals had been determined by less than a second in total, making this one&nbsp;of&nbsp;the most closely fought rivalries in sporting history.

USA - USSR: Ice Hockey (1980)

At the 1980 Winter Olympics, political tensions were heightened between the United States and the USSR due to the ongoing Cold War. In the buildup to USA versus the Soviet Union, US President Jimmy Carter announced his country was planning on boycotting the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.&nbsp;

The two countries met in the final four medal round of the ice hockey. The USSR were the reigning champions, having taken the gold medal in five of the previous six Winter Olympic games&nbsp;and&nbsp;were a team made up of experienced professional players&nbsp;who&nbsp;had not lost a hockey match at the Olympics since 1968. Meanwhile, the USA squad predominantly consisted of college players and amateurs.

In front of a 10,000 strong American home crowd at Lake Placid, the Soviets took the lead, before being surprisingly pegged back by the plucky underdogs. The USSR regained their advantage midway through the first period,&nbsp;but&nbsp;with one second remaining before the end of the first period, the USA equalized once more. The USSR dominated proceedings in the second period but came up against Jim Craig, in&nbsp;goal for the USA,&nbsp;who was in inspired form and&nbsp;who managed to keep the score to a respectable 3-2 with his heroics.

The USA scored again to level the scores, before&nbsp;Mike Eruzione&nbsp;launched a 25-foot wrist shot past Vladimir Myshkin&nbsp;in&nbsp;the USSR goal. There were still 10 minutes remaining, but the USA survived an onslaught from the Soviet&rsquo;s to record a remarkable victory and seal one of the all-time great sporting underdog stories. Politically, the victory was seen by the USA as an ideological triumph in the Cold War&nbsp;-&nbsp;they went on to claim the gold medal, while the USSR took silver.

The game was christened &lsquo;The Miracle on Ice&rsquo; and inspired an ongoing rivalry between the USA and the USSR in Ice Hockey. Whenever the two nations&nbsp;clash,&nbsp;to this day, &lsquo;The Miracle on Ice&rsquo; is still brought up, despite it having taken place nearly 40 years ago. The two countries met at the Winter Olympics in both 2014 and 2018, with Russia emerging victorious on both occasions.

The remarkable game and rivalry led to the 2004 film&nbsp;Miracle starring&nbsp;Kurt Russell.

Sweden - Norway - Cross Country Skiing (1994-Present)

Cross Country Skiing was one of Sweden&rsquo;s greatest sporting strengths.&nbsp;At&nbsp;the 1980, 84 and 88 games, the country won eight Winter Olympic gold medals in Cross Country Skiing events&nbsp;with&nbsp;only the USSR&nbsp;topping&nbsp;the podium on more occasions.

One can only imagine the Swedes&rsquo;&nbsp;horror when they were suddenly overtaken by their Scandinavian neighbours - a nation nearly half the size in population. What has ensued is a remarkable spell of Norwegian dominance on the slopes.

Since hosting the <img alt="Marit Bjørgen of Norway in the 15 km pursuit at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver " src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3445_default_big.png" style="float:right" title="Marit Bjørgen at the 2010 Winter Olympics" />games in 1994, Norway have topped the medal table for cross country skiing at all but two games, pocketing a staggering 29 gold medals in the process. Sweden made a brief comeback in 2006, as they finished at the summit of the medal table with three golds,&nbsp;whilst&nbsp;rivals Norway failed to record a single first place finish.

However, the Norwegians bounced back in style, topping the medal table four years later with five golds. The 2010 games saw some tantalizingly close races between the two rivals, as they battled it out at the summit of the Cross Country Skiing medal table. Marit Bj&oslash;rgen of Norway beat Anna Haag of Sweden in the 15km pursuit by less than two seconds,&nbsp;whilst&nbsp;just a second separated third place Johan Olsson of Sweden and first place Petter Northug of Norway in the 30km pursuit.

<img alt="Petter Northug of Norway celebrates at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3447_default_big.png" style="float:left" title="Petter Northug at the 2010 Winter Olympics" />Northug himself has been influential in stoking the Norway-Sweden fire. The Norwegian skier enjoyed mocking Sweden and riling&nbsp;the&nbsp;Swedish media whenever he claimed gold. The press got their own back in 2014 when Northug finished down in 17th in the Skiathlon, with one journalist asking: &ldquo;How does it feel to be beaten by four Swedes?&rdquo; When Northug was not selected for the 2018 squad, Swedish journalists brought along a cardboard cutout of the Norwegian talisman to the Norwegian press conference.&nbsp;

The previous three Winter Olympics have seen Norway-Sweden one-two at the top of the Cross Country Skiing medal table. Beating Sweden is a real source of pride for the Norwegians, but it is the antics of the press that makes this rivalry even more entertaining.

Not Forgetting&hellip;

Austria and Switzerland are two neighbouring countries with the Alps sandwiched between the pair, so it comes as no surprise that they share a terrific rivalry on the slopes. Austria were the real force to be reckoned with in Alpine Skiing, taking just as much joy in topping the medal table as they did in finishing ahead of rivals Switzerland. Between 1988 and 2006, Austria won 28 medals in the various events, compared to Switzerland&rsquo;s five. However, the tide turned briefly in 2010, as Switzerland won two golds to Austria&rsquo;s one. Although the Austrians have regained the bragging rights at the past two Olympics, it has been a much tighter affair, with just the odd medal now separating the pair at the summit of the Alpine Skiing medal table.

During the 1988 Olympics, there were two hugely&nbsp;hyped&nbsp;Figure Skating rivalries on the ice. Both East Germany&rsquo;s Katarina Witt and Debi Thomas from the USA chose to dance to the same music (Bizet&rsquo;s Carmen), in a rivalry which was branded &lsquo;the Battle of the Carmens&rsquo;. Thomas ended up taking bronze,&nbsp;whilst&nbsp;Olympic champion Witt defended her title.

<img alt="America's Brian Boitano in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3446_default_big.jpeg" style="float:right" title="Brian Boitano" />At the same games, &lsquo;the Battle of the Brians&rsquo; was taking place in the men&rsquo;s Figure Skating, as American Brian Boitano and Canadian Brian Orser headed to Calgary as national champions and favourites to take the gold medal. The pair were inseparable after the first two phases of competition, meaning&nbsp;that&nbsp;whoever won the final phase - the free skating segment - would top the podium. During&nbsp;their performances&nbsp;Boitano landed two triple Axils in a faultless routine,&nbsp;whilst&nbsp;Orser landed seven triple jumps. On the tightest of decisions, the judges narrowly awarded gold to Boitano and silver to Orser.

A similarly enthralling rivalry unfolded on the ice in 2010 between Yu Na Kim from South Korea, and Mao Asada from Japan. Asada was the darling of the Japanese media thanks to her engaging personality and elegance on the ice, but the three time world champion was denied an elusive Olympic gold medal by Kim, who made history by claiming South Korea&rsquo;s first ever gold in women&rsquo;s Figure Skating.

South Korea&rsquo;s real forte at the Winter Olympics is short track Speed Skating, where they enjoy a closely fought rivalry with China. South Korea finished behind their rivals in the speed skating medal table in 2010 and 2014, but on home soil in 2018, they regained the bragging rights. The 2018 games featured some thoroughly entertaining races between the two nations: China&rsquo;s Wu Dajing broke the world record to finish ahead of South Korea&rsquo;s&nbsp;Hwang Dae-heon&nbsp;and&nbsp;Lim Hyo-jun&nbsp;in the men&rsquo;s 500m, while&nbsp;Choi Min-jeong&nbsp;of South Korea finished 0.8 seconds ahead of 17-year-old Chinese skater Li Jinyu in the women&rsquo;s 1,500m.

For more&nbsp;Olympic&nbsp;or&nbsp;Ice Hockey&nbsp;schedules and information, head over to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fixturecalendar.com/" target="_blank">Fixture Calendar</a>&nbsp;to ensure you never miss a minute of all your favourite sporting action.

Written in October 2019

Photos by <a href="https://www.olympic.org/">Olympics</a>

Next up in our Sporting Rivalries series is the Winter Olympics.

For many the Winter Olympics are the pinnacle of a sporting career, with stakes, pressure and expectation at their highest and where rivalries become fiercely competitive whether individual or national.

**![Marie-Phillip Poulin playing for Canada in the 2014 Winter Olympics](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3441_default_big.png "Marie-Phillip Poulin")Canada - USA: Women’s Ice Hockey (1998-Present)**

The two female heavyweights in ice hockey, who have dominated the sport for nearly three decades, are the United States and Canada. The two countries have contested five out of the six gold medal matches since women’s ice hockey was introduced to the Winter Olympics in 1998, producing some particularly tense and thrilling encounters in the process.

The USA topped the podium in 1998, before enduring 20 years of Canadian dominance. Canada narrowly won the gold medal match 3-2 in 2002, and in 2006 the USA were stunned by Sweden in the semis and had to settle for bronze, whilst the Canadians marched to their second consecutive gold medal. Canada made it a hat trick of golds in 2010 as they defeated the USA 2-0 in the final.

The 2014 Winter Olympics saw one of the most nail biting and dramatic match ups between the two countries. The USA had led 2-0 after the first two periods but with just three and a half minutes remaining, Canada pulled one back, and with less than a minute left, they levelled the scores up to send the game into a sudden death overtime. Four years previously, Marie-Philip Poulin had scored the two decisive goals for Canada in the gold medal match, and she was once again the hero scoring the winner in overtime to complete a remarkable comeback.

There was to be similar drama four years later at the PyeongChang Games. The USA had opened the scoring before two goals in the space of five second period minutes gave the Canadians the lead – Poulin once again on the scoresheet. However, with six minutes remaining, the USA levelled, and the gold medal match was once again sent into overtime. Nothing could separate the two sides during the additional 20 minutes, resulting in the game being decided by a shootout for the first time in women’s ice hockey history. The USA held their nerve and ended a 20 year wait for Olympic gold.

This is a rivalry consisting of the very best in their sport going toe to toe on the biggest stage but it is also a rivalry with a unique twist since many of the Canadian and USA athletes are club and college teammates during the domestic season. There is no room though for niceties when they pull on their national jerseys particularly during the buildup to the Winter Olympics when rivalry intensifies. While matchups between the very best can sometimes underwhelm, this is a fixture that always delivers.

**![Nancy Kerrigan at the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3442_default_big.jpeg "Nancy Kerrigan at  the 1994 Winter Olympics")Nancy Kerrigan - Tonya Harding: Figure Skating (1994)**

Tonya Harding and Nancy Kerrigan were a pair of figure skating rivals from the United States who battled it out on the ice for four years in the build up to the 1994 Winter Olympics in Norway but, unfortunately, it is one infamous incident away from the rink that will see their rivalry remembered forever.

The pampered and sheltered upbringing stereotype of a figure skater did not apply to either of these athletes. Harding came from an unstable family home, with money so tight that she would dance in her mother’s home-made costumes whilst Kerrigan came from a similarly humble background, with her father having to work multiple jobs to fund her career. In 1991, the pair met at the US Figure Skating Championships, with Harding coming out on top. A month later at the World Championships, the skater from Oregon came out on top once more, taking a silver medal at her first major championships whilst Kerrigan took bronze. That year Harding became the first American woman, and only the second woman in history, to successfully land a triple Axel. But Kerrigan was hot on Harding’s heels, and in 1992 she claimed bronze at the Winter Olympics and silver at the World Championships. The fiercely competitive Harding surprisingly finished fourth at the Olympics and sixth at the World Championships, as her personal life began to spiral out of control.

With the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer around the corner, the controversy that would define this rivalry reared its ugly head. Kerrigan was attacked after training, sustaining bruising on her leg that forced her to pull out of the National Championships the following night, a competition that Harding went on to win. It soon transpired that the attacker had been hired by Harding’s ex-husband and former bodyguard to break Kerrigan’s leg, forcing her to miss the Winter Olympics.

Kerrigan made a full recovery and was able to compete at the games the following month but Harding underperformed due to a problem with her laces and finished down in eighth whilst Kerrigan took silver and the 16-year-old Ukrainian, Oksana Baiul, surprisingly won the gold. The following month, with evidence and speculation mounting, Harding pleaded guilty to "conspiracy to hinder prosecution” in connection with the attack on Kerrigan, was stripped of her 1994 National Championships title and banned from ever competing again. The rivalry was so iconic that it inspired the 2017 film *I, Tonya starring* M*a*rgot Robbie*.*

**Italy - Norway: Cross Country Skiing Relay (1992-2002)**

The 4x10km Men’s Cross-Country Skiing relay has seen some of the tightest finishes in distance sport with two nations dominating the sport for over a decade.

Norway took the gold in 1992 and Italy the silver. Fast forward two years and Norway were looking to defend their title on home soil. Eight-time Olympic gold medalist Björn Daehlie entered the stadium for the last stretch of the grueling 10km leg but, in the final few strides, Italian Silvio Fauner came from behind to silence the home crowd and overtake the Norwegian on the line. After 40 punishing kilometers, over an hour and 40 minutes of skiing, the relay was won by the Italians by just 0.4 seconds, royally stealing the thunder of the reigning champions and hosts.

![Norway's Thomas Alsgaard competing in the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3444_default_big.png "Thomas Alsgaard at the 1998 Winter Olympics")In Nagano in 1998, Norway were out for revenge and yet again, the mammoth race was won by a fraction of a second. Norway’s Thomas Alsgaard flung his right ski forward on the line while Fauner, the hero from four years ago, dived headfirst over the finish. It was gold to Norway, this time by 0.2 seconds.

In 2002, the gold medal came down to the final stretch of the final leg once more. Italian Christian Zorzi, one of the greatest sprint skiers on the planet, took the lead on the final turn. However, Alsgaard provided another moment of magic for the Norwegians on the final leg by producing a remarkable turn of speed to surge past his rival and secure a second consecutive gold for Norway by 0.3 seconds.

Over the course of three Olympic games, 120km and over five hours of skiing, three gold medals had been determined by less than a second in total, making this one of the most closely fought rivalries in sporting history.

**USA - USSR: Ice Hockey (1980)**

At the 1980 Winter Olympics, political tensions were heightened between the United States and the USSR due to the ongoing Cold War. In the buildup to USA versus the Soviet Union, US President Jimmy Carter announced his country was planning on boycotting the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.

The two countries met in the final four medal round of the ice hockey. The USSR were the reigning champions, having taken the gold medal in five of the previous six Winter Olympic games and were a team made up of experienced professional players who had not lost a hockey match at the Olympics since 1968. Meanwhile, the USA squad predominantly consisted of college players and amateurs.

In front of a 10,000 strong American home crowd at Lake Placid, the Soviets took the lead, before being surprisingly pegged back by the plucky underdogs. The USSR regained their advantage midway through the first period, but with one second remaining before the end of the first period, the USA equalized once more. The USSR dominated proceedings in the second period but came up against Jim Craig, in goal for the USA, who was in inspired form and who managed to keep the score to a respectable 3-2 with his heroics.

The USA scored again to level the scores, before Mike Eruzione launched a 25-foot wrist shot past Vladimir Myshkin in the USSR goal. There were still 10 minutes remaining, but the USA survived an onslaught from the Soviet’s to record a remarkable victory and seal one of the all-time great sporting underdog stories. Politically, the victory was seen by the USA as an ideological triumph in the Cold War - they went on to claim the gold medal, while the USSR took silver.

The game was christened ‘The Miracle on Ice’ and inspired an ongoing rivalry between the USA and the USSR in Ice Hockey. Whenever the two nations clash, to this day, ‘The Miracle on Ice’ is still brought up, despite it having taken place nearly 40 years ago. The two countries met at the Winter Olympics in both 2014 and 2018, with Russia emerging victorious on both occasions.

The remarkable game and rivalry led to the 2004 film Miracle starring Kurt Russell.

**Sweden - Norway - Cross Country Skiing (1994-Present)**

Cross Country Skiing was one of Sweden’s greatest sporting strengths. At the 1980, 84 and 88 games, the country won eight Winter Olympic gold medals in Cross Country Skiing events with only the USSR topping the podium on more occasions.

One can only imagine the Swedes’ horror when they were suddenly overtaken by their Scandinavian neighbours - a nation nearly half the size in population. What has ensued is a remarkable spell of Norwegian dominance on the slopes.

Since hosting the ![Marit Bjørgen of Norway in the 15 km pursuit at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver ](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3445_default_big.png "Marit Bjørgen at the 2010 Winter Olympics")games in 1994, Norway have topped the medal table for cross country skiing at all but two games, pocketing a staggering 29 gold medals in the process. Sweden made a brief comeback in 2006, as they finished at the summit of the medal table with three golds, whilst rivals Norway failed to record a single first place finish.

However, the Norwegians bounced back in style, topping the medal table four years later with five golds. The 2010 games saw some tantalizingly close races between the two rivals, as they battled it out at the summit of the Cross Country Skiing medal table. Marit Bjørgen of Norway beat Anna Haag of Sweden in the 15km pursuit by less than two seconds, whilst just a second separated third place Johan Olsson of Sweden and first place Petter Northug of Norway in the 30km pursuit.

![Petter Northug of Norway celebrates at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3447_default_big.png "Petter Northug at the 2010 Winter Olympics")Northug himself has been influential in stoking the Norway-Sweden fire. The Norwegian skier enjoyed mocking Sweden and riling the Swedish media whenever he claimed gold. The press got their own back in 2014 when Northug finished down in 17th in the Skiathlon, with one journalist asking: “How does it feel to be beaten by four Swedes?” When Northug was not selected for the 2018 squad, Swedish journalists brought along a cardboard cutout of the Norwegian talisman to the Norwegian press conference.

The previous three Winter Olympics have seen Norway-Sweden one-two at the top of the Cross Country Skiing medal table. Beating Sweden is a real source of pride for the Norwegians, but it is the antics of the press that makes this rivalry even more entertaining.

**Not Forgetting…**

Austria and Switzerland are two neighbouring countries with the Alps sandwiched between the pair, so it comes as no surprise that they share a terrific rivalry on the slopes. Austria were the real force to be reckoned with in Alpine Skiing, taking just as much joy in topping the medal table as they did in finishing ahead of rivals Switzerland. Between 1988 and 2006, Austria won 28 medals in the various events, compared to Switzerland’s five. However, the tide turned briefly in 2010, as Switzerland won two golds to Austria’s one. Although the Austrians have regained the bragging rights at the past two Olympics, it has been a much tighter affair, with just the odd medal now separating the pair at the summit of the Alpine Skiing medal table.

During the 1988 Olympics, there were two hugely hyped Figure Skating rivalries on the ice. Both East Germany’s Katarina Witt and Debi Thomas from the USA chose to dance to the same music (Bizet’s Carmen), in a rivalry which was branded ‘the Battle of the Carmens’. Thomas ended up taking bronze, whilst Olympic champion Witt defended her title.

![America's Brian Boitano in the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3446_default_big.jpeg "Brian Boitano")At the same games, ‘the Battle of the Brians’ was taking place in the men’s Figure Skating, as American Brian Boitano and Canadian Brian Orser headed to Calgary as national champions and favourites to take the gold medal. The pair were inseparable after the first two phases of competition, meaning that whoever won the final phase - the free skating segment - would top the podium. During their performances Boitano landed two triple Axils in a faultless routine, whilst Orser landed seven triple jumps. On the tightest of decisions, the judges narrowly awarded gold to Boitano and silver to Orser.

A similarly enthralling rivalry unfolded on the ice in 2010 between Yu Na Kim from South Korea, and Mao Asada from Japan. Asada was the darling of the Japanese media thanks to her engaging personality and elegance on the ice, but the three time world champion was denied an elusive Olympic gold medal by Kim, who made history by claiming South Korea’s first ever gold in women’s Figure Skating.

South Korea’s real forte at the Winter Olympics is short track Speed Skating, where they enjoy a closely fought rivalry with China. South Korea finished behind their rivals in the speed skating medal table in 2010 and 2014, but on home soil in 2018, they regained the bragging rights. The 2018 games featured some thoroughly entertaining races between the two nations: China’s Wu Dajing broke the world record to finish ahead of South Korea’s Hwang Dae-heon and Lim Hyo-jun in the men’s 500m, while Choi Min-jeong of South Korea finished 0.8 seconds ahead of 17-year-old Chinese skater Li Jinyu in the women’s 1,500m.

For more Olympic or Ice Hockey schedules and information, head over to the [Fixture Calendar](https://www.fixturecalendar.com/) to ensure you never miss a minute of all your favourite sporting action.

*Written in October 2019*

Photos by [Olympics](https://www.olympic.org/)

A detailed look into 5 of the most notorious rivalries in the history of the winter Olympics. Covering figure skating, ice hockey and cross country skiing.

Sporting Rivalries

Winter Olympic Rivalries through the Ages

Next up in Fixture Calendar&rsquo;s Iconic Sporting Moments Series is Boxing, where we look at a selection of extraordinary underdog triumphs and remarkable comeback stories. Each iconic moment is famed for the astounding displays of courage, resilience and determination to achieve the unthinkable.

<img alt="Mike Tyson in action" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3433_default_big.jpeg" style="float:left" title="Mike Tyson in action" />Buster Douglas Stuns the Undefeated Mike Tyson, 1990

Mike Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world holding the WBC, WBA and IBF titles and an extraordinary 37-0 record when he fought Buster Douglas in Japan in 1990. There was not a great deal of media clamor surrounding the bout, as it was merely considered a warmup for Tyson before his hotly anticipated fight with the undefeated Evander Holyfield. Douglas had lost his previous World Title fight to Tony Tucker in 1987 and went into the bout as the 42-1 underdog but what unfolded was one of the greatest shocks in sporting history. Douglas was knocked down in the dying seconds of the eighth round thanks to a trademark Tyson uppercut, but he recovered and finished the ninth by unleashing a tirade of punches on a struggling Tyson, before making history in the 10th. Douglas landed an uppercut to Tyson&rsquo;s head, and with the hot favourite staggering backwards, he hit him with a flurry of head shots, knocking Tyson to the canvas for the first time in his career. A completely dazed Tyson attempted to put his mouthguard back on but could only manage to leave it half hanging from his mouth, creating an all-time famous Boxing image. The referee counted him out, and the 42-1 outsider Douglas became the first person ever to knock out the great Mike Tyson.

Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward&rsquo;s First Fight in a Memorable Trilogy, 2002

Ward and Gatti initially faced off in 2002, the first in a trilogy of thrilling fights between the pair. Their first bout is famous for an epic ninth round, which contained all the intensity, excitement and plot lines of three fights condensed into 180 epic seconds. Gatti was on the canvas within 20 seconds of the bell thanks to Ward&rsquo;s left hook to the body and had to withstand a pummeling from his rival to survive the round, but into the second minute a seemingly exhausted Gatti came from nowhere to seize the upper hand, forcing Ward onto the ropes. The momentum swayed once more with Ward dominating again, landing blow after blow as Gatti simply refused to quit. The sheer number of successful punches landed by both in the single round was incredible. Ward went on to win the fight on a majority decision, before Gatti won the subsequent rematch and then the final one of the trilogy in 2003. The respect and bond between the two fighters was extremely rare in Boxing - they hugged before the final round in their second and third bouts. This epic trilogy of fights defined the careers of both men: a combined 90 minutes of compelling Boxing, famed for 180 breathtaking seconds and world-class sportsmanship.

<img alt="Tyson Fury holding his boxing titles" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3434_default_big.jpeg" style="float:right" title="Tyson Fury" />Tyson Fury completes Comeback with Epic Fight against Deontay Wilder, 2018

After stunning the great Wladimir Klitschko to claim the WBA (super), IBF, WBO and The Ring Heavyweight World Titles, Tyson Fury was at an all-time career high. However, things started to spiral out of control for the British boxer as he battled depression and substance abuse, and his weight rocketed to nearly 400 pounds; Fury was a man on the brink and Boxing was the last thing on his mind. After a torrid two and a half years, he remarkably stepped foot in the ring once more having shed his excess weight. After two victories on his return, he set up a fight in Los Angeles against the undefeated Deontay Wilder, who had a sensational record of 39 knockouts in 40 fights. Although the odds were stacked against Fury, he performed superbly as the fight went the distance. Fury was knocked heavily to the canvas in the 12th round and in a fashion that was somewhat symbolic of the comeback in his own life, he battled back as the fight finished in a draw. To this day, Fury remains the only man that Wilder has failed to beat. Having done so following a two and a half year absence from the ring and battling a barrage of mental health issues, Fury&rsquo;s draw with Wilder is one of sport&rsquo;s greatest comebacks.

<img alt="Joe Frazier defeating Muhammad Ali in 1971 at Madison Square Garden" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3497_default_big.jpeg" style="float:left" title="Joe Frazier facing Muhammad Ali" />Joe Frazier Inflicts First Defeat on Muhammad Ali, 1971

In 1971 two undefeated heavyweight champions went head to head for the first time in Boxing history when Muhammad Ali (31-0, 25 KOs) faced Joe Frazier (26-0, 23 KOs) at Madison Square Garden. What had previously been a friendship between the pair, had turned to a fierce hatred in recent years over social and political issues, adding to the fight&rsquo;s excitement. 300 million people tuned in worldwide to what was dubbed the &lsquo;Fight of the Century&rsquo;, and they were treated to a contest that not only delivered but went beyond expectations, as the bout went the full 15 rounds. The momentum swung back and forth between the pair with Frazier hammering Ali on the ropes in the fourth, before Ali unleashed a flurry of combinations in the ninth. As the fight reached its end, Frazier was leading on all the judges&rsquo; cards, but an exceptional showing from Ali in the 14th had pulled him back into contention. However, in the 15th Frazier landed a powerful left hook to knock Ali to the canvas for only the third time in his career and the judges unanimously announced Frazier as the winner, dealing Ali his first professional loss.

<img alt="Muhammad Ali in the boxing ring" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3454_default_big.png" style="float:right" title="Muhammad Ali" />The &lsquo;Thrilla&rsquo; in Manilla: Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier, 1975

The first fight between Ali and Frazier was special but was arguably eclipsed by their third and final showdown in the Philippines, as a staggering one billion people tuned in to watch one of the most brutal bouts in Boxing history. Ali had won the rematch in 1974, a more muted affair with no titles on the line but their third fight was a blockbuster occasion. Intense trash talk from Ali filled the buildup as their bitter hatred remained &ndash; and a furious 14 rounds followed. Ali dominated the early stages but Frazier hit back in the sixth, although Ali&rsquo;s ability to withstand the powerful blows to the head was astonishing. The momentum began to swing again in Ali&rsquo;s favour as he came close to knocking his opponent out twice, sending Frazier&rsquo;s mouthguard flying into the crowd with a left handed punch in the 13th. Come the end of the 14th, Frazier was in quite a state; spitting blood and his vision was rapidly deteriorating. His trainer, Eddie Futch, called time on the fight, despite the bloodied and bruised Frazier&rsquo;s protests. Years later, it was revealed that Ali was also on the brink of throwing the towel in due to experiencing severe levels of exhaustion. Both men took one hell of a beating and were pushed to their absolute limits. For the sustained quality and fortitude over 14 unforgiving rounds, the Thrilla in Manilla goes down in history as one of Boxing&rsquo;s great moments.

<img alt="Anthony Joshua facing Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in 2017" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3435_default_big.jpeg" style="float:left" title="Anthony Joshua facing Wladimir Klitschko" />Anthony Joshua Beats Wladimir Klitschko in 11 Enthralling Rounds, 2017

A post-war record crowd of 90,000 people crowded into Wembley Stadium in April 2017 to watch Anthony Joshua, the British boxer with an impeccable record of 18 KOs from his first 18 professional fights, take on the legendary Ukrainian fighter Wladimir Klitschko. Could Klitschko bounce back from his defeat to Tyson Fury? Did Joshua have the talent to compete with the elite? The fight more than lived up to its billing: it was heavyweight Boxing at its brilliant best, stretching over 11 compelling rounds. 41-year-old Klitschko was knocked down in the fifth, before Joshua hit the canvas in the sixth. Joshua was in uncharted territory, having never gone past the sixth round in his career. But the British fighter demonstrated that he had the fitness, drive and grit to match his speed and power, hitting Klitschko with a heavy undercut in the 11th, before unleashing a flurry of punches putting the great champion on the ropes. The referee stopped the fight, handing Joshua the WBA world heavyweight title to add to his IBF crown. This was a fight where both men displayed remarkable resilience, determination and fortitude, resulting in a stunning 11 rounds of Boxing.

No M&aacute;s Fight: Sugar Ray Leonard vs Roberto Dur&aacute;n, 1980

This was the second match between the pair after Dur&aacute;n had knocked Leonard, the darling of American Boxing, off his perch five months earlier in a real classic famously known as &lsquo;The Brawl in Montreal&rsquo;. The second of the three meetings between the pair was best remembered not for the fight itself, but for the iconic way in which it finished. Dur&aacute;n went into the fight not in ideal shape, having spent months celebrating his famous victory over Leonard earlier that year. Leonard meanwhile had doubled down and his preparation had been meticulous. The American toyed with Dur&aacute;n, landing sharp jabs on his opponent. As the eighth round closed an exhausted Dur&aacute;n, who had been renowned for his grit and determination throughout his career, turned his back to Leonard and allegedly said to the referee: &ldquo;No m&aacute;s&rdquo; - Spanish for &ldquo;no more&rdquo;. Although Dur&aacute;n denies uttering those words, it has been swept up in Boxing folklore and makes the fight one of the most famous of all time.

<img alt="Nicola Adams in the first ever Women's Olympic Boxing Tournament in 2012" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3455_default_big.jpeg" style="float:right" title="Nicola Adams" />Nicola Adams Wins First Ever Women&rsquo;s Olympic Gold Medal, 2012

Women&rsquo;s Boxing had been shunned throughout history, with female boxers not given licenses and many countries banning the sport altogether. When women&rsquo;s Boxing was introduced at the Olympics for the first time in 2012, it was a watershed moment for the sport. Olympic Boxing is different to professional Boxing since it is just three rounds long, making it fast, frantic and incredibly exciting. This is what the 16,000 fans at London&rsquo;s ExCeL were treated to when Great Britain&rsquo;s Nicola Adams took on World Champion Ren Can of China in the flyweight gold medal match. The British boxer had the weight of the sport in the UK resting on her shoulders; lose, and the opportunity to advance female Boxing in the UK would be lost, but Adams won 16-7, knocking her opponent to the floor en route to a historic gold medal. To win the first ever women&rsquo;s Boxing gold at a home Olympics was quite a story, and the pictures of the beaming boxer from Yorkshire clasping her medal became one of the iconic moments of the 2012 games.

Willie Pep Overcomes the Odds against Sandy Saddler, 1949

Willie Pep was considered the greatest featherweight of his generation, so when he lost to Sandy Saddler in 1948, his career was deemed by many to be over, but three months later, the pair did battle once more in front of a packed house at Madison Square Garden. Pep took the upper hand in the early exchanges, peppering his opponent with jabs at an astounding pace but Saddler fought back, grazing Pep&rsquo;s face with a series of heavy punches which, if landed, would surely have brought the contest to a premature end. Despite a gash to his cheek, Pep began to dominate once more, landing punch after punch on Saddler but in the 13th and 14th rounds it looked as if Saddler had levelled the scores thanks to a multitude of ferocious head shots. Yet from somewhere, Pep found the strength to put in a momentous final round display to secure a unanimous points victory. Pep became the first man that century to regain a featherweight world title, with a remarkable display of character in the face of adversity and doubters.

The Rumble in the Jungle, 1974

This is a fight that needs no introduction. The undefeated heavyweight champion of the world, George Foreman, took on former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali in what was not just an iconic Boxing bout, but a fight that would come to define Sport in the 20th Century. Aged 25, Foreman was the heavy favourite over the 32-year-old Ali, who many considered to be past his best but Ali deployed a strategy that he later christened the &lsquo;Rope-a-Dope&rsquo;, where he leant on the ropes and protected himself, forcing Foreman to exert energy with a flurry of relatively ineffective punches to Ali. Foreman tired, and Ali hit him with numerous quick jabs to the head. In the eighth, Ali hit Foreman with a five-punch combination, followed by a left hook straight to the face. Foreman hit the canvas. Ali had upset the odds and demonstrated his incredible tactical astuteness. In a career characterised by iconic bouts and famous victories, this was arguably Ali&rsquo;s greatest.

These are just a selection of some of Boxing&rsquo;s most iconic moments, with many other bouts throughout history just as memorable for various reasons: from the controversial, such as Mike Tyson&rsquo;s &ldquo;bite fight&rdquo; against Evander Holyfield in 1997, to the explosive, like Marvin Hagler&rsquo;s third round knockout over Thomas Hearns in 1985. From the record breaking, such as Jack Dempsey and George Carpentier&rsquo;s 1921 fight that attracted the first million dollar gate, to the astounding, such as on Diego Corrales&rsquo; comeback victory over Jos&eacute; Luis Castillo in 2005 &ndash; where the former was knocked to the canvas twice. And not forgetting the complete classics between Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns in 1981 and 1989. Boxing has seen fighters come back from the brink, defy the odds and overcome adversity, and it will continue to do so. Never miss a minute of this enthralling Sport with the <a href="https://www.fixturecalendar.com/sport-boxing" target="_blank">Fixture Calendar</a>.

Written in October&nbsp;2019

Photos by&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/MikeTyson">Mike Tyson</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=173551666806899&amp;set=a.173550896806976">Tyson Fury</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheGarden/photos/on-this-day-in-1971-smokin-joe-frazier-defeats-muhammad-ali-at-the-the-fight-of-/10157120871931499/">MSG</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=962797857209438&amp;set=a.234410803381484">Anthony Joshua</a>, <a href="https://www.teamgb.com/homegrownheroes/news-page?name=nicola-adamsanathletesview">Team GB</a>

&nbsp;

Next up in Fixture Calendar’s Iconic Sporting Moments Series is Boxing, where we look at a selection of extraordinary underdog triumphs and remarkable comeback stories. Each iconic moment is famed for the astounding displays of courage, resilience and determination to achieve the unthinkable.

**![Mike Tyson in action](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3433_default_big.jpeg "Mike Tyson in action")Buster Douglas Stuns the Undefeated Mike Tyson, 1990**

Mike Tyson was the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world holding the WBC, WBA and IBF titles and an extraordinary 37-0 record when he fought Buster Douglas in Japan in 1990. There was not a great deal of media clamor surrounding the bout, as it was merely considered a warmup for Tyson before his hotly anticipated fight with the undefeated Evander Holyfield. Douglas had lost his previous World Title fight to Tony Tucker in 1987 and went into the bout as the 42-1 underdog but what unfolded was one of the greatest shocks in sporting history. Douglas was knocked down in the dying seconds of the eighth round thanks to a trademark Tyson uppercut, but he recovered and finished the ninth by unleashing a tirade of punches on a struggling Tyson, before making history in the 10th. Douglas landed an uppercut to Tyson’s head, and with the hot favourite staggering backwards, he hit him with a flurry of head shots, knocking Tyson to the canvas for the first time in his career. A completely dazed Tyson attempted to put his mouthguard back on but could only manage to leave it half hanging from his mouth, creating an all-time famous Boxing image. The referee counted him out, and the 42-1 outsider Douglas became the first person ever to knock out the great Mike Tyson.

**Arturo Gatti and Micky Ward’s First Fight in a Memorable Trilogy, 2002**

Ward and Gatti initially faced off in 2002, the first in a trilogy of thrilling fights between the pair. Their first bout is famous for an epic ninth round, which contained all the intensity, excitement and plot lines of three fights condensed into 180 epic seconds. Gatti was on the canvas within 20 seconds of the bell thanks to Ward’s left hook to the body and had to withstand a pummeling from his rival to survive the round, but into the second minute a seemingly exhausted Gatti came from nowhere to seize the upper hand, forcing Ward onto the ropes. The momentum swayed once more with Ward dominating again, landing blow after blow as Gatti simply refused to quit. The sheer number of successful punches landed by both in the single round was incredible. Ward went on to win the fight on a majority decision, before Gatti won the subsequent rematch and then the final one of the trilogy in 2003. The respect and bond between the two fighters was extremely rare in Boxing - they hugged before the final round in their second and third bouts. This epic trilogy of fights defined the careers of both men: a combined 90 minutes of compelling Boxing, famed for 180 breathtaking seconds and world-class sportsmanship.

**![Tyson Fury holding his boxing titles](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3434_default_big.jpeg "Tyson Fury")Tyson Fury completes Comeback with Epic Fight against Deontay Wilder, 2018**

After stunning the great Wladimir Klitschko to claim the WBA (super), IBF, WBO and The Ring Heavyweight World Titles, Tyson Fury was at an all-time career high. However, things started to spiral out of control for the British boxer as he battled depression and substance abuse, and his weight rocketed to nearly 400 pounds; Fury was a man on the brink and Boxing was the last thing on his mind. After a torrid two and a half years, he remarkably stepped foot in the ring once more having shed his excess weight. After two victories on his return, he set up a fight in Los Angeles against the undefeated Deontay Wilder, who had a sensational record of 39 knockouts in 40 fights. Although the odds were stacked against Fury, he performed superbly as the fight went the distance. Fury was knocked heavily to the canvas in the 12th round and in a fashion that was somewhat symbolic of the comeback in his own life, he battled back as the fight finished in a draw. To this day, Fury remains the only man that Wilder has failed to beat. Having done so following a two and a half year absence from the ring and battling a barrage of mental health issues, Fury’s draw with Wilder is one of sport’s greatest comebacks.

**![Joe Frazier defeating Muhammad Ali in 1971 at Madison Square Garden](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3497_default_big.jpeg "Joe Frazier facing Muhammad Ali")Joe Frazier Inflicts First Defeat on Muhammad Ali, 1971**

In 1971 two undefeated heavyweight champions went head to head for the first time in Boxing history when Muhammad Ali (31-0, 25 KOs) faced Joe Frazier (26-0, 23 KOs) at Madison Square Garden. What had previously been a friendship between the pair, had turned to a fierce hatred in recent years over social and political issues, adding to the fight’s excitement. 300 million people tuned in worldwide to what was dubbed the ‘Fight of the Century’, and they were treated to a contest that not only delivered but went beyond expectations, as the bout went the full 15 rounds. The momentum swung back and forth between the pair with Frazier hammering Ali on the ropes in the fourth, before Ali unleashed a flurry of combinations in the ninth. As the fight reached its end, Frazier was leading on all the judges’ cards, but an exceptional showing from Ali in the 14th had pulled him back into contention. However, in the 15th Frazier landed a powerful left hook to knock Ali to the canvas for only the third time in his career and the judges unanimously announced Frazier as the winner, dealing Ali his first professional loss.

**![Muhammad Ali in the boxing ring](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3454_default_big.png "Muhammad Ali")The ‘Thrilla’ in Manilla: Muhammad Ali vs Joe Frazier, 1975**

The first fight between Ali and Frazier was special but was arguably eclipsed by their third and final showdown in the Philippines, as a staggering one billion people tuned in to watch one of the most brutal bouts in Boxing history. Ali had won the rematch in 1974, a more muted affair with no titles on the line but their third fight was a blockbuster occasion. Intense trash talk from Ali filled the buildup as their bitter hatred remained – and a furious 14 rounds followed. Ali dominated the early stages but Frazier hit back in the sixth, although Ali’s ability to withstand the powerful blows to the head was astonishing. The momentum began to swing again in Ali’s favour as he came close to knocking his opponent out twice, sending Frazier’s mouthguard flying into the crowd with a left handed punch in the 13th. Come the end of the 14th, Frazier was in quite a state; spitting blood and his vision was rapidly deteriorating. His trainer, Eddie Futch, called time on the fight, despite the bloodied and bruised Frazier’s protests. Years later, it was revealed that Ali was also on the brink of throwing the towel in due to experiencing severe levels of exhaustion. Both men took one hell of a beating and were pushed to their absolute limits. For the sustained quality and fortitude over 14 unforgiving rounds, the Thrilla in Manilla goes down in history as one of Boxing’s great moments.

**![Anthony Joshua facing Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium in 2017](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3435_default_big.jpeg "Anthony Joshua facing Wladimir Klitschko")Anthony Joshua Beats Wladimir Klitschko in 11 Enthralling Rounds, 2017**

A post-war record crowd of 90,000 people crowded into Wembley Stadium in April 2017 to watch Anthony Joshua, the British boxer with an impeccable record of 18 KOs from his first 18 professional fights, take on the legendary Ukrainian fighter Wladimir Klitschko. Could Klitschko bounce back from his defeat to Tyson Fury? Did Joshua have the talent to compete with the elite? The fight more than lived up to its billing: it was heavyweight Boxing at its brilliant best, stretching over 11 compelling rounds. 41-year-old Klitschko was knocked down in the fifth, before Joshua hit the canvas in the sixth. Joshua was in uncharted territory, having never gone past the sixth round in his career. But the British fighter demonstrated that he had the fitness, drive and grit to match his speed and power, hitting Klitschko with a heavy undercut in the 11th, before unleashing a flurry of punches putting the great champion on the ropes. The referee stopped the fight, handing Joshua the WBA world heavyweight title to add to his IBF crown. This was a fight where both men displayed remarkable resilience, determination and fortitude, resulting in a stunning 11 rounds of Boxing.

**No Más Fight**: **Sugar Ray Leonard vs Roberto Durán, 1980**

This was the second match between the pair after Durán had knocked Leonard, the darling of American Boxing, off his perch five months earlier in a real classic famously known as ‘The Brawl in Montreal’. The second of the three meetings between the pair was best remembered not for the fight itself, but for the iconic way in which it finished. Durán went into the fight not in ideal shape, having spent months celebrating his famous victory over Leonard earlier that year. Leonard meanwhile had doubled down and his preparation had been meticulous. The American toyed with Durán, landing sharp jabs on his opponent. As the eighth round closed an exhausted Durán, who had been renowned for his grit and determination throughout his career, turned his back to Leonard and allegedly said to the referee: “No más” - Spanish for “no more”. Although Durán denies uttering those words, it has been swept up in Boxing folklore and makes the fight one of the most famous of all time.

**![Nicola Adams in the first ever Women's Olympic Boxing Tournament in 2012](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3455_default_big.jpeg "Nicola Adams")Nicola Adams Wins First Ever Women’s Olympic Gold Medal, 2012**

Women’s Boxing had been shunned throughout history, with female boxers not given licenses and many countries banning the sport altogether. When women’s Boxing was introduced at the Olympics for the first time in 2012, it was a watershed moment for the sport. Olympic Boxing is different to professional Boxing since it is just three rounds long, making it fast, frantic and incredibly exciting. This is what the 16,000 fans at London’s ExCeL were treated to when Great Britain’s Nicola Adams took on World Champion Ren Can of China in the flyweight gold medal match. The British boxer had the weight of the sport in the UK resting on her shoulders; lose, and the opportunity to advance female Boxing in the UK would be lost, but Adams won 16-7, knocking her opponent to the floor en route to a historic gold medal. To win the first ever women’s Boxing gold at a home Olympics was quite a story, and the pictures of the beaming boxer from Yorkshire clasping her medal became one of the iconic moments of the 2012 games.

**Willie Pep Overcomes the Odds against Sandy Saddler, 1949**

Willie Pep was considered the greatest featherweight of his generation, so when he lost to Sandy Saddler in 1948, his career was deemed by many to be over, but three months later, the pair did battle once more in front of a packed house at Madison Square Garden. Pep took the upper hand in the early exchanges, peppering his opponent with jabs at an astounding pace but Saddler fought back, grazing Pep’s face with a series of heavy punches which, if landed, would surely have brought the contest to a premature end. Despite a gash to his cheek, Pep began to dominate once more, landing punch after punch on Saddler but in the 13th and 14th rounds it looked as if Saddler had levelled the scores thanks to a multitude of ferocious head shots. Yet from somewhere, Pep found the strength to put in a momentous final round display to secure a unanimous points victory. Pep became the first man that century to regain a featherweight world title, with a remarkable display of character in the face of adversity and doubters.

**The Rumble in the Jungle, 1974**

This is a fight that needs no introduction. The undefeated heavyweight champion of the world, George Foreman, took on former heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali in what was not just an iconic Boxing bout, but a fight that would come to define Sport in the 20th Century. Aged 25, Foreman was the heavy favourite over the 32-year-old Ali, who many considered to be past his best but Ali deployed a strategy that he later christened the ‘Rope-a-Dope’, where he leant on the ropes and protected himself, forcing Foreman to exert energy with a flurry of relatively ineffective punches to Ali. Foreman tired, and Ali hit him with numerous quick jabs to the head. In the eighth, Ali hit Foreman with a five-punch combination, followed by a left hook straight to the face. Foreman hit the canvas. Ali had upset the odds and demonstrated his incredible tactical astuteness. In a career characterised by iconic bouts and famous victories, this was arguably Ali’s greatest.

These are just a selection of some of Boxing’s most iconic moments, with many other bouts throughout history just as memorable for various reasons: from the controversial, such as Mike Tyson’s “bite fight” against Evander Holyfield in 1997, to the explosive, like Marvin Hagler’s third round knockout over Thomas Hearns in 1985. From the record breaking, such as Jack Dempsey and George Carpentier’s 1921 fight that attracted the first million dollar gate, to the astounding, such as on Diego Corrales’ comeback victory over José Luis Castillo in 2005 – where the former was knocked to the canvas twice. And not forgetting the complete classics between Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns in 1981 and 1989. Boxing has seen fighters come back from the brink, defy the odds and overcome adversity, and it will continue to do so. Never miss a minute of this enthralling Sport with the [Fixture Calendar](https://www.fixturecalendar.com/sport-boxing).

*Written in October 2019*

Photos by [Mike Tyson](https://twitter.com/MikeTyson), [Tyson Fury](https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=173551666806899&set=a.173550896806976), [MSG](https://www.facebook.com/TheGarden/photos/on-this-day-in-1971-smokin-joe-frazier-defeats-muhammad-ali-at-the-the-fight-of-/10157120871931499/), [Anthony Joshua](https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=962797857209438&set=a.234410803381484), [Team GB](https://www.teamgb.com/homegrownheroes/news-page?name=nicola-adamsanathletesview)

A detailed look into 10 of the greatest moments in boxing. From incredible underdog triumphs and amazing comebacks to domination and world changing firsts.

Iconic Sporting Moments

Iconic Moments in Boxing History

The first in our brand new Sporting Rivalries Series sees us look back and assess some of the most deep-seated, competitive and tense rivalries in the world of sport.

First up, it&rsquo;s tennis. A game renowned for its unrelenting sportsmanship in the face of extreme competition but which doesn&rsquo;t prevent tennis from serving up some of the most enthralling rivalries in sporting history. Predominantly, a tennis rivalry involves two greats at the peak of their powers coming up against one another in a barrage of grand slam finals, resulting in some pulsating contests.

<h2>Chris Evert - Martina Navratilova (1973-1988)</h2>

Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova enjoyed over a decade of domination on the women&rsquo;s tennis circuit during the 70s and 80s. The fact that the pair met an unprecedented 80 times over the course of their careers truly sets the rivalry apart. Navratilova and Evert were two of the greatest players to ever grace the tennis court, so to have them both playing at their peak at the exact same time and meeting so frequently was a privilege for tennis fans of the 70s and 80s.

Evert and Navratilova were the poster girls of women&rsquo;s tennis, building on the legacy of Billie Jean King to single handedly carry the sport into the mainstream. Navratilova was powerful, with a formidably aggressive serve and volley game. Evert was athletic, with exquisite balance and speed. Long, relentless baseline rallies were a signature of the epic encounters between the pair.

The WTA rankings were introduced in 1975, and either Evert or Navratilova sat at the summit for all but 23 weeks during a 12 year spell of staggering supremacy. Both have 18 Grand Slam titles to their name (only three female players have won more). In Grand Slam finals, Navratilova came out on top, winning 10 of the 14 encounters between the pair. Navratilova also edged their head to head record, beating Evert 43 times, whilst Evert triumphed on 37 occasions. However, Evert was unquestionably supreme on clay, with Navratilova only beating her great rival 3 times in 16 years on her least-favoured surface.

It was a rivalry that benefited both players. Navratilova and Evert improved as a result of the other. Their rivalry spurred them on to be greater. In order to beat Evert, Navratilova assembled a team to work on her tactical and psychological approach to the game. Having a collection of experts working behind an athlete is a norm on the tennis circuit now, but Navratilova was well ahead of her time with her entourage. This approach resulted in Navratilova winning 13 consecutive matches against Evert between 1983-84.

The players had a unique relationship, winning two doubles titles together in 1975 and 1976. The rivalry was built on friendship, respect, and above all, their incredible talent on the tennis court.

<h2><img alt="Björn Borg at Madison Square Garden in 1980" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/05/thumb_4271_default_big.jpeg" style="float:left" title="Björn Borg at Madison Square Garden" />Bj&ouml;rn Borg - John McEnroe (1978-1981)</h2>

Such was their contrasting styles and temperaments, that the iconic Borg-McEnroe rivalry was branded &ldquo;Fire and Ice&rdquo;. Swede Borg was cool and classy, whilst American McEnroe had a real on court temper, and was famed for his expletive-littered outbursts at the umpire. Borg was a baseline player with remarkable composure, whilst McEnroe thrived at the net thanks to his incredible anticipation.

The Borg-McEnroe rivalry is not about longevity; they two only met 14 times. It&rsquo;s about intensity. These 14 meetings happened across three short years, and four of their matches were in finals of Grand Slams. The pair met in the 1980 final of both Wimbledon and the US Open, delivering scintillating five setters on both occasions. Borg overcame McEnroe at the All England Club to secure his record fifth consecutive Wimbledon title, despite coming out second best in one of the most thrilling tie breakers of all time. McEnroe was victorious two months later at Flushing Meadows.

The pair repeated the feat the following year by making the Wimbledon and US Open finals, but this time McEnroe came out on top on both occasions. McEnroe&rsquo;s Wimbledon victory halted Borg&rsquo;s astounding 41 game winning streak at the All England Club. After losing the US Open final, Borg brought his glittering career to a premature end aged just 26.

Despite quitting the game abruptly, Borg retired with 11 Grand Slams to his name. McEnroe would go on to play until 1994, winning a total of seven. Although their record against each other was identical, with seven wins apiece, it was Borg and McEnroe&rsquo;s stark differences that made their rivalry so special.

<h2><img alt="Rafael Nadal in the 2019 Italian Open" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3078_default_big.jpeg" style="float:right" title="Rafael Nadal" />Roger Federer - Rafael Nadal (2004-present)</h2>

Rafael Nadal&rsquo;s staggering Grand Slam haul of 19 is bettered only by Roger Federer&rsquo;s 20; both player&rsquo;s tallies would be considerably greater if it were not for the existence of the other. The pairs&#39; dominance between 2005 and 2010 was unrivalled. Between 2005 and 2007, they won 11 consecutive Grand Slams. What could so easily have grown to be a bitter rivalry is nothing of the sort; the respect and genuine friendship between the pair is joyous.

Nadal is renowned as the &ldquo;King of Clay&rdquo;, having won on his favoured surface at the French Open a record 12 times. Federer is at his best on the grass, and has eight Wimbledon titles to his name. Nadal famously won the 2008 Wimbledon final - a breathtaking five setter, regarded as the greatest tennis match in history - to end Federer&rsquo;s hopes of winning a record sixth consecutive title at the All England Club

The rivalry could have been shorter, with the pair being knocked off their perch by younger talent emerging on the circuit. However, the opposite has occurred. Nadal and Federer have somehow sustained a rivalry at the very top of tennis for over 15 years. Their 2019 meeting in the semi-final of Wimbledon was the 40th between the majestic pair.

<img alt="Roger Federer in the 2019 US Open" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3077_default_big.jpeg" style="float:left" title="Roger Federer" />As Nadal and Federer have been ranked in the top three in the world for a considerable duration of their rivalry, the majority of their meetings have come when the stakes are highest. The pair have met in a record nine Grand Slam finals, with just three of their meetings happening before the quarter-final stage.

Both Nadal and Federer have widely contrasting playing styles, but both are just as terrific to watch. Nadal is all power and energy, with a relentless never say die attitude. Federer meanwhile is elegant and graceful, with everything looking completely effortless. Yet both are such gentlemen and so endearingly humble. Whoever said nice guys finish last should take a glance at the all time Grand Slam titles list.

<h2><img alt="Andre Agassi with 1992 Wimbledon Trophy" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3079_default_big.jpeg" style="float:right" title="Andre Agassi" />Pete Sampras - Andre Agassi (1989-2001)</h2>

Prior to the extraordinary feats of Djokovic, Nadal and Federer, American Pete Sampras was the most decorated tennis player of all time, with 12 Grand Slam titles. Compatriot Andre Agassi clinched eight Grand Slams during the same period, as the pair dominated the 90s tennis scene.

Sampras was a classic, and supremely effective, serve and volleyer, whilst Agassi was more of a maverick, with his unconventional dress sense and flowing hair, who became renowned for his baseline groundstrokes.

Agassi and Sampras met 34 times in total, the latter edging the head to head record 20-14. But the big serving American particularly made it count when it mattered, beating Agassi in four of the five Grand Slam finals they contested. During the pair&rsquo;s purple patch at the close of the Millennium, Sampras was ranked number one for 286 weeks, and countryman Agassi sat atop the world rankings for 101 weeks.

It was fitting for these two great American athletes to round off their rivalry where it began: on home turf at the US Open. The pair met in a Grand Slam final for the first time at Flushing Meadows in 1990, with Sampras winning in straight sets. Fast forward 12 years, and the location and result were the same, as Sampras overcame Agassi in a frantic four sets to round off an incredible career and electric rivalry.

<h2><img alt="Steffi Graf in action" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3080_default_big.jpeg" style="float:left" title="Steffi Graf" />Steffi Graf - Monica Seles (1989-1999)</h2>

In 1987, Steffi Graf burst onto the tennis scene as a fresh-faced 18 year-old, beating the imperious Martina Navratilova in the French Open final. She achieved a Golden Slam the following year (winning all four Grand Slams, plus Olympic gold.) The German was most definitely picking up the Navratilova mantle.

You had to be pretty special to overcome Graf. But two years later, she was beaten at the scene of her maiden Grand Slam triumph by a 16-year-old. As predicted, this 16-year-old was very special. The spectacularly talented Monica Seles went on to win eight Grand Slams before she had even celebrated her 20th birthday. Between the Australian Open of 1991 and 1994, Graf and Seles won 13 consecutive Grand Slams. In that time, Graf had the better head to head record, but Seles had beaten Graf in three of their four Grand Slam finals meetings. The 1992 French Open final between the pair was a mesmerising 3 setter, Seles coming through 10-8 in the final set. Long, absorbing baseline rallies were the trademark of their transfixing encounters.

This had the makings of a rivalry that was going to rage for years to come, and had the potential to be more iconic than that of Navratilova and Evert.

However, in 1993, Seles was stabbed on court during a change of ends in Hamburg. Although Seles recovered and made a comeback two years later, she was never quite able to recapture that irresistible form from the early 90s. Seles managed to register one final epic Grand Slam win at the Australian Open, beating Graf in the quarter-finals en route to victory. However, this was the only occasion post that attack she managed to record a win against her great rival. Graf went on to amass a huge 22 Grand Slam titles, a total only surpassed by Serena Williams in the Open Era.

Seles and Graf only met 15 times, Graf getting the better of Seles during 10 of those matches. We shall always wonder what could have been from this rivalry, cut tragically short. If the duals they did engage in are anything to go by, it would have been spectacular.

<h2>Not Forgetting&hellip;</h2>

Further great tennis rivalries include the Steffi Graf - Martina Navratilova rivalry, only overshadowed by the rivalries the pair have formed with others. Serena Williams has enjoyed a fascinating sibling rivalry with her sister Venus, meeting in four consecutive Grand Slam finals between 2002 and 2003. Ivan Lendl and John McEnroe had a gripping rivalry between 1980 and 1992. The pinnacle of which was the 1984 French Open final with Lendl coming from two sets down to beat McEnroe is five sets.

<img alt="Novak Djokovic in the 2019 Paris Masters" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3081_default_big.jpeg" style="float:right" title="Novak Djokovic" />When talking about the greatest players of all time, Novak Djokovic is unquestionably right up there. One can scarcely imagine the dominance he would have enjoyed had it not been for the greatness of Nadal and Federer. Djokovic could yet still eclipse their Grand Slam haul and as a result, the Serb has enjoyed intense rivalries with both players.

Nadal and Djokovic first met in 2006, and have met more times than any one else in the open era. They were the first men to play each other in the final of all four Grand Slams. Their most memorable encounter was an epic five setter in the 2012 Australian Open final, with Djokovic eventually emerging victorious. When these two hit their stride, their matches always go the distance.

The Djokovic-Federer rivalry is a similarly tightly fought contest, and it is particularly interesting because of its unpredictability. Djokovic is the only man to have beaten Federer at all four Grand Slams, and similarly, Federer is the only person to beat Djokovic at all four majors. The surface does not seem to favour either individual. Djokovic overcame Federer in an all time classic Wimbledon final in 2019 to close in on his Grand Slam record. Both are such sublime athletes, floating so gracefully around the court, that any game between the pair is a joy to watch.

It is a testament to the sheer longevity, and quality of the Nadal-Federer rivalry that either rivalry Djokovic enjoys with both men is not considered the greatest rivalry of the era.

Tennis fans are so fortunate to witness the rivalries between these three greats continuing to rage.

To track all the tennis tournaments from across the globe, check out the <a href="https://www.fixturecalendar.com/?sport=Tennis" target="_blank">Fixture Calendar.</a>

Written in September 2019

Photos by <a href="https://www.atptour.com/">ATP Tour</a>, <a href="https://www.wtatennis.com/">WTA Tennis</a>

The first in our brand new Sporting Rivalries Series sees us look back and assess some of the most deep-seated, competitive and tense rivalries in the world of sport.

First up, it’s tennis. A game renowned for its unrelenting sportsmanship in the face of extreme competition but which doesn’t prevent tennis from serving up some of the most enthralling rivalries in sporting history. Predominantly, a tennis rivalry involves two greats at the peak of their powers coming up against one another in a barrage of grand slam finals, resulting in some pulsating contests.

**Chris Evert - Martina Navratilova (1973-1988)**
-------------------------------------------------

Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova enjoyed over a decade of domination on the women’s tennis circuit during the 70s and 80s. The fact that the pair met an unprecedented 80 times over the course of their careers truly sets the rivalry apart. Navratilova and Evert were two of the greatest players to ever grace the tennis court, so to have them both playing at their peak at the exact same time and meeting so frequently was a privilege for tennis fans of the 70s and 80s.

Evert and Navratilova were the poster girls of women’s tennis, building on the legacy of Billie Jean King to single handedly carry the sport into the mainstream. Navratilova was powerful, with a formidably aggressive serve and volley game. Evert was athletic, with exquisite balance and speed. Long, relentless baseline rallies were a signature of the epic encounters between the pair.

The WTA rankings were introduced in 1975, and either Evert or Navratilova sat at the summit for all but 23 weeks during a 12 year spell of staggering supremacy. Both have 18 Grand Slam titles to their name (only three female players have won more). In Grand Slam finals, Navratilova came out on top, winning 10 of the 14 encounters between the pair. Navratilova also edged their head to head record, beating Evert 43 times, whilst Evert triumphed on 37 occasions. However, Evert was unquestionably supreme on clay, with Navratilova only beating her great rival 3 times in 16 years on her least-favoured surface.

It was a rivalry that benefited both players. Navratilova and Evert improved as a result of the other. Their rivalry spurred them on to be greater. In order to beat Evert, Navratilova assembled a team to work on her tactical and psychological approach to the game. Having a collection of experts working behind an athlete is a norm on the tennis circuit now, but Navratilova was well ahead of her time with her entourage. This approach resulted in Navratilova winning 13 consecutive matches against Evert between 1983-84.

The players had a unique relationship, winning two doubles titles together in 1975 and 1976. The rivalry was built on friendship, respect, and above all, their incredible talent on the tennis court.

**![Björn Borg at Madison Square Garden in 1980](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/05/thumb_4271_default_big.jpeg "Björn Borg at Madison Square Garden")Björn Borg - John McEnroe (1978-1981)**
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Such was their contrasting styles and temperaments, that the iconic Borg-McEnroe rivalry was branded “Fire and Ice”. Swede Borg was cool and classy, whilst American McEnroe had a real on court temper, and was famed for his expletive-littered outbursts at the umpire. Borg was a baseline player with remarkable composure, whilst McEnroe thrived at the net thanks to his incredible anticipation.

The Borg-McEnroe rivalry is not about longevity; they two only met 14 times. It’s about intensity. These 14 meetings happened across three short years, and four of their matches were in finals of Grand Slams. The pair met in the 1980 final of both Wimbledon and the US Open, delivering scintillating five setters on both occasions. Borg overcame McEnroe at the All England Club to secure his record fifth consecutive Wimbledon title, despite coming out second best in one of the most thrilling tie breakers of all time. McEnroe was victorious two months later at Flushing Meadows.

The pair repeated the feat the following year by making the Wimbledon and US Open finals, but this time McEnroe came out on top on both occasions. McEnroe’s Wimbledon victory halted Borg’s astounding 41 game winning streak at the All England Club. After losing the US Open final, Borg brought his glittering career to a premature end aged just 26.

Despite quitting the game abruptly, Borg retired with 11 Grand Slams to his name. McEnroe would go on to play until 1994, winning a total of seven. Although their record against each other was identical, with seven wins apiece, it was Borg and McEnroe’s stark differences that made their rivalry so special.

![Rafael Nadal in the 2019 Italian Open](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3078_default_big.jpeg "Rafael Nadal")**Roger Federer - Rafael Nadal (2004-present)**
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rafael Nadal’s staggering Grand Slam haul of 19 is bettered only by Roger Federer’s 20; both player’s tallies would be considerably greater if it were not for the existence of the other. The pairs' dominance between 2005 and 2010 was unrivalled. Between 2005 and 2007, they won 11 consecutive Grand Slams. What could so easily have grown to be a bitter rivalry is nothing of the sort; the respect and genuine friendship between the pair is joyous.

Nadal is renowned as the “King of Clay”, having won on his favoured surface at the French Open a record 12 times. Federer is at his best on the grass, and has eight Wimbledon titles to his name. Nadal famously won the 2008 Wimbledon final - a breathtaking five setter, regarded as the greatest tennis match in history - to end Federer’s hopes of winning a record sixth consecutive title at the All England Club

The rivalry could have been shorter, with the pair being knocked off their perch by younger talent emerging on the circuit. However, the opposite has occurred. Nadal and Federer have somehow sustained a rivalry at the very top of tennis for over 15 years. Their 2019 meeting in the semi-final of Wimbledon was the 40th between the majestic pair.

**![Roger Federer in the 2019 US Open](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3077_default_big.jpeg "Roger Federer")**As Nadal and Federer have been ranked in the top three in the world for a considerable duration of their rivalry, the majority of their meetings have come when the stakes are highest. The pair have met in a record nine Grand Slam finals, with just three of their meetings happening before the quarter-final stage.

Both Nadal and Federer have widely contrasting playing styles, but both are just as terrific to watch. Nadal is all power and energy, with a relentless never say die attitude. Federer meanwhile is elegant and graceful, with everything looking completely effortless. Yet both are such gentlemen and so endearingly humble. Whoever said nice guys finish last should take a glance at the all time Grand Slam titles list.

**![Andre Agassi with 1992 Wimbledon Trophy](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3079_default_big.jpeg "Andre Agassi")Pete Sampras - Andre Agassi (1989-2001)**
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Prior to the extraordinary feats of Djokovic, Nadal and Federer, American Pete Sampras was the most decorated tennis player of all time, with 12 Grand Slam titles. Compatriot Andre Agassi clinched eight Grand Slams during the same period, as the pair dominated the 90s tennis scene.

Sampras was a classic, and supremely effective, serve and volleyer, whilst Agassi was more of a maverick, with his unconventional dress sense and flowing hair, who became renowned for his baseline groundstrokes.

Agassi and Sampras met 34 times in total, the latter edging the head to head record 20-14. But the big serving American particularly made it count when it mattered, beating Agassi in four of the five Grand Slam finals they contested. During the pair’s purple patch at the close of the Millennium, Sampras was ranked number one for 286 weeks, and countryman Agassi sat atop the world rankings for 101 weeks.

It was fitting for these two great American athletes to round off their rivalry where it began: on home turf at the US Open. The pair met in a Grand Slam final for the first time at Flushing Meadows in 1990, with Sampras winning in straight sets. Fast forward 12 years, and the location and result were the same, as Sampras overcame Agassi in a frantic four sets to round off an incredible career and electric rivalry.

**![Steffi Graf in action](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3080_default_big.jpeg "Steffi Graf")Steffi Graf - Monica Seles (1989-1999)**
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In 1987, Steffi Graf burst onto the tennis scene as a fresh-faced 18 year-old, beating the imperious Martina Navratilova in the French Open final. She achieved a Golden Slam the following year (winning all four Grand Slams, plus Olympic gold.) The German was most definitely picking up the Navratilova mantle.

You had to be pretty special to overcome Graf. But two years later, she was beaten at the scene of her maiden Grand Slam triumph by a 16-year-old. As predicted, this 16-year-old was very special. The spectacularly talented Monica Seles went on to win eight Grand Slams before she had even celebrated her 20th birthday. Between the Australian Open of 1991 and 1994, Graf and Seles won 13 consecutive Grand Slams. In that time, Graf had the better head to head record, but Seles had beaten Graf in three of their four Grand Slam finals meetings. The 1992 French Open final between the pair was a mesmerising 3 setter, Seles coming through 10-8 in the final set. Long, absorbing baseline rallies were the trademark of their transfixing encounters.

This had the makings of a rivalry that was going to rage for years to come, and had the potential to be more iconic than that of Navratilova and Evert.

However, in 1993, Seles was stabbed on court during a change of ends in Hamburg. Although Seles recovered and made a comeback two years later, she was never quite able to recapture that irresistible form from the early 90s. Seles managed to register one final epic Grand Slam win at the Australian Open, beating Graf in the quarter-finals en route to victory. However, this was the only occasion post that attack she managed to record a win against her great rival. Graf went on to amass a huge 22 Grand Slam titles, a total only surpassed by Serena Williams in the Open Era.

Seles and Graf only met 15 times, Graf getting the better of Seles during 10 of those matches. We shall always wonder what could have been from this rivalry, cut tragically short. If the duals they did engage in are anything to go by, it would have been spectacular.

**Not Forgetting…**
-------------------

Further great tennis rivalries include the Steffi Graf - Martina Navratilova rivalry, only overshadowed by the rivalries the pair have formed with others. Serena Williams has enjoyed a fascinating sibling rivalry with her sister Venus, meeting in four consecutive Grand Slam finals between 2002 and 2003. Ivan Lendl and John McEnroe had a gripping rivalry between 1980 and 1992. The pinnacle of which was the 1984 French Open final with Lendl coming from two sets down to beat McEnroe is five sets.

![Novak Djokovic in the 2019 Paris Masters](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/04/thumb_3081_default_big.jpeg "Novak Djokovic")When talking about the greatest players of all time, Novak Djokovic is unquestionably right up there. One can scarcely imagine the dominance he would have enjoyed had it not been for the greatness of Nadal and Federer. Djokovic could yet still eclipse their Grand Slam haul and as a result, the Serb has enjoyed intense rivalries with both players.

Nadal and Djokovic first met in 2006, and have met more times than any one else in the open era. They were the first men to play each other in the final of all four Grand Slams. Their most memorable encounter was an epic five setter in the 2012 Australian Open final, with Djokovic eventually emerging victorious. When these two hit their stride, their matches always go the distance.

The Djokovic-Federer rivalry is a similarly tightly fought contest, and it is particularly interesting because of its unpredictability. Djokovic is the only man to have beaten Federer at all four Grand Slams, and similarly, Federer is the only person to beat Djokovic at all four majors. The surface does not seem to favour either individual. Djokovic overcame Federer in an all time classic Wimbledon final in 2019 to close in on his Grand Slam record. Both are such sublime athletes, floating so gracefully around the court, that any game between the pair is a joy to watch.

It is a testament to the sheer longevity, and quality of the Nadal-Federer rivalry that either rivalry Djokovic enjoys with both men is not considered the greatest rivalry of the era.

Tennis fans are so fortunate to witness the rivalries between these three greats continuing to rage.

To track all the tennis tournaments from across the globe, check out the [Fixture Calendar.](https://www.fixturecalendar.com/?sport=Tennis)

*Written in September 2019*

Photos by [ATP Tour](https://www.atptour.com/), [WTA Tennis](https://www.wtatennis.com/)

A detailed look into 5 of the greatest rivalries in tennis history. Explore tennis as we serve up some of the most enthralling rivalries in sports history.

Tennis Rivalries through the Ages

Welcome to Fixture Calendar&rsquo;s brand new series - a look back at some of the most monumental moments from Sporting history.

First up, is football. From spectacular goals, to magnificent saves, pieces of sublime skill to unforgettable matches; here are a selection of moments that earned football the nickname of &lsquo;the beautiful game&rsquo;.

<img alt="Diego Maradona scoring the Wonder Goal for Argentina in the 1986 World Cup against England" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/03/thumb_2769_default_big.jpeg" style="float:left" title="Diego Maradona scoring the Wonder Goal" />Diego Maradona Wonder Goal, Argentina v England, 1986 World Cup

The 1986 World Cup was won by Argentina largely due to the inspiration of Diego Maradona. En route to lifting the World Cup, Argentina faced England in the quarter-finals. With Argentina leading 1-0 thanks to the notorious &ldquo;Hand of God&rdquo; goal, Maradona picked up the ball on the halfway line and wriggled his way past two England players. He then charged towards goal, waltzing past two other England defenders as he made his way into the penalty area. With all the calmness in the world, Maradona then rounded England keeper Peter Shilton and slotted the ball home. In a display of incredible skill, balance and composure, Maradona utilised his stocky physique and low centre of gravity, keeping the ball seemingly glued to his foot as the England defence just melted away. No matter what team you support, this is a goal you can watch over and over again.

<img alt="Liverpool celebrate winning the 2005 Champions League final after defeating AC Milan in Istanbul" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/03/thumb_2770_default_big.jpeg" style="float:right" title="Liverpool celebrating winning the Champions League" />The Miracle of Istanbul, Liverpool v AC Milan, 2005 Champions League Final 

Liverpool came up against a fabulous AC Milan side in the 2005 Champions League final. From Kaka to Pirlo and Cafu to Maldini, there were superlative worthy footballers in every position. Milan blew Liverpool away in the first half; an inch-perfect Kaka pass finding Hern&aacute;n Crespo, who prodded home to give AC Milan a seemingly unassailable 3-0 lead. With the game all but over by halftime, captain Steven Gerrard dragged Liverpool back from the jaws of defeat. Five astonishing second half first minutes saw Liverpool level the scores courtesy of goals from Gerrard, Vladim&iacute;r &Scaron;micer and Xabi Alonso. A penalty shootout was eventually required to settle this most memorable of finals. A heroic performance from Jerzy Dudek in the Liverpool goal saw Milan miss three spot-kicks to complete the most remarkable of comebacks, as Liverpool lifted the greatest prize in club football.

<img alt="Carli Lloyd celebrating scoring a hat trick for USA against Japan in the 2015 Women's World Cup" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/03/thumb_2771_default_big.jpeg" style="float:left" title="Carli Lloyd in the 2015 Women's World Cup" />Carli Lloyd Completes World Cup Final Hat Trick, USA v Japan, 2015 Women&rsquo;s World Cup

Despite being considered giants of the women&rsquo;s game, the USA were on the hunt for their first World Cup triumph since 1999. They faced Japan in a replay of the final from four years previously, where the underdogs royally stole their thunder with a shock penalty shootout win. In a blistering first 15 minutes, the USA raced into a 3-0 lead thanks to a Lauren Holiday strike and a Carli Lloyd brace. Two minutes after the USA&rsquo;s third had hit the net, captain Lloyd skipped past a challenge in the centre of the park, before hitting the ball from the halfway line to lob Ayumi Kaihori in the Japan goal. The skill, the vision and the sheer audacity to pull off such an outrageous strike on the biggest stage of all remains outstanding in the history of football. The USA went on to win 5-2, Lloyd becoming the first person since Geoff Hurst back in 1966 to score a hat trick in a World Cup Final. To do so in 16 minutes and complete it with such a stunning solo goal, is truly special.

The Cruyff Turn is Born, Holland v Sweden, 1974 World Cup

The 1974 World Cup is famed for the way in which Holland revolutionised the beautiful game with &ldquo;Total Football&rdquo;, a style of play that emphasised freedom and panache. Johan Cruyff was the key cog in Holland&rsquo;s Total Football machine, and through elegance, flair and balance, Cruyff made football an art. Amongst his many astonishing performances, there is one particular piece of individual brilliance that the Dutch magician is celebrated for. In the group stage fixture between Holland and Sweden, Cruyff found himself with his back to goal and Swedish defender Jan Olsson marking him tightly. Cruyff feigned to cross with his right foot, before pulling the ball back down the line with his instep, swivelling 180 degrees and turning poor Olsson inside out. The subtly, the deftness and the imagination displayed were sublime. On top of it all, he made it look effortless. The &lsquo;Cruyff Turn&rsquo; is a mesmerising piece of skill and individual genius ingrained into Football folklore.

<img alt="Leicester City celebrates winning the 2015/2016 Premier League" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/03/thumb_2772_default_big.jpeg" style="float:right" title="Leicester City celebrates a historic win" />5000/1 Outsiders Leicester City Win Premier League, 2015/16

The Premier League has been dominated by a small number of teams since the inaugural 1992/93 season, with just five different clubs being crowned champions in the 27 year league history. Such is the influence of money in the Premier League, the gulf between the top six sides and the rest of the league is huge and seemingly unbreachable. Minnows Leicester City had been promoted to the Premier League in 2013/14, and their first season in the top flight saw them survive relegation by the skin of the teeth. The following year, Claudio Ranieri was placed in the Leicester hot seat in an appointment that was considered quirky at best. The Foxes went into the 2015/16 season with odds of 5000/1 to win the league. They were not even considered dark horses and winning the Premier League was simply not on the cards. Yet, through determination, spirit and togetherness, Leicester City achieved the unthinkable. Although Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez tended to steal the headlines, this was all about the team unity and resilience. Underdogs enjoy cup runs, but to win a league title over 38 games is in a completely different realm of underdog achievement.

Gordon Banks Sublime Save to Deny Pele, England v Brazil, 1970 World Cup

Holders England lost to eventual World Champions Brazil in the group stages of the 1970 World Cup, but this encounter is best remembered for the remarkable goalkeeping of the great Gordon Banks. Pele, arguably the most gifted footballer to ever grace the game, met a Jairzinho cross at the back post, forcefully heading the ball downwards towards goal. Banks flung himself to the right, not only clawing the ball backwards off the line but somehow managing to send it over the crossbar and away from danger, with just one hand. As soon as Pele made contact with the ball it seemed like a foregone conclusion, so much so that he himself was already preparing to wheel away in celebration. Yet, Banks&rsquo; lightening quick reactions seemingly defied the laws of physics, and produced a save that left the watching world stopping to catch their breath. It is considered the greatest save of all time, and one you have to watch over and over again to believe it actually happened.

Manchester United Steal Champions League Victory in Extra Time, Manchester United v Bayern Munich, 1999 Champions League Final

Having already wrapped up a Premier League and an FA Cup triumph, Manchester United headed to Barcelona for the Champions League Final looking to secure a historic treble. However, within six minutes, the Red Devils were 1-0 down following a Mario Basler free-kick, marking how the score would remain for the next 84 minutes. Munich had opportunities to double their lead, clattering the woodwork on two occasions and forcing Peter Schmeichel into a number of fine saves. However as the clock ticked down, United began to open up their German opponents. Chances went begging and no breakthrough could be found. As the clock struck injury time, United poured forward for a corner. The ball was cleared, but only as far as Ryan Giggs, whose shot was turned home by substitute Teddy Sheringham. Two minutes later Man United had another corner, and this time it was substitute Ole Gunnar Solskj&aelig;r who buried the ball into the back of the net. Two goals in three extraordinary extra time minutes, and United finally lifted the trophy that had eluded them for over 30 years.

<img alt="Roger Milla dancing to celebrate scoring a goal for Cameroon in 1990 World Cup" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/03/thumb_2773_default_big.jpeg" style="float:left" title="Roger Milla celebrates scoring a goal for Cameroon" />Roger Milla Dance, Cameroon, 1990 World Cup

Unfancied Cameroon turned heads at the 1990 World Cup, beating South American giants Argentina in a feisty group stage encounter to record one of the World Cup&rsquo;s greatest shocks. Cameroon went on to reach the quarter-finals for the first (and still only) time in the country&rsquo;s history. This was the best performance from an African side at a World Cup, and Cameroon&rsquo;s achievements changed the face of African football completely. Cameroon&rsquo;s run to the quarter-finals are remembered for the feats of Roger Milla, the 38-year-old super sub who danced his way into the hearts of fans. Milla was only selected for the World Cup after Cameroon&rsquo;s disastrous African Cup of Nations campaign triggered a squad reshuffle. The veteran scored four goals from off the bench at the tournament, and celebrated each one with a shake of the hips by the corner flag. He came on at halftime against England in the quarter-finals and changed the game, setting up both goals as Cameroon were cruelly denied a place in the semi-finals. Milla&rsquo;s trademark celebration has become a favourite with football fans, as it stands as a reminder of the infectious fun the &lsquo;Beautiful Game&rsquo; brings.

Manchester City Win the Premier League at the Death, Manchester City v QPR, 2012

Having trailed their great rivals Manchester United by eight points in the title race in the final months of the season, Manchester City beat United 1-0 to move to the summit of the Premier League on goal difference with just two games remaining. The title race boiled down to whether City could hold their nerve against QPR to secure their maiden Premier League title - failure to do so would leave the door open for neighbours United. The Red Devils did their bit, winning at Sunderland, leaving their fans nervously awaiting the result of the Manchester City match. However, things were not going according to script for City. Despite taking an early lead, they found themselves 2-1 down as the game entered injury time, the title slipping through their fingers and looking like the ultimate bottle job. In the 92nd minute, Edin Dzeko rose highest from a corner to nod home and give Manchester City a flicker of hope. And with seconds remaining, Sergio Aguero rounded QPR&rsquo;s Taye Taiwo and buried the ball in the back of the net. A truly sensational way to secure the Premier League title. Listening to the iconic &ldquo;Agueroooo&rdquo; commentary guarantees goosebumps.

<img alt="Carlos Alberto celebrates scoring for Brazil against Italy in 1970 World Cup" src="https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/03/thumb_2774_default_big.jpeg" style="float:right" title="Carlos Alberto celebrates a victory for Brazil" />Carlos Alberto Wraps Up Famous World Cup Triumph for Brazil with Marvellous Team Goal, Brazil v Italy, 1970 World Cup

The Brazil side that took to the field at the 1970 World Cup are considered one of the greatest of all time, and they fittingly completed their World Cup triumph with a team goal out of the top drawer. Brazil produced Football that had never been seen before; the pace at which they moved the ball and the skill, technical ability and inventiveness of each player were spectacular. This was Football at its absolute beautiful best. Brazil were spearheaded by the majestic Pele, desperate to make his mark on the world stage 12 years after he had done so as a dazzling 17 year-old. The Brazilians led 3-1 against Italy in the final, when Tost&atilde;o picked the ball up in his own half. Brazil calmly strung a selection of passes together, before Clodoaldo marauded forward, jinking his way past four Italians and laying the ball off to Rivellino on the left hand side. The midfielder sent the ball down the wing to Jairzinho and suddenly Brazil went up a gear, as he cut inside with a turn of pace and found Pele. The Brazilian talisman calmly slid the ball across the box, which was found with stampeding urgency by captain Carlos Alberto; who charged into the box to leather the ball first time into the bottom corner. A flowing team move capped off in style, a perfect display of the grace, skill and beauty of Brazil&rsquo;s iconic 1970&rsquo;s side.

These are merely a selection of some of Football&rsquo;s most iconic moments, with many other matches in its history providing joy for an assortment of reasons. From flashes of individual excellence such as Zinedine Zidane&rsquo;s thunderous volley in the 2002 Champions League Final, to incredible comebacks, such as West Germany&rsquo;s 1954 World Cup final win against a Hungary side unbeaten for four years. From romantic underdog stories such as the infectious Japan side that stunned the USA on penalties in the 2011 Women&rsquo;s World Cup final, to team&rsquo;s achieving the unthinkable such as Germany&rsquo;s 7-1 demolition of Brazil in the 2014 World Cup Semi-Final, and Pep Guardiola&rsquo;s Barcelona tika-takering their way to a staggering six trophies in a calendar year in 2009. Football has the ability to shock, bring warmth and take our breath away.

An iconic moment could take place across the globe at any time. Keep on top of all the Footballing fixtures with the <a href="https://www.fixturecalendar.com/?sport=Football">Fixture Calendar.</a>

Written in September&nbsp;2019

Photos by&nbsp;<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maradona_gol_a_inglaterra.jpg">Revista El Grafico</a>, <a href="https://www.uefa.com/">UEFA</a>, <a href="https://www.fifa.com/">FIFA</a>

Welcome to Fixture Calendar’s brand new series - a look back at some of the most monumental moments from Sporting history.

First up, is football. From spectacular goals, to magnificent saves, pieces of sublime skill to unforgettable matches; here are a selection of moments that earned football the nickname of ‘the beautiful game’.

**![Diego Maradona scoring the Wonder Goal for Argentina in the 1986 World Cup against England](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/03/thumb_2769_default_big.jpeg "Diego Maradona scoring the Wonder Goal")Diego Maradona Wonder Goal, Argentina v England, 1986 World Cup**

The 1986 World Cup was won by Argentina largely due to the inspiration of Diego Maradona. En route to lifting the World Cup, Argentina faced England in the quarter-finals. With Argentina leading 1-0 thanks to the notorious “Hand of God” goal, Maradona picked up the ball on the halfway line and wriggled his way past two England players. He then charged towards goal, waltzing past two other England defenders as he made his way into the penalty area. With all the calmness in the world, Maradona then rounded England keeper Peter Shilton and slotted the ball home. In a display of incredible skill, balance and composure, Maradona utilised his stocky physique and low centre of gravity, keeping the ball seemingly glued to his foot as the England defence just melted away. No matter what team you support, this is a goal you can watch over and over again.

**![Liverpool celebrate winning the 2005 Champions League final after defeating AC Milan in Istanbul](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/03/thumb_2770_default_big.jpeg "Liverpool celebrating winning the Champions League")The Miracle of Istanbul, Liverpool v AC Milan, 2005 Champions League Final**

Liverpool came up against a fabulous AC Milan side in the 2005 Champions League final. From Kaka to Pirlo and Cafu to Maldini, there were superlative worthy footballers in every position. Milan blew Liverpool away in the first half; an inch-perfect Kaka pass finding Hernán Crespo, who prodded home to give AC Milan a seemingly unassailable 3-0 lead. With the game all but over by halftime, captain Steven Gerrard dragged Liverpool back from the jaws of defeat. Five astonishing second half first minutes saw Liverpool level the scores courtesy of goals from Gerrard, Vladimír Šmicer and Xabi Alonso. A penalty shootout was eventually required to settle this most memorable of finals. A heroic performance from Jerzy Dudek in the Liverpool goal saw Milan miss three spot-kicks to complete the most remarkable of comebacks, as Liverpool lifted the greatest prize in club football.

**![Carli Lloyd celebrating scoring a hat trick for USA against Japan in the 2015 Women's World Cup](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/03/thumb_2771_default_big.jpeg "Carli Lloyd in the 2015 Women's World Cup")Carli Lloyd Completes World Cup Final Hat Trick, USA v Japan, 2015 Women’s World Cup**

Despite being considered giants of the women’s game, the USA were on the hunt for their first World Cup triumph since 1999. They faced Japan in a replay of the final from four years previously, where the underdogs royally stole their thunder with a shock penalty shootout win. In a blistering first 15 minutes, the USA raced into a 3-0 lead thanks to a Lauren Holiday strike and a Carli Lloyd brace. Two minutes after the USA’s third had hit the net, captain Lloyd skipped past a challenge in the centre of the park, before hitting the ball from the halfway line to lob Ayumi Kaihori in the Japan goal. The skill, the vision and the sheer audacity to pull off such an outrageous strike on the biggest stage of all remains outstanding in the history of football. The USA went on to win 5-2, Lloyd becoming the first person since Geoff Hurst back in 1966 to score a hat trick in a World Cup Final. To do so in 16 minutes and complete it with such a stunning solo goal, is truly special.

**The Cruyff Turn is Born, Holland v Sweden, 1974 World Cup**

The 1974 World Cup is famed for the way in which Holland revolutionised the beautiful game with “Total Football”, a style of play that emphasised freedom and panache. Johan Cruyff was the key cog in Holland’s Total Football machine, and through elegance, flair and balance, Cruyff made football an art. Amongst his many astonishing performances, there is one particular piece of individual brilliance that the Dutch magician is celebrated for. In the group stage fixture between Holland and Sweden, Cruyff found himself with his back to goal and Swedish defender Jan Olsson marking him tightly. Cruyff feigned to cross with his right foot, before pulling the ball back down the line with his instep, swivelling 180 degrees and turning poor Olsson inside out. The subtly, the deftness and the imagination displayed were sublime. On top of it all, he made it look effortless. The ‘Cruyff Turn’ is a mesmerising piece of skill and individual genius ingrained into Football folklore.

**![Leicester City celebrates winning the 2015/2016 Premier League](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/03/thumb_2772_default_big.jpeg "Leicester City celebrates a historic win")5000/1 Outsiders Leicester City Win Premier League, 2015/16**

The Premier League has been dominated by a small number of teams since the inaugural 1992/93 season, with just five different clubs being crowned champions in the 27 year league history. Such is the influence of money in the Premier League, the gulf between the top six sides and the rest of the league is huge and seemingly unbreachable. Minnows Leicester City had been promoted to the Premier League in 2013/14, and their first season in the top flight saw them survive relegation by the skin of the teeth. The following year, Claudio Ranieri was placed in the Leicester hot seat in an appointment that was considered quirky at best. The Foxes went into the 2015/16 season with odds of 5000/1 to win the league. They were not even considered dark horses and winning the Premier League was simply not on the cards. Yet, through determination, spirit and togetherness, Leicester City achieved the unthinkable. Although Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez tended to steal the headlines, this was all about the team unity and resilience. Underdogs enjoy cup runs, but to win a league title over 38 games is in a completely different realm of underdog achievement.

**Gordon Banks Sublime Save to Deny Pele, England v Brazil, 1970 World Cup**

Holders England lost to eventual World Champions Brazil in the group stages of the 1970 World Cup, but this encounter is best remembered for the remarkable goalkeeping of the great Gordon Banks. Pele, arguably the most gifted footballer to ever grace the game, met a Jairzinho cross at the back post, forcefully heading the ball downwards towards goal. Banks flung himself to the right, not only clawing the ball backwards off the line but somehow managing to send it over the crossbar and away from danger, with just one hand. As soon as Pele made contact with the ball it seemed like a foregone conclusion, so much so that he himself was already preparing to wheel away in celebration. Yet, Banks’ lightening quick reactions seemingly defied the laws of physics, and produced a save that left the watching world stopping to catch their breath. It is considered the greatest save of all time, and one you have to watch over and over again to believe it actually happened.

**Manchester United Steal Champions League Victory in Extra Time, Manchester United v Bayern Munich, 1999 Champions League Final**

Having already wrapped up a Premier League and an FA Cup triumph, Manchester United headed to Barcelona for the Champions League Final looking to secure a historic treble. However, within six minutes, the Red Devils were 1-0 down following a Mario Basler free-kick, marking how the score would remain for the next 84 minutes. Munich had opportunities to double their lead, clattering the woodwork on two occasions and forcing Peter Schmeichel into a number of fine saves. However as the clock ticked down, United began to open up their German opponents. Chances went begging and no breakthrough could be found. As the clock struck injury time, United poured forward for a corner. The ball was cleared, but only as far as Ryan Giggs, whose shot was turned home by substitute Teddy Sheringham. Two minutes later Man United had another corner, and this time it was substitute Ole Gunnar Solskjær who buried the ball into the back of the net. Two goals in three extraordinary extra time minutes, and United finally lifted the trophy that had eluded them for over 30 years.

**![Roger Milla dancing to celebrate scoring a goal for Cameroon in 1990 World Cup](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/03/thumb_2773_default_big.jpeg "Roger Milla celebrates scoring a goal for Cameroon")Roger Milla Dance, Cameroon, 1990 World Cup**

Unfancied Cameroon turned heads at the 1990 World Cup, beating South American giants Argentina in a feisty group stage encounter to record one of the World Cup’s greatest shocks. Cameroon went on to reach the quarter-finals for the first (and still only) time in the country’s history. This was the best performance from an African side at a World Cup, and Cameroon’s achievements changed the face of African football completely. Cameroon’s run to the quarter-finals are remembered for the feats of Roger Milla, the 38-year-old super sub who danced his way into the hearts of fans. Milla was only selected for the World Cup after Cameroon’s disastrous African Cup of Nations campaign triggered a squad reshuffle. The veteran scored four goals from off the bench at the tournament, and celebrated each one with a shake of the hips by the corner flag. He came on at halftime against England in the quarter-finals and changed the game, setting up both goals as Cameroon were cruelly denied a place in the semi-finals. Milla’s trademark celebration has become a favourite with football fans, as it stands as a reminder of the infectious fun the ‘Beautiful Game’ brings.

**Manchester City Win the Premier League at the Death, Manchester City v QPR, 2012**

Having trailed their great rivals Manchester United by eight points in the title race in the final months of the season, Manchester City beat United 1-0 to move to the summit of the Premier League on goal difference with just two games remaining. The title race boiled down to whether City could hold their nerve against QPR to secure their maiden Premier League title - failure to do so would leave the door open for neighbours United. The Red Devils did their bit, winning at Sunderland, leaving their fans nervously awaiting the result of the Manchester City match. However, things were not going according to script for City. Despite taking an early lead, they found themselves 2-1 down as the game entered injury time, the title slipping through their fingers and looking like the ultimate bottle job. In the 92nd minute, Edin Dzeko rose highest from a corner to nod home and give Manchester City a flicker of hope. And with seconds remaining, Sergio Aguero rounded QPR’s Taye Taiwo and buried the ball in the back of the net. A truly sensational way to secure the Premier League title. Listening to the iconic “Agueroooo” commentary guarantees goosebumps.

**![Carlos Alberto celebrates scoring for Brazil against Italy in 1970 World Cup](https://api.fixturecalendar.com/upload/media/default/0001/03/thumb_2774_default_big.jpeg "Carlos Alberto celebrates a victory for Brazil")Carlos Alberto Wraps Up Famous World Cup Triumph for Brazil with Marvellous Team Goal, Brazil v Italy, 1970 World Cup**

The Brazil side that took to the field at the 1970 World Cup are considered one of the greatest of all time, and they fittingly completed their World Cup triumph with a team goal out of the top drawer. Brazil produced Football that had never been seen before; the pace at which they moved the ball and the skill, technical ability and inventiveness of each player were spectacular. This was Football at its absolute beautiful best. Brazil were spearheaded by the majestic Pele, desperate to make his mark on the world stage 12 years after he had done so as a dazzling 17 year-old. The Brazilians led 3-1 against Italy in the final, when Tostão picked the ball up in his own half. Brazil calmly strung a selection of passes together, before Clodoaldo marauded forward, jinking his way past four Italians and laying the ball off to Rivellino on the left hand side. The midfielder sent the ball down the wing to Jairzinho and suddenly Brazil went up a gear, as he cut inside with a turn of pace and found Pele. The Brazilian talisman calmly slid the ball across the box, which was found with stampeding urgency by captain Carlos Alberto; who charged into the box to leather the ball first time into the bottom corner. A flowing team move capped off in style, a perfect display of the grace, skill and beauty of Brazil’s iconic 1970’s side.

These are merely a selection of some of Football’s most iconic moments, with many other matches in its history providing joy for an assortment of reasons. From flashes of individual excellence such as Zinedine Zidane’s thunderous volley in the 2002 Champions League Final, to incredible comebacks, such as West Germany’s 1954 World Cup final win against a Hungary side unbeaten for four years. From romantic underdog stories such as the infectious Japan side that stunned the USA on penalties in the 2011 Women’s World Cup final, to team’s achieving the unthinkable such as Germany’s 7-1 demolition of Brazil in the 2014 World Cup Semi-Final, and Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona tika-takering their way to a staggering six trophies in a calendar year in 2009. Football has the ability to shock, bring warmth and take our breath away.

An iconic moment could take place across the globe at any time. Keep on top of all the Footballing fixtures with the [Fixture Calendar.](https://www.fixturecalendar.com/?sport=Football)

*Written in September 2019*

Photos by [Revista El Grafico](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Maradona_gol_a_inglaterra.jpg), [UEFA](https://www.uefa.com/), [FIFA](https://www.fifa.com/)

A detailed look at 10 of the greatest moments in football history. From spectacular goals to magnificent saves, sublime skill to unforgettable matches.

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