World Cup wonder goals: Nelinho’s ferocious free-kick
We count down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showing a wonder goal each day. Here you can watch Nelinho’s free-kick for Brazil against Poland at Argentina 1978.
We’re counting down to the FIFA World Cup 2026™ by showcasing a golazo from the global finals each day.
Brazil v Poland Argentina 1978 | Second group stage Estadio Libertador General San Martin, Mendoza “I was sure it was going to go to my left, towards the top corner,” said goalkeeper Zygmunt Kukla. “I was ready for it.” The Poland goalkeeper’s prophecy proved precise. The problem was that he was facing one of the most violent strikers of a ball in football history. “The ball was past me before I could react,” remarked Kukla. “I’d never seen power like it.” Nelinho was wearing a familiar colour. In the blue of Cruzeiro, from right-back, he implausibly scored over 100 goals in 410 appearances. He was back in canary-yellow in his next appearance. And back scoring wonder goals…