Not Only Lokomotiv – Dynamo: Ten Iconic Football Matches That Went Viral
The Lokomotiv vs Dynamo clash on July 12, 2025 began quietly. By the middle of the second half, the home side was leading 1–0. But what happened after the 90th minute would be written into football mythology and meme history.
In 36 minutes of added time, Dynamo scored five goals, completing an impossible comeback. What started as an ordinary friendly became a global sensation.
A screenshot of the scoreboard with the caption «It’s the 90+16th minute, don’t do anything stupid» went viral on X (formerly Twitter), racking up millions of views. But football is full of such absurd, unforgettable moments. Here are ten of the most iconic matches that became internet memes.
1. Brazil – Germany 1:7 (World Cup 2014, Semi-final)
Date: July 8, 2014
Why it went viral: No one in Brazil could believe their team was being humiliated at home. The Germans netted five goals within the first 30 minutes.
Meme: David Luiz in tears, «It’s only the first half,» and «7–1 Day» as a national trauma.
2. Barcelona – PSG 6:1 (Champions League 2017)
Date: March 8, 2017
Why it went viral: The first-ever comeback from a 0–4 first-leg defeat in UCL history. Three goals in seven minutes, a wildly chaotic finish.
Meme: La Remontada, Neymar as the villain, French fans in meltdown.
3. Ghana – Uruguay: Suarez’s Hand of God (World Cup 2010)
Date: July 2, 2010
Why it went viral: On the 120th minute, Luis Suárez deliberately saved a certain goal with his hand. He was sent off, but Ghana missed the penalty.
Meme: Suárez in keeper gloves, Marvel-style posters: «The Hand», and «He blocked the World Cup.»
4. England – Iceland 1:2 (Euro 2016)
Date: June 27, 2016
Why it went viral: Iceland, a country of just 300,000 people, knocked out England.
Meme: «You let Iceland beat you?!», Football Brexit, and Iceland’s coach — a part-time dentist.
5. Liverpool – AC Milan 3:3 (Champions League Final 2005)
Date: May 25, 2005
Why it went viral: Milan led 3–0. Liverpool levelled the score in just six minutes and won on penalties.
Meme: Miracle of Istanbul, Gerrard as superhero, Never give up.
6. Roma – Barcelona 3:0 (Champions League 2018)
Date: April 10, 2018
Why it went viral: Yet again, Barça lost a match they «couldn’t possibly lose».
Meme: Totti in ecstasy, «Roma have risen», and Monchi as a tactical mastermind.
7. Southampton – Leicester 0:9 (Premier League 2019)
Date: October 25, 2019
Why it went viral: The worst home defeat in Premier League history.
Meme: Screenshot of the scoreboard, «Lads, it’s only 0–5 at halftime», and endless «finish them» GIFs.
8. Australia – American Samoa 31:0 (World Cup Qualifier 2002)
Date: April 11, 2001
Why it went viral: The biggest scoreline ever in international football.
Meme: The match score resembles basketball, Archie Thompson scoring 13 in a single match.
9. Sevilla – Salzburg 1:1 (Champions League 2021)
Date: September 14, 2021
Why it went viral: Salzburg were awarded three penalties in one half — and only scored one.
Meme: Comments like «UEFA’s all-time record for bottling chances», goalkeeper hailed as man of the match.
10. Russia – Spain: The Akinfeev Foot Save (World Cup 2018)
Date: July 1, 2018
Venue: Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow
Why it went viral: The round of 16 went to penalties. At 4–3 to Russia, Igor Akinfeev saved Iago Aspas’s shot with his foot — a moment instantly etched into legend.
Meme: «Foot of God» — a nod to Maradona’s Hand of God, Akinfeev reimagined as a Hindu deity, a ninja, and Aragorn. The phrase «WITH HIS FOOT, NED!» went viral across platforms.
