The Greatest Moments in the History of World Cup Opening Ceremonies Revisited

• When it comes to iconic World cup moments, nothing comes close to Diana Ross’ penalty miss years ago
• The legendary singer is not a professional but was expected to bury the ball in the net from yards out
• Sports Brief looks at back at how her effort in the 1994 World Cup opening ceremony somehow went wide

The World Cup has always produced iconic moments, both on and off the pitch.

In the latest edition in Qatar, there were some delightful standout moments, including the rise of the now world-famous socialite Ivana Knoll, a former Miss Croatia whose looks earned her next-level fame.

Back before the era of social media, there was an interesting moment in the 1994 World Cup which would certainly have taken Twitter by storm if it happened today.

Ross represents America’s football relationship

In 1994, the USA hosted the global tournament after winning the bid despite initial skepticism from the footballing community.

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Since the sport was moving to America for a month, it was befitting that the lead singer of the best-charting female group to date, Diana Ross was chosen to grace the event held at Chicago's Soldier Field.

Newly-elected US President, Bill Clinton gave a speech before the singer eventually took to the field to perform her iconic 1980 hit I'm Coming Out and the whole mood was that of football finally being taken to the next level in America.

Ross sang her heart out alongside a sea of dancers dressed in matching white costumes and as she ran the length of the field to the other end, she came face to face with the fundamentals of a football match: a ball and a net.

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She took a stutter in her run up and with the whole world watching, Ross somehow kicked the ball wide.

The moment was as awkward as it was hilarious but Ross, being the professional she is, played it down or perhaps the miss did not affect her as much seeing as she is not a professional.

She proceeded with her performance as she shouted her lyrics "I want the world to know" immediately after her ‘big miss’.

How did the USA perform?

As far as the World Cup in 1994 is concerned, the USA went on a fairly decent run in the group stage but fell short in the first knockout rounds at the hands of a star-studded Brazil side.

According to FIFA.com, the Americans drew 1-1 against Switzerland and beat Colombia 2-1, while their final group game ended in a 1-0 defeat to Romania.

Brazil went on to win the tournament.