8.6/101,019 votes#1 - Hillsborough
Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 4/15/2014
A look at the April 15, 1989 tragedy at Hillsborough Stadium in Sheffield, England, where overcrowding in the stadium's standing-room-only areas led to a crushing stampede that killed 96 people and injured 766. The film examines the ongoing efforts of victims' families to seek exoneration of their loved ones, who were blamed in part by local authorities in an attempt to conceal police and security inadequacies.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
6.6/10149 votes#2 - Maradona '86
Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 4/22/2014
A look at Diego Maradona's spectacular individual performance during the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.1/1098 votes#3 - The Opposition
Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 4/23/2014
Chile hosts a decisive World Cup qualifier at Santiago's National Stadium just weeks after it had been transformed into a concentration camp and killing field for opponents of Augusto Pinochet (who had just gained power in a military coup). Though FIFA investigates the matter, the game goes on, with the Chilean team winning in a walkover after their opponents from the Soviet Union boycott in protest over the stadium's use.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
6.8/1099 votes#4 - Ceasefire Massacre
Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 4/30/2014
June 18, 1994, and fans of Ireland's national team are euphoric over their team's World Cup opener against Italy at Giants Stadium. Joy turns to horror, however, at a bar in Loughinisland, Northern Ireland, where a Protestant terror group kills six men who were watching the game. The tragedy is a low point in the Northern Ireland conflict, as well as a turning point, as it would ultimately contribute to paramilitaries on both sides calling ceasefires just weeks later.
Director: Alex Gibney
Writer: N/A
6.8/10100 votes#5 - The Myth of Garrincha
Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 4/29/2014
Examining the legend of Mané Garrincha, who overcame bent legs to lead Brazil to two World Cup wins through his amusing style of play, and the efforts of his family and fans to give him a proper burial in Rio de Janeiro after his death in 1983. The Myth of Garrincha originally went by the title Garrincha: Crippled Angel during production.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
7.0/1093 votes#6 - Mysteries of the Jules Rimet Trophy
Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 5/6/2014
The Jules Rimet Trophy, awarded to the World Cup winners from 1930 to 1970, is a prize shrouded in mystery, as the whereabouts of the original trophy is unknown. This film focuses on the trophy's first brush with crime—a Nazi plan to steal the Rimet Trophy from Italy during World War II—and Ottorino Barassi, an Italian soccer official who attempted to protect the valued prize.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
6.6/1076 votes#7 - Barbosa: The Man Who Made All of Brazil Cry
Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 5/7/2014
How Brazilian goalkeeper Moacir Barbosa went from national hero to pariah after allowing Uruguay's cup-winning goal in the 1950 World Cup.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
6.9/10107 votes#8 - White, Blue and White
Season 1 Episode 8 - Aired 7/1/2014
After leading their national team to victory in the 1978 FIFA World Cup, Argentines Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa join Tottenham Hotspur, becoming cult heroes in England after leading Spurs to the 1981 FA Cup Final. Things radically change, however, when a conflicted Ardiles leaves Spurs and returns to Buenos Aires after Argentine troops descend on the British-ruled Falkland Islands, asserting sovereignty over the territory and resulting in the Falklands War.
Director: N/A
Writer: N/A
The Best Episodes of 30 for 30: Soccer Stories Season 1
Every episode of 30 for 30: Soccer Stories Season 1 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of 30 for 30: Soccer Stories Season 1!
ESPN Films, creators of the critically-acclaimed 30 for 30 film series, will premiere a new series in April surrounding the 2014 FIFA World Cup on...
Genre:Documentary
Network:ESPN
Season 1 Ratings Summary
"Hillsborough" is the best rated episode of "30 for 30: Soccer Stories" season 1. It scored 8.6/10 based on 1019 votes. Directed by N/A and written by N/A, it aired on 4/15/2014. This episode is rated 2.0 points higher than the second-best, "Maradona '86".