United States vs Soviet Union

The Cold War brought a level of excitement and patriotism to this rivalry unlike any other in sports history. The games themselves were important, but the victory was what mattered more there was a we are a superior country now feeling when either team defeated the other in hockey, weightlifting, basketball and all the other important games. Certainly, the 1980 Winter Olympics with the Do you believe in miracles? moment is the most exciting and important, but the 1972 gold medal basketball game was just as thrilling and had incredible controversy that only intensified the hatred between the two countries.