Maradona’s famous “Hand of God” goal
World Cup history has witnessed many scandalous events, from the “Hand of God,” “buying and selling” to “ignorance,” etc. Here are the most disreputable ones that you might be interested in, reflecting the flip side of the tournament.
“Hand of God” – World Cup 1986
Referring to World Cup scandals, everyone will think of the handball played by Diego Maradona at the World Cup 1986.
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In the match with England, after a corner kick, instead of heading, the “Golden Boy” used his hand to punch the ball past the opponent’s goalkeeper.
Much later, he admitted about the goal: “A little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.”
Match-fixing – World Cup 1982
In 1982, Austria led Group B with 4 points, Germany was equal to Algeria (2 points) but exceeded Algeria in the goal difference (1 win was similar to 2 points).
Algeria seemed to succeed when overcoming Chile 3-2. However, Germany and Austria teamed up to eliminate Algeria. After Germany’s goal in the 10th minute, the two teams played …like wandering until the end.
Hence, Algeria had to return to the home country because of the lower goal difference compared to Germany and Austria.
Childish football – World Cup 1930
Argentina and Uruguay match at the World Cup 1930
A scandal reflecting the childishness of the World Cup in the early days was in 1930 that the two opponents of the final did not want to play the opponent’s ball.
Referee John Langenus decided that each half used one country’s ball. The effect was clear. With their ball, Argentina led 2-1. In return, Uruguay scored 3 goals with the ball they produced called “Tiento.”
Free-kick farce – World Cup 1974
It was their first time at a World Cup, so maybe, Zaire players could not “learn” all the rules of this tournament.
In the final of the group stage, after the referee blew the whistle for Brazil’s free-kick, Zaire defender Mwepu Ilunga (who was making a wall) suddenly kicked the ball over the line before the bewilderment of everyone.
Mwepu Ilunga’s “ignorance” caused the player to receive a gold card.
Home game bullying – World Cup 1974
Chile team at the World Cup 1974
The way Chile (the World Cup 1962 host) took advantage of their home, after being criticized by the Italian press, made them lose the image in the eyes of fans.
During the match, over 66 thousand supporters constantly threatened the Italian team. On the ground, some host players spat on their opponents’ face.
It culminated in the final minutes of the first half when a Chile striker “gave” Italy’s Mario David a “punch.” David retaliated with a kick and then received a red card. It continued to happen in the second half.
The visiting team had to accept to lose 0-2.
Forgetful referee – World Cup 1970
At the World Cup 1970, in the match with Mexico, Egyptian referee Ali Kandil awarded El Salvador a free-kick.
However, when El Salvador players hadn’t done anything yet, Mexico striker Aaron Padilla tackled before the opponent’s astonishment, and Valdivia headed the ball for the home side.
Despite El Salvador’s efforts to explain with the referee, the result was just a shake of the head.
Similarly, the match between Croatia and Australia at the World Cup 2006 was the first case in the history that a player received 3 yellow cards.
Zidane’s head-butt – World Cup 2006
Zidane’s headbutt at the World Cup 2006
Zinedine Zidane is a calm person, but in the World Cup 2006 finals, when Italy defender Marco Materazzi said some bad words about him, the “bald guy” silently gave the opponent a head-butt on the chest.
Zidane’s action was punished by a red card, leading to the French team’s loss. Instead of criticizing, millions of followers, including French President Jacques Chirac, sympathized with Zidane.
The championship fixed – World Cup 1978
At the 1978 World Cup, after finishing the group stage, Brazil got 5 points, and the scoring performance was 6-1. Argentina had not met Peru yet, and they had only 2 points. Their scoring performance was 2-0.
No one knew what the home team told the Peruvian side, but after the game ended, Argentina won 6-0. The way Albiceleste overcoming Brazil to achieve tickets to the final is still an unanswered question.
Considered the King of Sports, however, in big tournaments like the World Cup, football still makes people shake their head by scandals. For further football news, feel free to visit our website here. If you find the article interesting, please like and share it with others. Thank you.
