Most controversial World Cup moments
THE World Cup is the most watched event in the world every four years but the showpiece has never been short of controversy. ESHLIN
VEDAN looks at some of the most controversial World Cup wins.
DUE to its questioned record on human rights and geo-politics, the Fifa World Cup 2022 will most certainly be the window to what life is like in Qatar next month, especially due to the unusual logistics surrounding the event.
Some have predicted that many of the big guns could wilt as a result of the event being played at the end of the year for the first time in history.
Here are some on-field controversies of the past:
England v West Germany (1966 final)
England still celebrate their 1966 World Cup victory, which remains the only time that they won the event. They discuss the controversy surrounding their third goal a bit less.
In the 101st minute of the game, Geoff Hurst hit the crossbar before the ball bounced in and out of the goal. With no VAR at the time, there was uncertainty over whether the ball crossed the line.
The goal was subsequently awarded to the Three Lions and they went 3-2 ahead.
South Korea v Italy (Round of 16, 2002)
South Korea reached the semifinals of the 2002 World Cup. To date, it remains the only time an Asian team ever reached the last four of the showpiece. Their run to fourth place was, however, not short of drama as they beat Italy and Spain under controversial circumstances.
In the game against Italy in the last-16, referee Bryan Moreno disallowed a goal from Italy which appeared to be perfectly legitimate. He also sent off Francesco Totti when the attacker should not have been sent off. South Korea would win the game 2-1.
South Korea v Spain (Quarter-finals, 2002)
In this game, Gamal Al-Ghandour did not award Spain two legitimate goals as they were somehow found to be offside. South Korea would go on to win the game 5-2 on penalties. Shortly after the 2002 World Cup, both Moreno and Al-Ghandour would end up retiring from refereeing due to controversies.
Italy display controversial kit against France in 1938
During their second World Cup win in 1938, Italy did something very controversial. During their quarter-final clash against France, they were meant to wear their white away kit against the home side (France). However, they turned up in black under the orders of then leader Benito Mussolini. The black kit was donned to pay homage to Italy’s then fascist leadership.
Hand of God (1986)
In the quarter-final of the 1986 World Cup, Diego Maradona blatantly handled the ball to put Argentina ahead during their 2-1 quarter-final win over England.
Maradona scored both of their goals while Gary Lineker netted a consolation for England. The English remain angry about Maradona’s antics to this day but even they concede that he was simply the best player in this tournament as he led his nation to victory. Lionel Messi will be looking to replicate the heroics of the late midfield maestro in his final World Cup this year.