The FIFA World Cup is the biggest sporting event in the world and has produced some of the most memorable moments in football history. However, not all of these moments have been positive. In this article, we will take a look at the most controversial FIFA World Cup moments ever.
1. The Hand of God (1986)
The 1986 World Cup quarter-final match between Argentina and England produced one of the most controversial moments in football history. Argentine legend Diego Maradona scored a goal that would go down in history as the ‘Hand of God’. Maradona used his left hand to punch the ball into the net, and the referee failed to spot the handball. Argentina went on to win the match 2-1, and Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’s goal has become one of the most talked-about moments in World Cup history.
2. The Battle of Santiago (1962)
The 1962 World Cup game between Chile and Italy acquired the nickname ‘Battle of Santiago’ as a result of the game’s violent character. The match was marred by a number of brutal challenges, and the referee had to send off two Chilean players. Despite the violence, Chile won the match 2-0, and the ‘Battle of Santiago’ has become a part of World Cup history.
3. The Disgrace of Gijón (1982)
The 1982 World Cup match between West Germany and Austria has become known as the ‘Disgrace of Gijón’. Both teams needed a draw to qualify for the next round, and they played out a match that has been described as a “non-aggression pact.” The match was widely criticized, and FIFA subsequently changed the tournament format to prevent teams from conspiring to fix matches.
4. The Hand of God II (2010)
In the 2010 World Cup quarter-final match between Germany and England, German midfielder Thomas Muller scored a goal that was reminiscent of Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’. Muller used his shoulder to deflect the ball into the net, and the referee failed to spot the handball. Germany went on to win the match 4-1, and the ‘Hand of God II’ has become one of the most controversial moments in recent World Cup history.
5. The Battle of Nuremberg (2006)
The 2006 World Cup match between Portugal and the Netherlands has become known as the ‘Battle of Nuremberg’. The match was marred by a record-breaking 16 yellow cards and four red cards. The game was widely criticized for its violent nature, and it is still regarded as one of the most controversial matches in World Cup history.
6. The Suarez Bite (2014)
In the 2014 World Cup match between Uruguay and Italy, Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez bit Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini on the shoulder. Suarez was subsequently banned for four months and missed a number of important matches for his club and country. The incident has become known as the ‘Suarez Bite’ and is one of the most controversial moments in recent World Cup history.
7. The Handball (2010)
In the 2010 World Cup quarter-final match between Uruguay and Ghana, Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez deliberately handballed on the goal line to prevent Ghana from scoring a last-minute winner. Suarez was sent off, and Ghana was awarded a penalty, which they missed. Uruguay went on to win the match on penalties, and the incident has become known as the ‘Handball’.
8. The Controversial Penalty (2002)
In the 2002 World Cup final between Brazil and Germany, Brazilian striker Rivaldo produced one of the most controversial moments in World Cup history. Rivaldo was hit in the leg by a ball kicked by Turkish player Hakan Unsal, but he pretended that the ball had hit him in the face. Unsal was subsequently sent off, and Brazil went on to win the match 2-0. The incident was widely criticized and has become known as the ‘Controversial Penalty’.
9. The Handball Goal (2010)
In the 2010 World Cup quarter-final match between Uruguay and Ghana, Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez once again found himself at the center of controversy. With the scores level at 1-1 in the dying seconds of extra time, Ghana had a corner kick. The ball was headed towards the goal, but Suarez used his hands to punch the ball away. As a result, he was sent off, and Ghana was awarded a penalty. However, Asamoah Gyan missed the penalty, and Uruguay went on to win the match on penalties. The incident has become known as the ‘Handball Goal’.
10. The Phantom Goal (1966)
The 1966 World Cup final between England and West Germany produced one of the most controversial moments in World Cup history. In extra time, English striker Geoff Hurst hit the crossbar, and the ball bounced down onto the goal line. The referee awarded a goal, despite protests from the German players, and England went on to win the match 4-2. The incident has become known as the ‘Phantom Goal’, and it is still debated to this day.
In conclusion, the FIFA World Cup has produced some of the most controversial moments in football history. From Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ to the Suarez bite, these moments have divided opinion and sparked heated debate. As we look forward to the next World Cup, we can only hope that it produces more moments that will be remembered for years to come, but hopefully not for the wrong reasons.
