FIFA World Cup Football 2010 - The Top 10 Flunk’s in World Cup Histo
FIFA World Cup Football 2010 - The Top 10 Flunk’s in World Cup History
Every World Cup brings glory to the team and players who win the coveted trophy. It’s glory that no one can share or take away from you. Additionally, players who score late dramatic winning goals instantly become heroes for their nation, getting fame, fortune, women and above all a place in history.
But, there are some who perhaps gifted that glory to their counterparts. The ones, who blew it, choked or were just suffering from moments of insanity. Whatever it was, it cost their teams the tournament. They too cement their name in the history books, but their memories are derived from shame, disgrace and utter humiliation.
The first on this list of shame is Jesper Olsen (Denmark 1986). Denmark led Spain 1-0 moments before half time when a lazy back pass by Olsen was intercepted by Emilio Butrageuno. He easily scored and Denmark could not come back after this and went on to lose 5-1. Denmark had an impressive run in that World Cup, scoring six goals against Uruguay, and also defeated West Germany as well.
Number nine on the list is Ramon “El Loco” Quiroga (Peru, 1978). Peru was thrashed by hosts Argentina 6-0 in a match they needed to win by at least four goals if they were to reach the final. The keeper was brought under heavy fire after the match, with him being accused of conspiracy. The fact that Ramon was born in Argentina further strengthened the theory.
Next, at the number 8 spot, we have Zinedine Zidane (France, 2006). Oh yes, how can we ever forget the famous head butt? France faced Italy in the 2006 final, in Zidane’s last game ever. He would’ve wanted his nation to win and retire with all the glory. He did retire, but not the way he would’ve liked. After Italian defender Marco Materazzi insulted Zizou’s mother, Zidane couldn’t control his emotions and head butted the Italian across his chest. He was of course sent off, and couldn’t participate in the penalty shootout. Italy won 5-3 on penalties. Zidane was considered a legend but was made fun off over the media. A series of mocking video games were also made on the basis of this incident.
At the number seven spot there’s Ray Wilkins (England, 1986). England headed into a must win bout against Morocco after losing the opening match. Wilkins was wearing the captain’s arm band at the time, and during game play he shockingly threw the ball at the referee. He was subsequently sent off, and never played for England again.
Then there was the shame full Robert Green (England, 2010). Robert Green was picked over the much experienced James, and the talented Hart, in England’s opener against the USA. A simple shot by Clint Dempsey, which could easily have been saved by almost any keeper, slipped through Green’s gloves and past the goal line. Green perhaps cost England 2 points as they drew with USA 1-1. His fumble was dubbed by the English media as the “Hand of Clod”, reference to the infamous “Hand of God” goal by Maradona, conceded by England.
Then there was Peter Bonetti (England, 1970) who was perhaps the original Robert Green. With the first choice keeper out sick owing to food poisoning, Bonetti stepped in. Winning 2-0 throughout the match, Bonetti let a Franz Beckenbaur shot slip past his gloves. The Germans went on to win 3-2 in extra time.
Rene Higuita (Columbia, 1990) was quite a disappointment as well. Higuita was most famously known as the goal scoring goal keeper. Having scored more goals than Heskey, who is an English Forward. He was mostly seen taking set pieces for his teams. His questionable ability quickly turned into disaster when he conceded a goal which crashed his team out of the tournament. Roger Milla, the Cameroon striker, was not impressed by the goalie’s fancy footwork. He stole the ball from him, and scored, as Cameroon won 2-0, sinking Columbia’s chances. Before this sad fumble, Columbia still had a chance as Cameroon were only 1-0 up.
Robert Baggio (Italy, 1994) is considered one of the biggest Italian legends of all time. The year was 1994, when Brazil met Italy in the World Cup final. The game couldn’t be decided in extra time, with a 0-0 stale mate and had to be decided over penalties. Brazil won the match, with Baggio missing the penalty. He had scored in the previous seven attempts for the Azzuri, and had scored 71 out of 79 in his club career. It was perhaps fate which saw such a great player failing to convert a simple penalty at the most crucial of times.
David Beckham (England, 1998) is one of the biggest names in football. With his swerving free kicks and model like looks, Beckham was loved by all. That, however, was not always the case. After being fouled by Argentinean Diego Simeone, Beckham allegedly kicked Simeone, and was sent off. England crashed out of the World Cup, after losing on penalties against Argentina. Beckham was blamed by media for the loss, to such as extent that the Manchester United star received death threats.
Andres Escobar (Columbia, 1994) is another sad story. Beckham just received the death threats, but for Andres Escobar, his own goal which led to USA winning the match and qualifying may have been the cause of his death. Fans were outraged and furious at him, and he was murdered, with his own goal seemingly being the reason behind the act. It was a sad day in football, and Escobar still holds high regard in the minds of Columbian fans.
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