All is fair in love and war and in football too. Take a look at these top 10 world cup ‘unjustified’ goals and judgments that made some heroes and won some matches! (Ref: The Telegrapgh)
1. Diego Maradona: The Hand of God 1986
Probably the most controversial movement in the history of World Cup soccer, Diego Maradona’s hand of God goal controversy lasted for over 20 years! Maradona apparently raised his left hand above Peter Shilton’s head to punch the ball into the net during Argentina’s quarter-final win over England.
Watch YouTube
2. Joe Jordan – Scotland v Wales, World Cup qualifier 1977
Striker Joe Jordan rose with defender Dave Jones to challenge Asa Hartford’s throw into the box. To the surprise of the Welsh fans and players, referee Robert Wurtz pointed to the spot believing Jones to have flicked on the ball with his hand while TV replays showed otherwise. Scotland duly scored to book their place at the 1978 World Cup Finals in Argentina.
Watch YouTube
3. Geoff Hurst – England v Germany World Cup final 1966
Geoff Hurst’s hit’ during extra time at Wembley remains the most hotly-debated controversy at a World Cup tournament to date. Enhanced technology has fuelled the fire as the footage shows the ball did not cross the line.
Watch YouTube
4. Brazil v Sweden, 1978 World Cup
Welsh referee Clive Thomas annoyed the whole of Brazil by blowing the full-time whistle milliseconds before Zico’s header crossed the line to deny the Brazilians a 2-1 first-round win over Sweden.
Watch YouTube
5. Kuwait v France, 1982 World Cup
Kuwait’s Alain Giresse scored a rightful fourth goal for the French team. The Kuwaiti players claimed they had heard the referee Miroslav Stupar blow the whistle in the build up, and hence stopped playing. Kuwait FA president Sheikh Fahid Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah demanded the referee to disallow the goal and he did! France still went on to win 4-1, even though Stupar disallowed five France goals during the match.
Watch YouTube
6. South Korea v Spain, 2002 World Cup
Two legitimate goals scored by Spain were disallowed in their quarter-final contest against South Korea. Referee Gamal Ghandour ruled out Kim Tae-Young’s own goal seemingly for an infringement in the buildup – although TV replays are inconclusive. Fernando Morientes’ golden goal in extra-time was ruled out too South Korea progressed to the semi-finals on penalties.
Watch YouTube
7. West Germany v Austria, 1982 World Cup
This was the historical match that forced FIFA to schedule final group matches at the same time following this shameful carve-up. Both the teams were placed in for the final Group Two match. A 1-0 or 2-0 win for West Germany would have secured their places in the knock-out stages at Algeria’s expense. West Germany won the game 1-0 and Algeria’s protests fell on deaf ears and the result stood.
Watch YouTube
8. Argentina v Peru, 1978 World Cup
Argentina’s first World Cup success on home was clouded in controversy on and off the field. The hosts had to win their final game against Peru by four clear goals to restrict Brazil’s goal difference and reach the final. Argentina rose to the challenge, knocking six past Peru goalkeeper Ramón Quiroga, who was ‘coincidentally’ born in Argentina.
Watch YouTube
9. Haiti v Italy, 1974 World Cup
At their first World Cup Finals appearance, Haiti’s creditable showing in their opening match against Italy, which they lost 3-1, was overshadowed afterwards when defender Ernst Jean-Joseph failed a dope test. He was subsequently beaten up by his own officials and flown home.
Watch YouTube
10. Croatia v Australia, 2006 World Cup
English referee Graham Poll put his hopes of officiating the World Cup final in Germany with a series of errors in Australia’s crucial final group match. The official’s biggest error saw him dish out three yellow cards to Croatia’s Josip Simunic before finally sending him off. He also awarded a first-half penalty to Australia for Stjepan Tomas’ handball, but failed to spot an even more blatant handball by the same offender later in the match.
Watch YouTube
Happy, sad, funny, weird- call them whatever you want, but these are some of the most striking soccer moments that you should not miss. Here’s some soccer action at its best, take a look.
Best Goals in History of Football
The Most Weird Haircuts For Football Players
Funny Football Moments
Serious Football Injuries
Football Best Goal Safe Ever
Best Free Kick Goals
Maradona’s ‘Hand of God’ goal in the quarter final match against England during the 1986 FIFA World Cup is perhaps the most famous or rather infamous football moments. The goal leashed out a series of controversies that continue to reverberate through the game’s history till date.
What Actually Happened?
Six minutes into the second half, Maradona cut inside from the right flank and played a diagonal low pass to the edge of the area to team-mate Jorge Valdano and continued his run in the hope of a one-two movement. Maradona’s pass, however, was played slightly behind Valdano and reached England’s Steve Hodge, the left midfielder who had dropped back to defend. Hodge, who swapped shirts with Maradona after the game tried to hook the ball clear but miscued it. The ball screwed off his foot and into the penalty area, toward Maradona, who had continued his run. England goalkeeper Peter Shilton came out of his goal to punch the ball clear, with his considerable height at 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m), making him clear favorite to beat Maradona at 5 ft 5 in (1.65 m) to it. However, Maradona reached it first, with the outside of his left fist and the ball went into the goal.
A TV still highlighting the infringement
Watch the ‘Hand of God’ video:
Due to lack of sophisticated monitoring and replay tools the referee Tunisian Ali Bin Nasser missed the infringement and allowed the goal. In a press conference after the match Maradona described the goal as “a little with the head of Maradona and a little with the hand of God.” The goal received much flak and became a bone of contention between Argentina and England. It was not until 2008 that Maradona apologized for his deed:
“If I could apologize and go back and change history I would do. But the goal is still a goal, Argentina became world champions and I was the best player in the world,” Maradona told the Sun tabloid in London, thus settling the 20 years old controversy.
Robin van Persie (born 6 August 1983) is a Dutch footballer who plays as a striker for English Premier League club Arsenal and the Netherlands. In the national team he is occasionally deployed as a left/right winger as well.
These days he is in news just because Emmanuel Adebayor has been suspended for three days for kicking his team mate Van Persie during the match between Manchester City and Arsenal, the Football Association reported.
Check out his antic shot
Football thrills, excites, makes you laugh and cry at the same time. Breathtaking moments galore in the game of soccer. Showcasing the lighter side game, here’s a collection of ten funny football moments.
Click on images below to view the videos.
David Dunn gets tangled!
Matt Le Tissier takes on Massimo Taibi
Laurent Robert takes on Olivier Bernard
Team Mates’ Brawl
Medic Trips on Injured Player
Minami Goalie’s Own Goal
There Goes the Referee
The ‘Angry’ Robbie Savage
Chris Brass’ Own Goal
Stretcher Blunders
- It has more than a game
- Lionel Messi Beats Christiano Ronaldo
- Top 10 cool Pair of Soccer Shoes
- 29 Cool Soccer Desktop Wallpapers
- Team USA Readies Arsenal for the World Cup Assault
- Top 25 cool goal poachers
- Top 10 World Cup Qualifying Players
- The 8 best places to visit in South Africa
- Last Chance to Grab your World Cup 2010 Ticket
- And the Winner is…Lionel Messi!