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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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10 destinations, more than half a million visitors, soccer stars and nail biting thrill- the 2010 football World Cup in Africa promises to be an event of a lifetime. As the countdown begins for the gala occasion, here’s a stock taking on the special preparations that would add a greater punch to the mega soccer celebration.
Africa has prepared ten dream destinations to give the soccer lovers a grand experience. South African cities of Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, Nelspruit, Polokwane, Bloemfontein, Rustenburg and Pretoria are under extensive refurbishing to welcome soccer fans from all across the world with unprecedented hospitality and warmth.
Ten grounds in these nine host cities have been transformed with extensive facelifts for the World Cup and with a little over eight months before the opening ceremony takes place in Johannesburg on June 11, all that’s left are one or two finishing touches.
A prime highlight of the preparations is Johannesburg’s Soccer City that will host four group games, a second round game and the final apart from the opening gala. The 94,700 capacity stadium that was originally built in 1987 has undergone a £192million revamp which includes ten grey arrows in the stadium seats pointing to each of the nine other stadiums. A tenth arrow has been added to point towards Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, the site of the last FIFA final.
Ellis Stadium, the second venue in Johannesburg has been revamped to 61,000-seater stadium to host five group games, a second round game and a quarter-final.
The Green Point Stadium in Cape Town and Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban would host the two semi-finals. Cape Town’s brand new stadium with a see through roof has a capacity of 68,000 seats and would be ready by December 2009. The Moses Mabhida Stadium – named after a key figure in the battle against apartheid has a seating space of 70,000 and includes a 350m arch above the pitch.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth has undergone a £136m facelift and can hold 48,000 fans. The stadium would be the venue for the third and fourth play-off as well as five group games, a second round match and a quarter-final.
Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium and the Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria will each host five group games and a second round game. Both venues have undergone major £40m refurbishments.
Rustenburg’s Royal Bafokeng Stadium
A unique football destination in Africa would be the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein which is 1,395m above sea-level. Venue for South Africa’s last group game, the stadium is expected to see some great action in stands going by the loud cheering nature of soccer fans in this area.
The Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit and the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, are the smallest venue stadiums for the World Cup and can hold 46,000 fans each.
South Africa is famous for its warm hospitality and vibrant atmosphere. The 2010 World Cup promises to be a spectacular event for visitors, with a range of venues and cities hosting matches. Each venue city offers unique attractions including wildlife parks, mountains to climb and cultural spots to visit. Combine this with welcoming locals, good food and great weather, and get ready for a soccer experience to remember!!
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