Saturday, December 26, 2009

World Cup Trivia

• Pele is the only player to have won 3 World Cups

• Roberto Baggio is the only Italian to have scored in 3 World Cups

• Brazilian striker Ronaldo holds the record for most overall World Cup goals.

• Only 7 countries have won the World Cup - Brazil (5), Italy (3), Germany (3), Uruguay (2), Argentina (2), England (1), France (1)

• Of the 17 World Cups, the host nation has won 6

• No European team has won the World Cup when hosted outside of Europe.

• The most common score in a World Cup is 1-0

• Two players have scored in four successive finals tournaments? Both Pele of Brazil and Uwe Seeler of West Germany have scored in the finals of 1958, 1962, 1966 & 1970.

• Shirt swapping was banned in the 1986 World Cup as Fifa didn’t want bare chests on show.

• Viv Richards is the only player to have appeared at a World Cup in football (Antigua) and a Cricket World Cup (West Indies)

• No continent apart from Europe and South America have had nations whom have won the World Cup, European teams winning 8 times with South American teams winning 9.

• There were only 13 teams in the first World Cup in 1930 these included the hosts Uruguay as well as Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, France, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Romania, the United States and Yugoslavia

• No country has lost its first match and won the World Cup

• The 1970 World Cup match between Honduras and El Salvador was so intense it led to a 3 day war between the countries.

• Brazil is the only country to have played in every World Cup finals.

• Brazil has the highest number of goals in World Cup finals history with 173.

• Africa’s first country to qualify was Egypt in 1934

• July 31 was declared a national holiday in Uruguay after they won the inaugural World Cup in 1930.

• Oldest player was Cameroon’s Roger Milla at 42 years, 39 days at the 1994 World Cup. He is also the oldest player to have scored a goal when he scored against Russia in 1994.

• Youngest player was Norman Whiteside of Northern Ireland aged just 17 years and 41 days he played against Yugoslavia in 1982.

• 6 players have represented 2 different countries in separate World Cups – Luis Monti represented Argentina in 1930 and late Italy in 1934. Ferenc Puskas played for Hungary in 1954 and Spain in 1962. Another player José Santamaria represented Uruguay in 1954 and Spain in 1962. Mazola played for Brazil in 1958 and then Italy 1962 under the name José Altafini]. Robert Prosinecki and Robert Jarni both played for Yugoslavia in 1990 and Croatia in 1998.

• The shortest playing time at a World Cup is held by 2 players; Tunisia’s Khemais Labidi played two minutes against Mexico in 1978 and Argentina’s Marcelo Trobbiani played the last two minutes of his country’s 3-2 final win against West Germany in 1986.

• Anatoli Pusatch of the Soviet Union wa sthe first substitue in World Cup history. In a match against Mexico in 1970. He replaced Viktor Serebrjanikov. Substitutes were never used until the 1970 World Cup.

• The first goalkeeper to be substituted was Steve Adamache of Romania against Brazil. He was replaced by Necula Raducanu.

• The fastest substitution came in 1998, when Italy’s Alessandro Nesta was replaced by Giuseppe Bergomi against Austria after 4 minutes. When Michael Owen was replaced by Peter Crouch against Sweden in 2006 the record was equalled.

• Frenchman Joël Quiniou has refereed the most World Cup games. He has been in charge of 8 matches between 1986-1994 with four of them coming in 1994 in the USA. Other referees who have taken charge of 4 games in a single tournament are Russian Nicolaj Latychev in 1962, Brazilian José Ramiz Wright in 1990) and Belgian Jan Langenus at the 1930 World Cup.

• The youngest referee in a World Cup game was Francisco Mateuccia of Uruguay. He was 27 years and 62 days old when he took charge of Yugoslavia vs Bolivia in 1930.

• The oldest referee in a World Cup game was George Reader of England, at 53 years and 236 days old when took charge of Brazil vs Uruguay in the World Cup final in 1950.

• The youngest coach for a World Cup team was Juan Jose Tramutola of Argentina, he was 27 years and 267 days old when Argentina opened their campaign against France in 1930.

• The oldest coach for a World Cup team was Gaston Barreau of France, 70 years and 194 days old when France played Mexico in 1954.

• Germanys Helmut Schon has coached the most matches in a World Cup who led his team 25 times between 1966-1978.

• The youngest starting line-up in a World Cup game was fielded by Yugoslavia against Brazil in 1930. The average age was only 21 years and 258 days.

• The oldest starting line-up in a World Cup game was fielded by Germany against Iran in 1998. The average age was 31 years and 345 days.

• Fastest goal in a World Cup match was scored by Turkey’s Hakan Sükür after only 11 seconds against South Korea in 2002.

• The latest goal n a World Cup game was scored by Alessandro Del Piero of Italy, during the semifinal match against Germany in 2006 after 121 minutes.

• The fastest hat-trick was scored by Hungary’s Laszlo Kiss against El Salvador in 1982. He scored after 70, 74 and 77 minutes. Laszlo Kiss is also the only substitute to have scored a hat-trick in a World Cup.

• Pelé is the youngest scorer in a World Cup when he scored against Wales in 1958. He was then only 17 years and 239 days old.

• Only 2 players have scored in every match including the final;  Jairzinho of Brazil, managed it in the 1970 World Cup (6 games) and Alcide Ghiggia of Uruguay in 1950 (4 games).

• The fastest goal by a substitute was made scored by Ebbe Sand of Denmark against Nigeria in the second round in 1998. He scored after 16 seconds of coming on in Denmarks 4-1 win.

• Only 4 players have scored in 2 World Cup finals. These are Vava of Brazil in 1958 and 1962, Pelé of Brazil 1958 and 1970, Paul Breitner of West Germany in 1974 and 1982 and Zinedine Zidane of France in 1998 and 2006.

• The first player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match was United States’s Bert Patenaude who scored against Paraguay in the first round of the 1930 World Cup.

• Polands Ernst Willimowski is the only player to score four goals in one match and still end up on the losing team against Brazil in 1938.

• Only one player has scored for two countries. Robert Prosinecki represented Yugoslavia in 1990 scoring against the United Arab Emirates and Croatia in 1998 scoring against Jamaica.

• The first own-goal in World Cup history was scored by Ernst Lötscher of Switzerland against Germany in a first round replay game in 1938.

• Ernie Brandts of Holland was the only player to have scored a goal plus an own-goal in the same during a second phase match against Italy in 1978when the Dutch team won 2-1.

• Juan Basaguren was the first substitute to score a goal when he netted the last goal against El Salvador in Mexico’s 4-0 win in 1970.

• The fastest red card was given to the Uruguayan player Sergio Batista after just 56 seconds in their first round match against Scotland in 1986.

• The fastest yellow card was given to Sergei Gorlukovic of Russia within the first minute against Sweden in 1994.

• 142 red cards (this includes expulsions before red cards were introduced in 1970) have been handed out in World Cup history. Only 2 players have ben sent off more than once; Rigobert Song of Cameroon against Brazil in 1994 and Chile in 1998 and Zinedine Zidane against Saudi Arabia in 1998 and against Italy in 2006.

• Peru’ Mario de Las Casas was the first player ever to be sent off in a World Cup against Romania in 1930.

• The first goalkeeper ever to be sent off was Gianluca Pagliuca of Italy against Norway in 1994.

• Argentinian Pedro Monzon was the first player to be sent off in a World Cup final was against West Germany in 1990. Fellow Argentinian Gustavo Dezotti also received a red card later in that match. Marcel Desailly of France is the only other player to have been sent off in a final when he was sent off against Brazil in 1998.

• Mexican referee Arturo Brizio Carter has handed out the most red cards. He sent off 7 players in the 6 games he was in charge of between 1994-1998.

• In penalty shoot-outs the team shooting first has won 11 of the 20 shoot-outs whch works out to 55%.
 
• Only two of twenty shoot-outs in World Cups have needed extra penalties after the original five attempts each. This occurred during The West Germany vs France match in 1982 needed one extra round of penalties and Sweden vs Romania in 1994 also required an extra round.

• Sergio Goycoechea of Argentina is the most successful penalty saving goalkeeper. He. He saved three against Yugoslavia in the quarterfinal in 1990 and two more in the semifinal against Italy, making a total of five.

• Thirteen players have scored in two penalty shootouts, no one has scored in three. These players are:

Pierre Littbarski of West Germany vs France in 82 and Mexico in 86.
Manuel Amoros of France vs West Germany in 82 and Brazil in 86.
Andreas Brehme of West Germany vs Mexico in 86 and England in 90.
Lothar Matthäus of West Germany vs Mexico in 86 and England in 90.
Gheorghe Hagi of Romania vs Ireland in 90 and Sweden in 94.
Ion Lupescu of Romania vs Ireland in 90 and Sweden in 94.
José Serrizuela of Argentina vs Yugoslavia in 90 and Italy in 90.
Jorge Burruchaga of Argentina vs Yugoslavia in 90 and Italy in 90.
Dunga of Brazil vs Italy in 94 and Holland in 98.
Branco of Brazil vs France in 86 and Italy in 94.
Roberto Baggio of Italy vs Argentina in 90 and France in 98.
Fernando Hierro of Spain vs Ireland in 2002 and South Korea in 2002.
Ruben Baraja of Spain vs Ireland in 2002 and South Korea in 2002.

• The oldest player to have won the World Cup is Goalkeeper Dino Zoff of Italy. At the age of 40 he captained Italy to victory in 1982.

• The youngest player to have won the World Cup is Pelé. At 17 he won with Brazil won in Sweden in 1958.

• Only one coach has managed 5 countries in World Cups. Yugoslavian Bora Milutinovic coached Mexico in 1986, Costa Rica in 1990, hosts United States in 1994, Nigeria at France 1998 and China in 2002. Milutinovic took all his first four teams past the first round group stage, but failed to take China beyond the group stage.

• Only one man ahs coached and captained a World Cup winning team.Franz Beckenbauer for Germany; as captain in 1974 and coach in 1990.

• The first player to win the World Cup as a player and coach was Brazillian Mario Zagallo, who first won as a player in 1958 and 1962 and then as a coach in 1970.

• The only coach to win the World Cup twice was Vittorio Pozzo of Italy who guided the Italians to the World Cup triumph in 1934 and 1938.

• The first goal scored from a penalty was scored by Manuel Rosas of Mexico against Argentina in 1930.

• The first player to ever miss a penalty was Valdemar de Brito of Brazil against Spain in 1934. Ricardo Zamora saved the kick.

• Walter Zenga of Italy holds the record for clean sheets, managing not to conceed for almost six full games, 517 minutes This was until Claudio Caniggia scored for Argentina in the semifinal in 1990.

• The highest attendance recorded for one match at a World Cup is from the 1950 final. The official attendance was 199,854 in the final between Brazil and Uruguay in Rio de Janeiro at the Maracana Stadium.

• The lowest attendance recorded for one match was at the first ever World Cup in Uruguay in 1930 with an attendance of 300 people to see the first round match between Romania and Peru, which Romania won 3-1.

World Cup Historical Moments

Pele Wins World Cup at 17

In 1958 Pele appeared at his first world cup aged just 17. He scored his first goal against Wales in the Quarter Final becoming the youngest World Cup scorer at just 17 years and 239 days. He became the youngest player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup against France in the Semi-Final. In the final he scored twice including arguably one of the finest World Cup goals when he lobbed the ball over a defender and volleyed the ball in past the Swedish keeper.

England Win World Cup 1966

The reason every England fans think England will bring football home is a result of one of the most famous World Cup Finals where England beat West Germany at Wembley 4-2 in extra time including a did it/didn’t it cross the line goal for England & a hat-trick for Geoff Hurst who had replaced the injured the emphatic Jimmy Greaves earlier in the tournament. England went behind thanks to a Helmut Haller goal (who then kept the match ball) they equalised through Geoff Hurst and then England went ahead as Martin Peters scored. With a minute left Wolfgang Weber equalised for West Germany and the game went to extra time. Geoff Hurst scored two of the most memorable goals in World Cup history to win the World Cup for England.

Did it/didn’t it cross1966

England won the World Cup in 1966 thanks to a hat-trick from Geoff Hurst including a goal still debated today.  In extra time with score level at 2-2 Geoff Hurst shot hit the underside of the bar and down onto the ground. A goal was given and England went onto win 4-2 with a final stunning goal scored by Geoff Hurst. To this day it is not 100% known whether the ball bounced on or over the goal line.

Maradona second goal vs England 1986

Maradona career as a player and coach has been dogged by controversy, but this goal is perhaps an example of the great ability of the Argentine. 4 minutes after the infamous ‘Hand Of God’ goal, Maradona received a pass 10 metres inside his own half from Hector Enrique. He dribbled 60 metres in around 10 seconds, dribbling past Hodge, Beardsley, Butcher and Fenwick before rounding Shilton and scoring the ‘Goal Of The Century’.

Maradona kicked out of 1994 World Cup

At the USA ’94 World Cup Maradona was sent home from the World Cup after failing a drugs test. After scoring against Greece, Maradona celebrated running over to a TV Camera and many say that you could see he was ‘high’ as he screamed and shook the camera. Maradona was found to have ephedrine in his system which Maradona argues was due to a power drink called ‘Rip Fuel’.

Hand Of God 1986

The infamous goal in the 1986 World Cup, Maradona opened the scoring using his hand in a match already filled with tension due to the Flaklands War between the UK and Argentina. Six minutes into the second half Maradona passed the ball from the right flank to Jorge Valdano outside the area in hope of a one-two he continued his run into the box, however his diagonal pass went behind Valdano to England’ Steve Hodge who miscued his clearance, the ball hit his foot back into the penalty area and as the 6’1 Keeper Shilton came to punch the ball clear Maradona popped up and hit the ball first with his left fist, thus scoring the most controversial goal of World Cup history.

South Africa Host World Cup 2010

The World Cup this year (2010) will be the first ever held on the Continent of Africa with South Africa the proud hosts to the Footballs pinnacle event.

1998 Owen Goal vs Argentina

An 18 year old Michael Owen demonstrated his excellent scoring ability and pace at the 1998 World Cup vs Argentina. With the scores level at 1-1 Beckham picked a pass to Owen which he brought down with the outside of his right foot before using his electric pace to beat Argentine defenders Ayala & Chamot before smacking an angled shot past the keeper from just outside the penalty area.

1966 Pitch invasion – commentary

“There are people on the pitch…they think it’s all over…it is now”. The famous quote was part of the match commentary from the 1966 World Cup Final between England & West Germany, the BBC commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme was the man behind the words which will live in football history forever.

1966 N.Korea Beat Italy

In 1966 the massive underdogs N.Korea beat Italy 1-0 with a goal from Pak Doo Ik

S.Korea beat Portugal, Italy and Spain 2002

At the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea the Co Hosts South Korea reached the Semi Finals eventually losing to Germany 1-0. However they achieved great respect after beating Portugal, Italy and Spain on their way to the Semis, although their win over Portugal has been hounded with accusations of match fixing as it appeared that the South Koreans got away with numerous fouls on the Portuguese team.

Zidane headbutts Materazzi in final 2006

In the 2006 World Cup Final in Germany one of the greatest players in the world Zinedine Zidane in his final appearance in international football was sent off for an off the ball incident. Zidane put France ahead with a penalty after 7 minutes, with Materazzi equalising for Italy 12 minutes later. Near the end of extra time the two goal scorers clashed in an off the ball incident when Materazzi was said to have made a comment to Zidane insulting his mother, Zidane then retaliated head butting Materazzi in the chest. Zidane was sent off and Italy went on to win the final 5-3 on Penalties.

Beckham Sent off 1998

After showing his great ability against Columbia helping England to a much needed win including scoring a spectacular free kick, Beckham had a moment of controversy which would stay with him and become part of football and World Cup history. After being fouled by Diego Simone, Beckham appeared to wait for Simone to move back towards him while he laid on the ground before kicking out at the Argentine. He was duly sent off and vilified by the English press and public who blamed this incident for England going out of the World Cup on penalties (never mind Sol Campbell’s unfairly disallowed goal, or Paul Ince and David Batty’ missed penalties)

Gazza’s tears 1990

Perhaps one of the saddest moments in World Cup history was the sight of England Paul Gascoigne crying on the semi final after receiving a yellow card effectively banning him from the 1990 World Cup Final should England had made it. One of England’ great performers at the 1990 World Cup, Gazza had received a yellow card against Belgium and forever the committed player he brought down West Germanys Thomas Berthold and was booked suspending him from the potential final. Now famous images show tears falling from Gazza’s eyes and England Striker Gary Lineker attempting to comfort him whilst gesturing to England Manager Bobby Robson to ‘keep an eye on him’ and pointing to Gazza. England went on to lose on penalties but this moment will perhaps remain as one of the most iconic from any World Cup.

Platts Wonder Goal 1990

In the Second Round of the 1990 World Cup England were drawn to face Belgium, with the scores level at 0-0 at full time the match went to extra-time. Paul Gascoigne raced from his own half towards the Belgium goal and was duly fouled. The free kick was clipped into the packed penalty area and with his back to goal David Platt spun and volleyed the ball with his right foot sending England into the Quarter Finals and Terry Butcher and Chris Waddle into a dance with the jubilant England fans.

Will he/won’t he Ronaldo plays 1998 final

One of the most bizarre moments in World Cup history and it took place before a ball was kicked. In the build up to the 1998 World Cup final between France & Brazil there was confusion as Ronaldo’ name was left off from the team sheet. It then appeared back on the Brazil team sheet half an hour before kick off. Ronaldo played but looked anything but match fit, visibly vacant and unlike the World Class striker people thought they would be watching, many reasons have been giving for his absence and then appearance at the Final. These include that he had a convulsion the night before the game but was then passed fit, Stomach upset, an ankle injury, relationship issues. Whatever the real reason Ronaldo could do little to help his team as they lost 3-0 to France.

Bergkamp wonder goal 1998

Dennis Bergkamp is one the most technically gifted footballers in history and his abilities were evident at the 1998 World Cup. In the Quarter Final against Argentina, in the final minute of normal time Bergkamp collected a 60 yard pass from Frank de Boer, bringing the ball down whilst simultaneously touching the ball through Ayala’ legs and then volleying the ball with the outside of his right foot from a tight angle sending The Netherlands into the Semi-Finals. Those 3 touches showed the close control, vision and calm finishing the Dutch are known for.

Senegal beat France 2002

At the 2002 World Cup, World and European Champions France were set to face international football minnows Senegal and with the empathic Thierry Henry up front few could see anything but a white wash victory for the French. However it was Sengalese midfielder El Hadji Diouf that ran the opening show, constantly running at the French and forcing mistakes culminating in the only goal of the game from Senegal midfielder Pape Bouba Diop on 30 minutes. With Zidane injured France struggled to find a reply and eventually lost the match in arguably the competitions biggest ever upset.

Archie Gemmil goal vs Holland 1978

Made famous by those not alive during the 1978 World Cup by the film trainspotting, Archie Gemmil’ goal against Holland in 1978 is perhaps a rare highlight in Scottish World Cup history. With Scotland needing to win by 3 goals and already 2-1 up against the Dutch, Gemmil played a one-two with Dalglish before sprinting into the box and smashing the ball past Jongbloed in the Holland goal. In Trainspotting the Ewan McGregor character remarks that “I haven’t felt that good since Archie Gemmill scored against Holland in 1978” and perhaps since then neither have any other Scottish fans.

Cryuff turn 1974

One of the greatest ever, naturally gifted footballers and originators of many ‘tricks’ used by kids to professionals, the 1974 saw the emergence of the Cryuff turn. In a match between Holland and Sweden Cryuff put his turn on the world stage making it look as though he was gong to pass the ball before dragging the ball past his planted foot, turning 180 degrees in the process and racing clear of the defender.

Pele gives Uruguay the run around 1970

In the 1970 World Cup Pele heightened his reputation as the worlds greatest ever footballer when he performed a dummy on Uruguayan keeper Ladislao Mazurkiewicz. After a through ball from Tostao Pele looked as though he was about to control the ball before letting it run under his feet past the oncoming Mazurkiewicz and ran around the other side collecting the ball before firing narrowly wide.

Greatest save Banks vs Pele 1970

Possibly the world’s greatest player against arguably its finest keeper of the time, it was a duel to catch the imagination at the 1970 World Cup. Pele met a cross and hammered a downward header towards Banks right post which seemed so destined for goal it is said that Pele yelled goal as the ball flew towards the net. However with the lighting reflexes and agility that made Banks a goalkeeping hero he managed to change direction moving from left to right and diving down and backwards to stop the ball with his thumb and sending it over the stanchion. The greatest ever save in football!

Bobby Moore arrested 1970

Before the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, England Captain Bobby Moore and Bobby Charlton visited a jewellery shop in Bogota Columbia called the The Green Fire Shop within the Tequendama Hotel to buy presents for their wives. After leaving the shop owner Danilo Rojas reported that Bobby Moore had stolen a £600 emerald bracelet. A witness; a Mr Alvaro Suarez told police he had seen the bracelet in Moores pocket. After being placed under house arrest it was discover that Moore was the victim of a frame up by Mr Rojas and that Mr Suarez had been paid by Rojas to be a witness. The theory follows that it was done to promote the shop and/or disturb the England Team so close to a World Cup.

Greatest team goal Brazil vs Italy 1970

The finest ever team goal was perhaps scored at the 1970 final between Brazil and Italy. The goal was scored by Brazil Captain Carlos Alberto and involved 8 of the Brazil team beginning 5 yards left of the Brazil 18 yard box and ending in the corner of the Italian net. The move began with Tostao passing the ball to Brito onto Clodoaldo then Pelé onto Gérson then Brazilian defender Clodoaldo beat 4 Italian players in his own half before passing to Rivelino who struck the inch perfect pass down the wing to Jairzinho. In the mean time Tostao who began the move ran the length of the field to tell Pele of Alberto’s position but didn’t touch the ball after his intial pass. Jairzinho crossed from the wing to the centre of the box to Pele who held up the ball, laying it off to Alberto who struck it into the corner of the net.

Houghton goal vs Italy 1994

Everyone loves when the underdogs win provided it isn’t your team that lose. At the 1994 World Cup in the USA Ireland were set to face the team that had knocked them out of the 1990 World Cup; Italy. In the 11th minute Irish midfielder Ray Houghton hit a looping shot beating the Italian keeper and handing Ireland revenge over Italy.

Lineker hat trick vs Poland 1986

Gary Lineker is known as one of the true gentlemen of football however he was lethal and unforgiving in front of goal. At the 1986 World Cup, having proven himself as the best striker in English domestic football, Lineker had the opportunity to prove himself at International level. England needed a win against Poland to progress from the group stages and Lineker duly stepped up scoring a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory. He went on to score two more against Paraguay before England lost to Argentina due to 2 goals from Maradona including the ‘Hand of God’. Lineker scored n this game as well and was close to a second. He went on to score regularly at both domestic and international level but it was this hat trick that stamped his authority as the spear of Englands attack.

Germany and Austria collude for World domination 1982

Germany & Austria close relationship was used again to benefit both countries in the qualifying stage of the 1982 World Cup. With Algeria having already played their final game and Chile already out, Germany and Austria would face each other with both teams qualifying if Germany won by 1-2 goals. If Germany won by anymore or the teams drew Algeria would qualify in place of Austria. Germany quickly scored after a furious opening 10 minutes and then the two teams appeared to come to an unspoken agreement aimlessly knocking the ball around until full time and therefore ensuring both teams qualified. There was outrage after the game with Host Spanish fans screaming “out, out”, Algerian fans waved money at the German and Austrian teams and even the two nations fans were appalled with one German fan burning the national flag. As a result of this game the rules were changed for future World Cups with final qualifying group games being played at the same time.

Rijkaard vs Voller – Spat 1990

During a second round game at the 1990 World Cup Frank Rijkaard fouled German player Rudi Voller and as he got ready to face the free kick he spat in Voller’ hair. Voller complained to the ref and was booked. As the free kick was taken Voller dived to avoid Hollands keeper, however it appeared that he dove to win a penalty and as he got up Rijkaard twisted Voller’ ear and stamped on his foot. Both players were sent off and as they walked to the touch line Rijkaard again spat in Voller’ hair and again spat at him at the touchline. Rijkaard later apologised for his actions and the 2 players appeared in an advert mocking the incident, but it is seen as one of the ugliest scenes in world football. 

Pele reaches the summit 1970 (Brazil keep hold of world cup)

In 1970 Pele won his and Brazil’s third World Cup beating Italy 4-1 in the final meaning they could keep the Jules Rimet Trophy. Pele is the only player to ever win 3 World Cups and confirms his place as the greatest international footballer.

Bryan Robson fastest goal 1982

At the 1982 World Cup England midfielder and future captain scored the fastest ever goal in World Cup history scoring after 27 seconds against France.

Zaire first black African team at World Cup 1974

Zaire (now known as the Democratic Republic of Congo) made World Cup history when they were the first black African team to compete at the 1974 World Cup however their historic appearance was marred with accusations of threats against the Zairean players by their own leader Mobutu Sese Seko. Mobutu Sese Seko sent the presidential guards to threaten the players after Zaire lost 2-0 to Scotland and 9-0 to Yugoslavia. The players were told that should they lose by 4-0 to Brazil they were not welcome back in Zaire. This treatment of the Zaire team by their own leader left a taint upon this historic moment.

The Tardelli Scream 1982

The most famous goal celebration in football was the ‘l’urlo di Tardelli’ (Tardelli Scream). After scoring Italy’s second goal against West Germany in the 1982 World Cup Final he sprinted into his own half shaking his hands against his chest, crying and screaming “goal!” and shaking his head - Italian passion at its finest.

Higuita gets caught 1990

The Columbian keeper famed for inventing the Scorpion Keeper had a moment to forget at the 1990 World Cup when he dallied on the ball allowing Cameroon forward Roger Milla to disposes him and scores.

Worst foul ever: Schumacher on Battiston 1982

There have been some moments of blatant cheating, violence and bad tackling in all World Cups but German Keeper Harald Schumachers ‘foul’ on Frenchman Patrick Battiston at the 1982 World Cup was perhaps the worst. As Battiston looked to latch onto a through ball from Platini the German Keeper raced off his line leapt into the air and smashed Battiston in the face with his hip. Battiston was knocked unconscious suffering a damaged vertebrae lost 3 teeth and slipped into a coma. Platini believed his team mate was dead due to his pale colour and lack of a pulse; however Battiston made a full recovery. The referee didn’t give a free kick or send Schumacher off and the Germans went on to win the game and after the game Schumacher managed to enrage the French further when told of Battiston condition and loss of teeth when he didn’t apologised but said “If that’s all that’s wrong with him, I’ll pay him the crowns”. Schumacher later apologised to Battiston who accepted.

Clive Thomas blows for full time Brazil vs Sweden 1978

No football match would be complete without a contentious refereeing decision and at the 1978 World Cup match between Brazil and Sweden English referee added to his catalogue of notable errors by blowing the final whistle as Zico scored preventing Brazil from winning the game.

Prince Fahid gets goal disallowed 1982

Another World Cup another bizarre moment in Spain at the 1982 World Cup. In a game between Kuwait and France, France were 3-1 up and as they scored their fourth goal the Kuwaiti players claimed they had stopped after hearing a whistle and the Kuwaiti FA President Prince Fahid left his seat in the stand and came on to the pitch to convince the Russian referee to disallow the goal or the Kuwaiti players would be taken off the pitch. He managed to convince the referee and the goal was disallowed and play continued with France winning in the end 4-1. Prince Fahid was fined $12,000 dollars by FIFA however as one of the richest men in the world it didn’t matter.

Charlton 2 goals vs Portugal 1966

Bobby Charlton sent England into the World Cup Final with perhaps his most impressive display in an England shirt scoring twice with two exquisite strikes. One of the finest players to ever where the three lions or play at a World Cup, Charlton’ performance against Portugal has often been over shadowed by the dramatics of the World Cup Final.

Greaves catches stray dog 1962

At the 1962 World Cup England striker Jimmy Greaves had to use his quick footwork to catch a stray dog that ran across the pitch during a game against Brazil. He removed the dog from the pitch which urinated all over his shirt and was booked by the ref for leaving the pitch without permission.

Ramsey says no to shirt swap with Argentine animals 1966

After a intense and hard fought game which included Argentina Captain Antonio Rattin having to be escorted from the pitch by police after being sent off and refusing to go, England manager Alf Ramsey prevented his players from swapping shirts with the Argentine players as a protest to the overly aggressive tackling he felt the Argentines dished out to the English Players going as far as to refer to the Argentine team as ‘animals’ n a post match interview.

Escobar deadly mistake 1994

Sport isn’t usually a matter of life and death however in the case of Andres Escobar that sadly wasn’t the case. After scoring an own goal against the USA at the 1994 World Cup, eliminating Columbia at the first stage. He was found shot at his home in Medellin, the result many people believe carried out by people working for drug lords who lost money gambling on the fated game.

Jack Charlton sideline rant 1994

Having beaten Italy in the previous match Ireland faced Mexico at the 1994 World Cup in the USA. trailing 2-0 Ireland manager Jack Charlton attempted to make a substitution to put Irish forward John Aldridge on. However the linesman prevented the substitution taking place, sparking Jack Charlton into a tirade of abuse at the linesman and fourth official along with John Aldridge. After 6 minutes Aldridge was eventually allowed on the field of play and scored with the Irish eventually losing 2-1. Both Charlton and Aldridge were fined as a result of their behaviour.

Batista sent off 56 secs fastest ever

Jose Batista of Uruguay received the fastest ever sending off in a World Cup match against Scotland at the 1986 World Cup, fouling Scotland’s Gordon Strachan and subsequently being red carded within 56 seconds of the start.

Klinsmann dive 1990

At the 1990 World Cup Final German striker Jurgen Klinsmann created a reputation he would probably never live down as a ‘diver’. Argentine defender Monzon made an attempted tackle on Klinsmann as he ran down the right flank, Klinsmann hurdled the challenge but then hurtled himself along the ground flipping over in the process as though he had been shot. Monzon was sent off as a result and West Germany went on to win the 1990 World Cup. Klinsmann later denied he dived saying n one interview that if he had dived he wouldn’t have a had a gash in his shin, however upon joining Tottenham Hotspur he celebrated scoring by diving and sliding across the ground in response to shouts from the crowd about his infamous dive.

Bobby Moore Tackle vs Brazil 1970

Perhaps a tackle doesn’t have the glamour of a 40 yard strike or the drama of a red card but the tackle made by England Captain Bobby Moore demonstrates that tackling really is an art form and as difficult as any technique in the beautiful game. In the match against Brazil Jairzinho raced towards the England box, with Moore shielding the oncoming Brazilian from the goal he waited until the perfect moment before stepping across and making an inch perfect tackle in the box to disposess Jarzinho, before calmly standing up with ball at his feet and passing it off to begin an England counter. The tackle demonstrates excellent timing, movement and concentration that defenders of Moore’s class had and is frequently shown as the example of how to tackle.

Gerd Muller scores the winner vs Holland 1974

Gerd Muller was perhaps Germanys both West and unified greatest goal scorer. Holding the record for most overall goals scored with 14 goals until the 2006 World Cup when Barzil striker Ronaldo broke it. Muller himself states that his goal in the 1974 World Cup final 2-1 win over Holland was his most important goal ever. West German and Bayern Munich team mate Franz Beckenbauer said of Gerd Muller “Everything that FC Bayern has become is due to Gerd Muller and his goals”

Brazil team 1982

The Brazil team of 1982 failed to win the 1982 World Cup losing 3-2 to Italy in the although they were favourites before the tournament started. The team however are considered to be one of the best Brazilian teams ever with few weak links the team included players such as Falcao, Socrates and Zico. They were excellent going forward and at the back playing beautiful football and it was a massive shock when they failed to progress.

Pickles finds the cup 1966

Before England won the World Cup in 1966 the cup was stolen reportedly by former soldier Edward Bletchley and went missing. A man walking his dog called Pickles found the cup and a media frenzy ensued with the Pickles the dog being hailed a hero.  However the cup came with a curse; Pickles sadly died after choking when his lead got caught on a branch, Joe Mears Chairman of the FA dies of a heart attack perhaps as a result of the stress of the hunt for the cup and the accused thief Edward Bletchley died from emphysema shortly after being released from prison.

The Battle of Santiago 1962

The Battle of Santiago was the name given to the infamous and violent World Cup match between the hosts Chile and Italy at the 1962 World Cup. The referee was Ken Aston who later invented yellow and red cards and the match involved many unsavoury incidents. Tensions were high as a result of Italian newspaper stories about Santiago following a massive earthquake being distorted by local press in order to anger the Chileans. The violence began with a foul within 12 seconds of kick off, Italian Giorgio Ferrini was sent off in the twelfth minute but refused to leave the pitch and was escorted off by police. This was followed by Chilean Honorino Landra retaliating for the foul made on him by Ferrini but he wasn’t sent off, Chile’ Leonal Sanchez then punched Italian Mario David which referee Ken Aston ignored, but when David retaillated; kicking sanchez in the head a few minutes later he was sent off. The violence didn’t end there Sanchez broke Italy’s Humberto Maschio’s nose with a left hook, the two teams scuffled and spat at one another and police had to intervene 3 more times. Chile eventually won 2-0, but the game will always be remembered for the violence and not the result.

1986 Mexican wave first appears at a World Cup

In 1986 the now much used and famous Mexican Wave made it’s television debut outside of the USA during the World Cup.

Hagi magic 1994

Romanian Gheorghe Hagi entered World Cup history when he inspired the Romanian national team to the Quarter Finals of the World Cup in the USA. Hagi scored 3 times including a goal in the amazing win over Argentina and a 40 yard lob against Columbia. He was entered into the 1994 World Cup Team of the Tournament, and was an inspiration in a pretty uninspiring tournament. 

1994 Klinsmann scores against S.Korea

At the 1994 World Cup, German striker Jurgen Klinsmann scored a beautiful goal against South Korea. With the scores at 0-0 Klinsmann received the ball some 30 yards out before playing it wide and running into the box, he duly received a cross which was hit with pace along the floor, with his back to goal Klinsmann flicked the ball up with his right foot before spinning and smashing the ball in on the volley with his left foot.

Notti Magiche di Totò Schillaci (magical nights of Totò Schillaci), 1990

The 1990 World Cup in Italy will always be remembered for a few moments – Gazza’ tears, Klinsmann’ dive, Pavarotti theme, Cameroon almost reaching the semi finals, Rijkaard vs Voller and Toto Schillaci. The Italian was so incredible for his country that the Italians refer to the World Cup as Notti Magiche di Toto Schillaci (magical nights of Toto Schillaci). Although Italy failed to win the World Cup losing to Argentina in the semi final, Schillaci performances and goals against Austria, Czechoslovakia, Uruguay, Ireland, Argentina and England, contributing 6 goals in total and winning the Golden Boot award, Schillaci made sure the Italians had something to celebrate.

Negrete’s scissor kick vs Bulgaria 1986 best ever world cup goal?

Mexican Manuel Negrete Arias received controlled a high cross outside the penalty area, he allowed the ball to bounce once before team mate Javier Aguirre flicked the ball on with his first touch keeping it up in the air at which point Negrete scissor kicked the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the Bulgarian goal.

Paolo Rossi world cup 1982 inc. hat trick vs Brazil.

Paolo Rossi was implicated in a betting scandal whilst playing for Perugia in Italy and was banned for 3 years, the ban was later reduced to 2 years. Upon his return Rossi was drafted in to the 1982 Italy World Cup squad and after performing poorly in Italy’s opening games where he seemed unfit, the Italian manager Bearzot stuck with Rossi for the games against current World Champions Argentina, which they won 2-1 they would then face favourites Brazil. Rossi exploded into life in this game scoring a hat-trick to beat the Brazilians and subsequently scoring twice against Poland in the semi finals and one of Italy’s 3 goals against West Germany in the final. With his 6 goals he was awarded the Golden Boot award and became an Italian football hero.

Ronaldinho did he mean it? 2002

In 2002 Brazil played England in the quarter final with a goal from Ronaldinho winning the game 2-1 before he was sent off for a foul on England full back Danny Mills. However the main controversy from the game came as a result of Ronaldinho 35 yard free kick which went in past England Keeper David Seaman who was standing off his line. The controversy is whether or not he meant to score; video replays show him looking across the 18yard box as though he intended to cross the ball for one of his team mates to run on to and the height and eventual final position (far left top corner) would suggest that t was an accidental cross/goal. However, shortly after the game the scorer himself clamed he meant to score and the did he/didn’t he question will continue as a talking point for fans and journalists for years to come.