FIFA World Cup matches have always been the focal point for fans across the globe where the cream of the crop meet and engage in a 90-minute battle to attain the ultimate glory. It would not be wrong to say that this much-awaited showpiece which takes place after every 4 years has the same excitement level as the Olympics. Like every marquee tournament that is embellished with awe-inspiring moments to some emotional scenes, also has some of the most infamous and controversial moments that remain indelible.
Here are five of the most contentious FIFA World Cup matches of all time that are remembered for their notorious controversies.
England vs. Germany – 2010 FIFA World Cup
England and Germany, the two countries that share a historical rivalry in football, were squaring off in the 2010 World Cup quarterfinal which seemed impassive at 2-1. Former Chelsea coach Frank Lampard then kicked a shot just from outside the box which directly made contact with the crossbar and at first glance appeared to have marginally crossed the line.
The ball ricocheted over the line, and Neuer caught the ball and resumed the game. Spectators in the stadium in the stands knew and were convinced that the ball went inside, and it was clearly a goal. But unlike in 1966, the referee did not give the goal and it was this time around when the officials were compelled to bring in recording technology.
South Korea vs. Italy – 2002 FIFA World Cup
Modern day's most controversial game that is still dredged up to this day is when South Korea, the hosts were accused of having the referees on their side in the 2002 World Cup.
The South Korean side became a bone of contention and punched well above their weight than they were expected to. Thanks to some fishy decisions in this match the South Koreans progressed to the elimination stage.
Referee Byron Moreno admits to making mistakes in the 2002 South Korea vs. Italy World Cup match.
In the final against Italy, ref Byron disallowed a common goal which would be a goal in an otherwise situation and gave a red card to Francesco Totti for a dive that referee said did not happen.
Later Koreans went scot-free with many insane and violent fouls without being booked by the referee.
France vs. West Germany – 1982 FIFA World Cup
Classed as one of the most nefarious semifinals was when two European giants, France and Germany locked horns. The match earned its notoriety for being a bonanza of horrific injuries.
German attacker Harald Schumacher clashed with French Battinson which as a consequence caused a nasty injury to the Frenchman. The injury was so ghastly it resulted in breaking his teeth, damaging vertebrae and knocking him out.
He was at once hauled away from the pitch, but much to our surprise, the German forward was not given a penalty for nearly ending not only the career but the life of Patrick.
West Germany won that match and proceeded to the finals, but they lost that match and the world cup to Italy.
Argentina vs. Peru – 1978 FIFA World Cup
Two respected South American sides Argentina and Peru met in the 1978 World Cup which was also met with controversies and rumours of the World Cup being fixed. The controversial victory of Argentina was put down to the military dictatorship.
The game which was marred by the controversy between Argentina and Peru required a four-goal win in order to advance to the finals and eliminate the chances of Brazil.
To the surprise of the viewers, the match ended with a score of 6-0 for the Argentinian side which ultimately spurred the thought of the match being fixed.
Chile vs. Italy – 1962 FIFA World Cup
Two European heavyweights, Chile and Italy crossed paths in one of the most scandalous matches which was a 1962 World Cup match which saw the brute level of belligerent and violent acts on the field.
Chile staged the showpiece in 1962 while the country was still recuperating from a calamitous earthquake. Italian journalist. Italian journalist called Santiago a dump after the discomfort due to the earthquake.
The disobliging remark sure did not go down well with the Chileans and the game morphed into a physical affair. The first foul after 12 seconds and the first red card followed 12 minutes later. And then both sides were embroiled in violence against each other and tried their level best to hurt in any possible way.
The police were called and intervened three times during the match. The Chilean side eventually won the game 2-0.
