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11 on 11, every football game starts, but it does not necessarily end the same way. We take a look at some of the most iconic, err... most infamous and controversial red cards in the history of football World Cup.
#10 Diego Maradona vs Brazil (1982)
Match: Second Round | World Cup Host: Spain
After finishing second in their group at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, Argentina were drawn against Brazil and Italy in the second round. Italy defeated Argentina 2-1, thus leaving the Argentines a do or die game against Brazil.
Trailing 3-0, Brazilian player Joao Batista da Silva fouled Maradona’s teammate which to everyone’s shock went unnoticed. Maradona decided to take things in his own hands and quickly reacted with a dangerous kick. This was the end of Maradona's stay on the pitch and Argentina crashed out of the World Cup.
#9 Placido Galindo vs Romania (1930)
Match: First Round | World Cup Host: Uruguay
It was the second day of the inaugural FIFA World Cup in Uruguay. Placido Galindo was the first man to be red carded ever in a World Cup after 54 minutes of play. Peru lost the game 3-1 to Romania.
#8 Jose Batista vs Scotland (1986)
Match: First Round | World Cup Host: Mexico
If you know the first, you should know who the fastest is. Not Usian Bolt, it was José Batista who received the fastest red card in World Cup history.
Can you guess the time on the clock?
56 seconds!! Well Sir, you have a world record.
#7 2 RED CARDS - Netherlands vs West Germany (1990)
Match: Round of 16 | World Cup Host: Italy
The Holland squad have a tendency to get into a situation that results in a player getting send off. More often they even get their opponents a red card.
Frank Rijkaard of the Netherlands got a yellow card for making a heavy tackle on Rudi Voller of West Germany. Voller was involved the very next second; having himself booked as he retaliated back, claiming Rijkaard had spit on his hair.
The duo didn’t finish there, as both of them received marching orders, when Voller got involved with the Dutch keeper and Rijkaard intervened. Rijkaard didn’t finish his business there, as he again spat on Voller while leaving the field.
West Germany won the match 2-1.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfpaPIVO69Y
#6 Wayne Rooney vs Portugal (2006)
Match: Quarter Final | World Cup Host: Germany
After the game against the Netherlands, Portugal had many players suspended and England were the clear favourites. The match was well contested and both the sides looked even.
Wayne Rooney was playing his heart out, when Ricardo Carvalho stepped in to stop him. Rooney made a cynical challenge on the Portuguese centre back’s groin. An unintentional tackle by Rooney in the mix of play resulted in Cristiano Ronaldo coming to the scene and appealing for a card. The team mates were opponents today, it was just Rooney being so close to Ronaldo, he never realised a push on Ronaldo would result in a red card. The referee was probably unaware of their bonding and took things differently- bottom line!
England would go on to lose yet another penalty shootout.
#5 3 RED CARDS - Italy v USA (2006)
Match: Group Stage | World Cup Host: Germany
A world record was registered at this very FIFA World Cup. A total of 28 red cards in 64 games were shown.
In a 1-1 draw against U.S.A, as many as 3 players were asked to take the exit door. Daniele De Rossi started the proceeding with an elbow that left Brian McBride bleeding. De Rossi got a 4 match suspension, as a result he could’ve only returned to action if Italy were to reach the finals. As destiny would have it, he got his chance and scored a crucial penalty against France in the finals to win Italy their fourth World Cup.
The other 2 dismissals were from U.S.A and without any question a red card. Eddie Pope was a given a second yellow while Pablo Mastroeni made a two footed lunge on Pirlo.
#4 David Beckham vs Argentina (1998)
Match: Round of 16 | World Cup Host: France
The English playmaker reacted to a challenge from the Argentine captain Diego Simeone, by kicking him back. Although the kick wasn’t dangerous enough, it happened right in front of the match official. A yellow card seemed appropriate but that isn’t how the referee saw it.
Yet another defeat for England on penalties meant /Beckham was made the scapegoat of their exit.
#3 Luis Suarez vs Ghana (2010)
Match: Quarter Final | World Cup Host: South Africa
If there was ever a famous red card in World Cup history, this is the one. Dying stages of the game, Ghana were on the verge of making it to the semis of the 2010 World Cup.
What they didn’t know was Uruguay virtually played the game with two goalkeepers. A header from Adiyiah was stopped on the line by Luis Suarez using his hands. Suarez was red carded and Asamoah Gyan failed to score the penalty awarded. Ghana lost the game on penalties to see themselves go out and endure more pain.
A famous Batman movie dialogue comes to my mind watching this moment,”You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain”.
#2 4 RED CARDS - Portugal vs Netherlands (2006)
Match: Round of 16 | World Cup Host: Germany
Often called as the Battle of Nuremberg, the match witnessed a total of 16 yellow cards and 4 dismissals. None of the players received a straight red. The match was a disgrace, as players dived, and made offensive and mindless gestures. The players probably forgot they were representing their country in a World Cup match.
Players who got dismissed: Costinha and Deco (Portugal), Khalid Boulahrouz and Giovanni Van Bronckhorst (Netherlands)
Portugal won the game 1-0.
#1 Zinedine Zidane vs Italy (2006)
Match: Final | World Cup Host: Germany
Having already won a World Cup with France, this is not how Zizou would’ve anticipated his swansong. Playing his last international match for France, it couldn’t have been a better stage; The World Cup finals.
The two scorers of the game Zidane and Marco Materazzi clashed in the second half of extra time, with just 10 minutes left on the clock. It was not a physical challenge that infuriated the French maestro. Materazzi later confirmed he was the master mind behind Zidane’s dismissal as the Italian said something about his sister.
Nothing is more important than family!
