Yugoslavia – Euro 1992
The months leading up to a tournament are often filled with the talks of who would lift the trophy and who should be seen as favorites. Yugoslavia did have the firepower to clinch the 1992 UEFA European Football Championship.
A republic comprising of the modern day Croatia, Slovenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia, talents from various lands came together and were believed to be on the brink of dominance.
A scenario shattered by war and genocide, a prospect which didn't live long. The declaration of independence paved way to a brutal clash between Croats and Serbs which resulted in over 10,000 deaths.
Eleven days prior to the commencement of the European Championship in Sweden, The UN Security Council passed a resolution which limited participation in sporting events and meant that FIFA had to suspend Yugoslavia from competing in the tournament.
They were thrown out without any mistakes of their own. An incident that spoke volumes about how a domestic issue could affect a nation's search for glory in sports.
Denmark replaced Yugoslavia and went onto win the tournament, beating Germany 2-0 in the final. Substitutes ought to do their job, don't they?
