Did you think World Cup controversies started with VAR? Not at all! The history of the World Cup is full of moments that still spark debate decades later. And the most striking thing: some of these episodes happened in finals, quarterfinals, or matches that decided the fate of entire national teams.
1. Zinedine Zidane vs. Marco Materazzi (2006)
The French captain headbutted Materazzi in the chest during the World Cup final and was sent off in the last match of his career.
2. Carlos’s foul on Bruno Bellone (1986)
The Brazilian goalkeeper brought down the French forward when he was through on goal, but the referee did not call the foul.
3. The sending-off of Antonio Rattín (1966)
The Argentine captain was sent off against England and refused to leave the field, causing a long interruption.
4. The assault on Patrick Battiston (1982)
German goalkeeper Harald Schumacher knocked Frenchman Battiston unconscious, but the referee did not call a foul.
5. Frank Rijkaard spits on Rudi Völler (1990)
Both players were sent off in a very tense match, marked by the Dutchman’s spitting.
6. Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” (1986)
Maradona scored a goal with his hand against England. The referee did not see it, and the goal was allowed.
7. Luis Suárez’s handball against Ghana (2010)
Suárez prevented a goal on the line with his hand. He was sent off, but Ghana missed the penalty and Uruguay advanced.
8. The Battle of Nuremberg (2006)
Portugal and the Netherlands played one of the most violent matches in history, with 4 sendings-off and 16 yellow cards.
9. Nigel de Jong’s karate kick (2010)
The Dutchman struck Xabi Alonso in the chest during the final and surprisingly received only a yellow card.
10. Rivaldo’s dive (2002)
A ball hit his leg, but the Brazilian pretended it had hit his head. His opponent ended up being sent off.
