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Some of the greatest goals in football history have been scored at the World Cup. Goals like Michael Owen’s spectacular effort against the Argentinians in 1998 and Dennis Bergkamp’s takedown and finish against them in 1998 would be at home on any football field.
However, this coin has two sides. It’s no secret that the World Cup has produced several of the most contentious goals in soccer’s annals. Certainly, the “hand of God” episode is what everyone recalls, but was there anything else?
In today’s blog, we’ll be taking a short break from all the world cup betting odds 2022, the most up-to-date betting fixtures, etc. to discuss 5 of the most controversial World Cup goals in history.
5. Frank Lampard vs Germany (2010 World Cup Second Round)
Although this was not considered to be a goal, it technically was. When Frank Lampard scored a stunning long-range goal, it looked like England had made a miraculous comeback. The fact that Germany are perennial World Cup favorite makes this goal all the more satisfying.
It would have tied the game at two goals apiece, but the official ruled that the ball hadn’t crossed the goal line by enough to merit a goal. England was eliminated after a 4-1 loss, and the call for improved goal-line technology only became louder after the game.
4. Carlos Tevez vs Mexico (2010 World Cup Second Round)
As a team, Argentina is usually picked to advance to the World Cup semifinals. However, El Tri supporters may be excused for feeling a little disgruntled after Carlos Tevez headed Argentina’s goal in the 25th minute against Mexico despite being yards offside.
Even while an offside goal isn’t necessarily problematic, the fact that it was shown on the stadium’s massive video board made matters much worse. Fights broke out on the bench after the decision and the entire Mexican squad swarmed the referee in protest.
To say the least, that was a major slip-up and who’s to say that the same thing won’t happen once we witness the World Cup 2022 free livestream?
3. Geoff Hurst vs West Germany (1966 World Cup Final)
The third goal scored by England in the 1966 World Cup final gave them the victory, and this goal has always cast a shadow over England’s finest four. An 89th-minute equalizer from Wolfgang Weber forced extra time. The controversial moment occurred in the 101st minute.
From close range, Geoff Hurst was able to direct Alan Ball’s cross into the back of the net thanks to a nice turn and shot. After bouncing against the underside of the bar and being cleared, the play continued. The Swiss official spoke with his linesman, an Azerbaijani in the USSR named Tofiq Bahramov.
Moments later, the linesman gave the goal signal, and England went on to win 4-2. Although it was later determined that England had not actually crossed the finish line, that fact is irrelevant now that they had won the World Cup.
2. William Gallas vs Republic of Ireland (2009 World Cup qualification Second Round Playoff)
While this goal was not legally scored during World Cup play, it was the disputed factor that ultimately stopped the Republic of Ireland from advancing to the finals. It was 1-1 heading into overtime, and France had a free kick that seemed like it was going out of bounds.
Thierry Henry almost made a catch of the ball before setting up a goal by Gallas with a cross. Every Irish player was outraged when the goal was allowed to stand, and days of blame and recrimination ensued, with many demanding a rematch. But it wasn’t.
France qualified for the World Cup in South Africa thanks to a goal that Irish fans mocked as “the hand of frog” in reference to Maradona’s legendary deceit in 1986. And our last entry on this WorldCup22 list is definitely the one that you think.
1. Diego Maradona vs England (1986 World Cup Semi-final)
It’s safe to say that Maradona’s first goal against England in the 1986 World Cup semi-final will go down in history as the most controversial goal ever scored at the World Cup. Maradona gave Argentina the lead when, after a mazelike run, an English defender sliced the ball into the air, and Maradona slammed it over the diving Peter Shilton.
Diego Maradona scored with an intentional handball in the 51st minute, as he capitalized on a botched clearing in the box by Shilton. When referee Ali Bin Nasser couldn’t decide whether or not Maradona had committed a handball, he ultimately decided to let the goal stand.
One of the largest debates ever in soccer began with that goal. The “Hand of God” goal is legendary because many believe it was the result of masterful deceit by the same player who, just minutes later, scored the goal widely considered to be the best of all time.