Top 10 Most Controversial World Cup Incidents

The World Cup is known for amazing miracles on the pitch, but there has also been several major controversies over the years. Here are ten of the most controversial incidents to have happened at previous World Cup finals:

1. 1930. Uruguay, as dual official world champions, were invited by FIFA to host the inaugural World Cup tournament in 1930. This first tournament was contested by 13 teams. The Uruguay-Argentina final got World Cup controversy underway in alarming fashion, with a death threat to Argentinean Luis Monti and both sides demanding a ball manufactured in their own country. Belgian referee John Langenus broke the deadlock by using a different ball in each half.
2. 1962. Chile v Italy was described by the BBC`s David Coleman as “…the most stupid, appalling, disgusting and disgraceful exhibition of football…” There were red cards for Italy`s Giorgio Ferrini and Mario David, following a neck-high kick at Leonel Sanchez.
3. 1966. In the 10th minute of extra-time, Geoff Hurst crashed an Alan Ball cross against the crossbar, the ball bouncing on the goal-line. Swiss referee Gottfried Dienst conferred with Russian linesman Tofik Bakhramov and awarded a goal. It remains the most hotly-debated World Cup controversy, with enhanced footage showing that the ball did not cross the line.
4. 1970. Awarded a free-kick deep in their own half, on the stroke of half-time, the El Salvadoreans watched in horror as Mexico`s Aaron Padilla crossed for Javier Valdivia to slot home into an open goal. Amazingly, Ali Kandil awarded the goal.
5. 1974. Haiti defender Ernst Jean-Joseph failed a dope test, was subsequently beaten up by his own officials and flown home.
6. 1978. This tournament took place against the backcloth of Argentinean leader General Jorge Videla`s oppressive military regime. There were other upsets: Brazil`s players were unhappy when Welsh referee Clive Thomas blew for full time an instant before Zico`s header crossed the line in a 1-1 first-round draw with Sweden.
7. 1982. Kuwait trailed 3-1 to France when Alain Giresse slotted home a 4th. The furious Kuwaitis insisted they had heard a whistle (actually blown in the crowd) and Soviet referee Miroslav Stupar bizarrely disallowed the goal.
8. 1982. Germany`s annexation of Austria sparked World War II, so their collaboration to deny Algeria a place in the 2nd round was ironic. A 1-0 German win suited both sides admirably and after Horst Hrubesch`s 11th-minute strike, the match became a midfield “kickabout.”
9. 1986. Early in the second half of this quarter final, Argentina`s Diego Maradona clearly punched the ball over England `keeper Peter Shilton into the net. Tunisian referee Ali Bin Nasser allowed the goal. Following a 2-1 win, Maradona claimed that the goal was scored, “with the hand of God.”
10. 2002. In quarter-final against South Korea, Spanish winger Joaquin crossed for Fernando Morientes to head home, only for Egyptian official Gamal Ghandour to give a goal-kick. Replays suggested the ball had been in play by at least a foot.

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