By Mike McGrath, PA Sport
Last updated May 22 2006
The World Cup can create heroes but it also offers a platform for high-profile mistakes.
Here we look at the top 10 blunders:
1. Roberto Baggio
Italy perhaps would not have been in the 1994 World Cup final if it were not for the inspiration of the 'Divine Ponytail'. But when the final went to penalties, Baggio stepped up and blazed over as Brazil claimed the trophy.
2. Jeff Astle
Despite being a prolific and natural goalscorer, the late Astle is remembered for a famous miss. England were trailing 1-0 to Brazil in 1970 and Astle missed a glorious chance to level the game.
3. France 2002
The French were holders after lifting the cup on home soil, but they failed to score in three 2002 group games and were eliminated. Defeats to Senegal and Denmark sandwiched a goalless draw against Uruguay when Thierry Henry was dismissed.
4. Geoff Hurst
Germany fans will feel the decision to allow Hurst's goal in the 1966 final to be a blunder. Azerbaijan linesman Tofik Bakhramov awarded the goal after Hurst's shot crashed off the bar, although it has never been proven to have crossed the line.
5. Pedro Monzon
The Argentina defender was sent off in the 1990 final against West Germany after a stupid tackle on Jurgen Klinsmann. The clash was goalless at the time and Andreas Brehme went on to score the winner from the penalty spot.
6. Central Hall security
The Jules Rimet trophy was stolen in 1966 while on exhibition under the 'watchful' eyes of the police at Central Hall in Westminster, London. It was soon found by a dog called Pickles, who was being taken for a walk by his owner.
7. Italy 2002
Hosts South Korea made it past Italy in the second round of the last tournament, although they received a slice of luck with refereeing decisions from Byron Moreno. The Ecuador official turned down calls for penalties, disallowed a goal for offside and sent Francesco Totti off for diving.
8. Harald Schumacher
In the 1982 semi-final Patrick Battiston was played clean through, only for Germany goalkeeper 'Toni' Schumacher to smash his hip into Frenchman's face. One of the most horrific fouls in history went unpunished by referee Charles Corver.
9. Diego Maradona
The Argentina genius used his hand to score against England in the quarter-final of the 1986 tournament. His knavery contrasted to his other goal in the match, a mesmeric run from the halfway line beating half the England team. A blunder to ruin a reputation in anyone else's book, the 'Hand of God' according to Maradona.
10. Willie Johnston
The Scotland winger was part of the 1978 squad and played against Peru before being sent home for failing a drugs test. Scotland then drew with Iran and did not reach the next round despite beating Holland.
