By PA Sports
Last updated April 25 2006
It may be the greatest and most celebrated football tournament on the planet but that does not make the World Cup immune from controversial and often poor decisions by the officials. We take a look at some of the most memorable.
England v Argentina, 1986
One of the most infamous incidents in World Cup history. England were just about holding their own in the quarter-final in Mexico City when Diego Maradona's aerial challenge on Peter Shilton saw the Argentina legend palm the ball past the goalkeeper and into the net. Despite furious protests from the English defence the Hand of God goal stood.
England v West Germany, 1966
Probably the most controversial World Cup goal of all time. With the match level at 2-2 Geoff Hurst hammered a shot against the underside of the crossbar which bounced down, seemingly over the line, and out. England celebrated and, after consultation with Azerbaijani linesman Tofik Bakhramov, the referee awarded the goal. Subsequent scientific tests have suggested the ball probably did not cross the line but the debate still rumbles on today.
Republic of Ireland v Norway, 1994
Much had been made of the effect the hot conditions would have on players in the USA and Republic boss Jack Charlton was keen to ensure his players did not get dehydrated. However, midfielder Ray Houghton was shown a yellow card for running along on the pitch holding a container of water. He had come to the touchline to take on fluid but then someone played the ball to him so he had no choice but to play on.
West Germany v France, 1982
Goalkeeper Harald Schumacher ensured his World Cup infamy with one of the crudest challenges ever seen on a pitch. With the semi-final level at 1-1 France defender Patrick Battiston was put clean through but Schumacher charged out of his goal and threw himself into the path of the Frenchman. Battiston, with a broken jaw, left the pitch on a stretcher but not even a free-kick was awarded against Schumacher and he went on to be the hero in the resulting penalty shoot-out.
Brazil v Sweden, 1978
Welsh referee Clive Thomas caused uproar when he blew the whistle for full-time between a corner being taken and Brazil's Zico scoring directly from it with a header, meaning the match ended 1-1.
South Korea v Italy, 2002
All the attention was on Ecuadorian referee Byron Moreno after the match amid claims he was affected by the vociferous home support. After awarding a debatable fourth-minute penalty to Korea - which was saved - he then sent off Francesco Totti after showing him a second yellow card for diving despite the Italy playmaker appearing to have been tripped. Damiano Tomassi had a golden goal winner ruled out and the hosts snatched victory late on. Moreno was later removed from the FIFA list of match officials.
South Korea v Spain, 2002
Once again the co-hosts benefited from a large slice of luck after two Spain goals were disallowed and the Koreans went on to win their quarter-final on penalties. Just after half-time Kim Tae-young appeared to knock the ball into his own net from a Spanish free-kick only for the effort to be ruled out because of an 'offside' Fernando Morientes. Then in the second minute of extra-time Morientes had a header cancelled out when the assistant referee wrongly ruled the ball had crossed the line before Joaquin put in the cross.
Germany v Croatia, 1998
Germany defender Christian Worns' World Cup ended in heartbreak when he was harshly sent off for a foul on Davor Suker which the Croatian forward more than made a meal of by flying into the air. Despite heartfelt pleas to the linesman Worns had to walk and Germany lost 3-0.
France v Croatia, 1998
Croatia were involved in controversy again, this time Slaven Bilic's shameful play-acting getting France captain Laurent Blanc sent off - meaning the defender missed the World Cup final. The then Everton defender fell to the ground clutching his face in the 74th minute of France's 2-1 win, after Blanc had pushed him on the chin.
Argentina v France, 1930
France lost 1-0 to their South American opponents but the match in Uruguay has a controversial finish. The referee somehow managed to blow the final whistle six minutes early. After some fierce protests from the French he recalled the players - some of whom were already in the bath - to the field to complete the match.
