One of the most memorable incidents in the history of the World Cup occurred during the 2010 tournament. England faced off against Germany in the Round of 16, and controversy struck when German striker Frank Lampard's shot hit the crossbar, bounced behind the goal line, and then out again. However, the referee and his assistant failed to award the goal, which ultimately influenced the outcome of the match. This incident led to increased calls for the implementation of goal-line technology in future tournaments.
In the 2002 World Cup, Hakan Şükür of Turkey scored the fastest goal ever in the competition's history. Just 11 seconds had elapsed when he found the back of the net against South Korea. The goal immediately stunned both players and fans around the world, establishing a record that still stands to this day. It is a testament to the unpredictable and exciting nature of the World Cup.
During the 1986 World Cup quarterfinal match between Argentina and England, Diego Maradona scored a goal that would go down in infamy as the "Hand of God." Maradona struck the ball into the net with his left hand, but the referee failed to spot the infringement. Argentina went on to win the match 2-1 and eventually claimed the World Cup title. This incident sparked intense debate about fair play and led to increased scrutiny on referees and their decision-making.
Winning the World Cup is undoubtedly an incredible achievement, but defending the title in the subsequent tournament has proven to be a daunting task. Since 1974, no defending champion has succeeded in retaining the trophy. This phenomenon has come to be known as the "curse of the defending champions." Whether it is due to added pressure, complacency, or just sheer bad luck, the curse continues to confound fans and experts alike.
During the 1954 World Cup, Switzerland received praise for their unique and skillful approach to kicking the ball. They developed a technique that involved striking the ball with the outside of their foot, enabling them to curl it in different directions. This technique, referred to as "The Swiss Swing," was highly effective, with Switzerland finishing as runners-up in the tournament. Although their success was not based solely on this technique, it left a lasting impression on the world of football and showcased the innovation and creativity that can arise during the World Cup.
