5 most dramatic FIFA World Cup finals ever
The FIFA World Cup is the most anticipated event in football as millions of people gather to see the greatest teams battle it out for world football’s ultimate prize. And the final of the World Cup is the most awaited match of the tournament.Over the years, many World Cup finals have been the centre of excitement, drama and controversy with some of the greatest players emerging victorious. Here is a list of the five most dramatic World Cup Finals of all time.
#5 Argentina vs West Germany - 1990
The 1990 FIFA World Cup Final between West Germany and Argentina at Rome is considered to be one of the ugliest world cup finals ever. This was the second consecutive World Cup final to feature both West Germany and Argentina.
West Germany had been in terrific form, going unbeaten throughout the tournament with star players like Lothar Matthaus, Jurgen Klinsmann, Rudi Voller, Andreas Brehme and Pierre Littbarski. Defending champions Argentina started slowly in their group stage but improved as the tournament progressed, beating hosts and favourites Italy in the semi-final. Along with the experience of Maradona, Argentina had an athletic young forward in Claudio Canniggia and a very reliable goalkeeper in Sergio Goycochea.
The final was an ill-tempered affair with the Argentina side being constantly booed owing to skipper Maradona’s controversial comments in the media and the officiating was controversial as well with both Germany and Argentina being denied penalties by Mexican referee Edgardo Codesal for alleged tackles.
In the 65th minute of the match, Argentina defender Pedro Monzon wrote history by becoming the first player ever to be sent off in a World Cup final. Monzon received a straight red card for a foul on German striker Jurgen Klinsmann. West Germany were awarded a controversial penalty in the 85th minute when Roberto Sensini fouled Rudi Voller and Andreas Brehme converted the spot kick to give West Germany the lead.
Few minutes later, Gustavo Dezotti received a second yellow card for bringing down Jurgen Kohler after Kohler refused to give the ball in an attempt to waste time. At the end of the final whistle, West Germany won their third World Cup and Diego Maradona was reduced to tears, blaming referee Codesal for Argentina’s defeat.
The 1990 World Cup final was also the lowest scoring final at the time and Argentina became the first team not to score in a World Cup Final.