I've recently been reminded of one of the biggest scandals in FIFA Football history, so I thought I'd share it here.
What is the FIFA World Cup?
The FIFA World Cup is an international football competition contested by the senior men's national teams of the members of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), the sport's global governing body. The championship takes place every four years since its beginnings in 1930. The last world cup took place in Russia, in 2018.
The world cup begins with the group phase, where each team gets assigned into a group, with four teams in each group. In those groups, the teams play the usual football (or soccer for my American friends) against each other, so that each team has at least three matches during the group phase. Winning a match awards two points, a draw one point and losing zero points. In the end, the two teams with the most points continue to the second round, while the other two teams are eliminated.
The World Cup match we'll be looking at takes place in Gijón, Spain.
Who are the players?
We'll be looking at the members of the Group 2, specifically at Austria, West Germany and Algeria. Chile is also in the group, but they aren't that relevant. The match we'll be looking at is between Austria and West Germany.
First, some background.
Algeria, the Rising Underdog
Algeria began their campaign with a 2–1 win over West Germany on the opening day, described as the "greatest World Cup upset since North Korea beat Italy in 1966", and as "one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history". Algeria became the first African/Arab team to ever beat a European team at the FIFA World Cup. They then went on to lose 0–2 to Austria before beating Chile 3–2 in their final match. Algeria's victory over Chile made them the first ever African/Arab team to win twice at a World Cup. Algeria was basically what Japan was in the 2018 World Cup and Iceland in the 2016 European Cup, an underdog for neutral people to root for.
Algeria ended up being second in the group ranking with 4 total points. Austria was first of the group, scoring two wins, with one match left to play against West Germany. West Germany had two points, so they would have to score a win of one or two goals in order to qualify for the second round, at the expense of Algeria. Austria wasn't at a risk of not qualifying, because they had a [
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In this post, we will look at players that went to a FIFA World Cup, while playing for German team Bayern Munich, and see how the players performed.
1934:
1934 only saw Bayern send 1 player to the World Cup, being German defender Sigmund Haringer. He played for Germany against Belgium, Sweden, and Czechoslovakia. He played on the right of the back 2 against Belgium and Sweden, and on the left of the back 2 against Czechoslovakia. Germany finished 3rd at the 1934 World Cup, beating Austria 3-2 in the 3rd place play-off.
1938:
1938 saw Bayern send 2 players. German defenders Ludwig Goldbrunner and Jakob Streitle. They were both on the bench in the 1st game against Switzerland, but both played in the replay game, a 4-2 loss at the Parc des Princes.
1954:
Bayern only sent 1 player to the 1954 World Cup, being West German defender Hans Bauer. He was on the bench for the 4-1 win vs Turkey, and played in West Germany's 8-3 loss against Hungary, and for West Germany's 7-3 win vs Turkey in the play-off to qualify for the knockout stage. He was on the bench for all of West Germany's knockout stage, including the final against Hungary.
1962:
Only 1 Bayern Munich player went to the 1962 World Cup, being West German defender Willi Giesemann. His only group stage appearance came in West Gerrmany's 2-0 win against hosts Chile, but he appeared in West Germany's 1-0 loss against Yugoslavia in the Quarter-Finals.
1966:
The only Bayern Munich player at the 1966 World Cup was a 22 year-old Sepp Maier,. This was the 1st time Bayern Munich didn't send a defender to the World Cup. Maier didn't make an appearance for West Germany, as West Germany finished 2nd, losing 4-2 to hosts England in the final.
1970:
3 Bayern Minuch players went to the 1970 World Cup, being West Germans Sepp Maier, Franz Beckenbauer, and Gerd Muller. West Germany would finish 3rd, with Gerd Muller scoring 10 to become the top scorer.
1974:
A lot of Bayern Munich players went to the 1974 World Cup, being Swedish player Conny Torstensson, and West Germans Sepp Maier, Paul Brietner, Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck, Franz Beckenbauer, Gerd Muller, Uli Hoeneß, and Jupp Kapellmann. While Sweden finished 3rd in the 2nd round Group D, West Germany won the World Cup, beating the Netherlands 2-1.
1978:
Only 3 Bayern Munich players went to the 1978 World Cup, being West Germans Sepp Maier, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, and Hans-Georg Schwarzenbeck. West Germany would
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Fatality just threw a match against ZeRo because he knew he had no chance — the winner of the only remaining game in the group was guaranteed to advance.
Something slightly different, but with similar consequences, occurred 35 years ago at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, when West Germany met Austria. It was the final match in their group, and the West Germans and Austrians knew that a one- or two-goal win by the former would qualify both of them.
So guess what happened? Once West Germany scored in the 10th minute, the game saw not much of note the rest of the way. Neither team attempted to score, somewhat obviously. It was called the Disgrace of Gijón.
In response, beginning with Euro 1984 (and the 1986 FIFA World Cup), the final matches of group stages are always simultaneous to avoid these obvious scenarios.
Round robin play at a high level in Smash is coming under scrutiny for things like WaDi not advancing because of the set count in another match. It may be helpful for Smash TOs to learn from other sports, like soccer, that have run round robins.
#FT: United States 2-0 Mexico
United States scorers: Christian Pulisic (74'), Weston McKennie (85')
Venue: TQL Stadium
Auto-refreshing reddit comments link
United States
Zack Steffen, Walker Zimmerman, Miles Robinson, Antonee Robinson, DeAndre Yedlin, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah (Kellyn Acosta), Ricardo Pepi (Jesús Ferreira), Brenden Aaronson (Christian Pulisic), Timothy Weah (Chris Richards).
Subs: Matt Turner, Cristian Roldan, Gianluca Busio, Sam Vines, Sebastian Lletget, Reggie Cannon, Mark McKenzie, Paul Arriola.
^____________________________
Mexico
Guillermo Ochoa, Johan Vásquez, Julio Domínguez, Jesús Gallardo, Luis Rodríguez, Edson Álvarez (Rogelio Funes Mori), Héctor Herrera, Luís Romo (Carlos Rodríguez), Raúl Jiménez, Hirving Lozano, Jesús Corona (Roberto Alvarado).
Subs: Osvaldo Rodríguez, Andrés Guardado, Henry Martín, Gilberto Sepúlveda, Jorge Sánchez, Rodolfo Cota, Alfredo Talavera, Héctor Moreno, Orbelín Pineda.
MATCH EVENTS | via ESPN
45'+1' Luis Romo (Mexico) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
59' Miles Robinson (USA) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
68' Zack Steffen (USA) is shown the yellow card.
68' Weston McKennie (USA) is shown the yellow card.
68' Luis Rodríguez (Mexico) is shown the yellow card.
69' Substitution, USA. Christian Pulisic replaces Brenden Aaronson.
74' Goal! USA 1, Mexico 0. Christian Pulisic (USA) header from very close range to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Timothy Weah with a cross.
74' Substitution, Mexico. Carlos Rodríguez replaces Luis Romo.
75' Substitution, Mexico. Roberto Alvarado replaces Jesús Corona.
82' Substitution, USA. Kellyn Acosta replaces Yunus Musah.
82' Substitution, USA. Jesús Ferreira replaces Ricardo Pepi.
83' Substitution, Mexico. Rogelio Funes Mori replaces Edson Álvarez.
85' **Goal! USA 2, Mexico 0. Weston McKennie (USA) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom
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#Livestream (may not be available in all areas)
#Link to FIFA's explanation of the draw
#UEFA Playoff Round Draw
| Pot 1 | Pot 2 |
|---|---|
| Portugal | Turkey |
| Scotland | Poland |
| Italy | North Macedonia |
| Russia | Ukraine |
| Sweden | Austria |
| Wales | Czech Republic |
Path A:
Winner of Wales vs Austria will be the home team of the Final
Path B:
Winner of Russia vs Poland will be the home team of the Final
Path C:
Winner of Portugal vs Turkey will be the home team of the Final
#Intercontinental Playoff Round Draw
The two intercontinental play-offs will be single-leg ties and will take place on 13 and 14 June 2022.
Match 1:
AFC team vs CONMEBOL team
Match 2:
CONCACAF team vs OFC team
Northern Ireland 0 - 0 Italy
Venue: Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland
Referee: Istvan Kovacs (Romania)
| Starting XI | Notes | Subs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bailey Peacock-Farrell | 83' | Conor Hazard | |
| Craig Cathcart | Luke Southwood | ||
| Jonny Evans | Conor Bradley | ||
| Tom Flanagan | Ciaron Brown | ||
| Jamal Lewis | Corry Evans | 72' | |
| Stuart Dallas | Shane Ferguson | ||
| George Saville | 72' | Ethan Galbraith | |
| Steven Davis | Niall McGinn | ||
| Ali McCann | Jordan Jones | ||
| Josh Magennis | 58' | Conor Washington | 72' |
| Gavin Whyte | 72' | Dale Taylor |
Manager: Ian Baraclough (England)
| Starting XI | Notes | Subs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gianluigi Donnarumma | Alex Meret | ||
| Emerson | 80' | Alessio Cragno | |
| Francesco Acerbi | Gianluca Mancini | ||
| Leonardo Bonucci | Gian Marco Ferrari | ||
| Giovanni Di Lorenzo | Manuel Locatelli | 68' | |
| Nicolò Barella | 64' | Bryan Cristante | 46' |
| Jorginho | 68' | Davide Zappacosta | |
| Sandro Tonali | 9' 46' | Federico Bernardeschi | 68' |
| Federico Chiesa | Giacomo Raspadori | ||
| Lorenzo Insigne | 68' | Gianluca Scamacca | 80' |
| Domenico Berardi | Andrea Belotti | 64' | |
| Matteo Pessina |
Manager: Roberto Mancini (Italy)
1': We're off!
8': Big chance for Di Lorenzo,
... keep reading on reddit ➡#FT: Canada 2-1 Mexico
Canada scorers: Cyle Larin (45'+2', 52')
Mexico scorers: Héctor Herrera (90')
Venue: Commonwealth Stadium
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LINE-UPS
Canada
Milan Borjan, Doneil Henry (Steven Vitória), Kamal Miller, Alistair Johnston, Stephen Eustáquio, Atiba Hutchinson, Sam Adekugbe, Richie Laryea, Cyle Larin (Jonathan David) (Lucas Cavallini), Alphonso Davies (Jonathan Osorio), Tajon Buchanan.
Subs: Samuel Piette, Derek Cornelius, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Ike Ugbo, Maxime Crépeau, David Wotherspoon, Liam Millar, James Pantemis.
^____________________________
Mexico
Guillermo Ochoa, Julio Domínguez (Jesús Corona), Johan Vásquez, Néstor Araujo, Orbelín Pineda (Francisco Córdova), Héctor Herrera, Edson Álvarez (Andrés Guardado), Jesús Gallardo, Jorge Sánchez, Raúl Jiménez, Hirving Lozano (Roberto Alvarado).
Subs: Luís Romo, Osvaldo Rodríguez, Rogelio Funes Mori, Jesús Alberto Angulo, Rodolfo Cota, Alfredo Talavera, Carlos Rodríguez, Henry Martín.
MATCH EVENTS | via ESPN
13' Doneil Henry (Canada) is shown the yellow card.
15' Hirving Lozano (Mexico) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
38' Substitution, Canada. Steven Vitória replaces Doneil Henry.
45' Substitution, Mexico. Roberto Alvarado replaces Hirving Lozano.
45' Substitution, Mexico. Jesús Corona replaces Julio Domínguez.
45'+2' Goal! Canada 1, Mexico 0. Cyle Larin (Canada) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal.
52' Goal! Canada 2, Mexico 0. Cyle Larin (Canada) right footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Stephen Eustáquio with a cross following a set piece situation.
59' Substitution, Mexico. Francisco Córdova replaces Orbelín Pineda.
73' Substitution, Canada. Jonathan David replaces Cyle Larin.
74' Substitution, Mexico. Andrés Guardado replaces Edson Álvarez.
88' Substitution, Canada. Lucas Cavallini replaces Jonathan David because of an injury.
88' Substitution, Canada. Jonathan
... keep reading on reddit ➡#FT: Canada 2-1 Mexico
Canada scorers: Cyle Larin (45'+2', 52')
Mexico scorers: Héctor Herrera (90')
Venue: Commonwealth Stadium
Auto-refreshing reddit comments link
Canada
Milan Borjan, Doneil Henry (Steven Vitória), Kamal Miller, Alistair Johnston, Stephen Eustáquio, Atiba Hutchinson, Sam Adekugbe, Richie Laryea, Cyle Larin (Jonathan David) (Lucas Cavallini), Alphonso Davies (Jonathan Osorio), Tajon Buchanan.
Subs: Samuel Piette, Derek Cornelius, Mark-Anthony Kaye, Ike Ugbo, Maxime Crépeau, David Wotherspoon, Liam Millar, James Pantemis.
^____________________________
Mexico
Guillermo Ochoa, Julio Domínguez (Jesús Corona), Johan Vásquez, Néstor Araujo, Orbelín Pineda (Francisco Córdova), Héctor Herrera, Edson Álvarez (Andrés Guardado), Jesús Gallardo, Jorge Sánchez, Raúl Jiménez, Hirving Lozano (Roberto Alvarado).
Subs: Luís Romo, Osvaldo Rodríguez, Rogelio Funes Mori, Jesús Alberto Angulo, Rodolfo Cota, Alfredo Talavera, Carlos Rodríguez, Henry Martín.
MATCH EVENTS | via ESPN
13' Doneil Henry (Canada) is shown the yellow card.
15' Hirving Lozano (Mexico) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
38' Substitution, Canada. Steven Vitória replaces Doneil Henry.
45' Substitution, Mexico. Roberto Alvarado replaces Hirving Lozano.
45' Substitution, Mexico. Jesús Corona replaces Julio Domínguez.
45'+2' Goal! Canada 1, Mexico 0. Cyle Larin (Canada) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the centre of the goal.
52' Goal! Canada 2, Mexico 0. Cyle Larin (Canada) right footed shot from very close range to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Stephen Eustáquio with a cross following a set piece situation.
59' Substitution, Mexico. Francisco Córdova replaces Orbelín Pineda.
73' Substitution, Canada. Jonathan David replaces Cyle Larin.
74' Substitution, Mexico. Andrés Guardado replaces Edson Álvarez.
88' Substitution, Canada. Lucas
... keep reading on reddit ➡#FT: United States 2-0 Mexico
United States scorers: Christian Pulisic (74'), Weston McKennie (85')
Venue: TQL Stadium
Auto-refreshing reddit comments link
LINE-UPS
United States
Zack Steffen, Walker Zimmerman, Miles Robinson, Antonee Robinson, DeAndre Yedlin, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Yunus Musah (Kellyn Acosta), Ricardo Pepi (Jesús Ferreira), Brenden Aaronson (Christian Pulisic), Timothy Weah (Chris Richards).
Subs: Matt Turner, Cristian Roldan, Gianluca Busio, Sam Vines, Sebastian Lletget, Reggie Cannon, Mark McKenzie, Paul Arriola.
^____________________________
Mexico
Guillermo Ochoa, Johan Vásquez, Julio Domínguez, Jesús Gallardo, Luis Rodríguez, Edson Álvarez (Rogelio Funes Mori), Héctor Herrera, Luís Romo (Carlos Rodríguez), Raúl Jiménez, Hirving Lozano, Jesús Corona (Roberto Alvarado).
Subs: Osvaldo Rodríguez, Andrés Guardado, Henry Martín, Gilberto Sepúlveda, Jorge Sánchez, Rodolfo Cota, Alfredo Talavera, Héctor Moreno, Orbelín Pineda.
MATCH EVENTS | via ESPN
45'+1' Luis Romo (Mexico) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
59' Miles Robinson (USA) is shown the yellow card for a bad foul.
68' Zack Steffen (USA) is shown the yellow card.
68' Weston McKennie (USA) is shown the yellow card.
68' Luis Rodríguez (Mexico) is shown the yellow card.
69' Substitution, USA. Christian Pulisic replaces Brenden Aaronson.
74' Goal! USA 1, Mexico 0. Christian Pulisic (USA) header from very close range to the centre of the goal. Assisted by Timothy Weah with a cross.
74' Substitution, Mexico. Carlos Rodríguez replaces Luis Romo.
75' Substitution, Mexico. Roberto Alvarado replaces Jesús Corona.
82' Substitution, USA. Kellyn Acosta replaces Yunus Musah.
82' Substitution, USA. Jesús Ferreira replaces Ricardo Pepi.
83' Substitution, Mexico. Rogelio Funes Mori replaces Edson Álvarez.
85' Goal! USA 2, Mexico 0. Weston McKennie (USA) right footed shot from the centre of the box to the bottom left corner.
89' Second yellow card to Miles Robinson (USA) for a bad foul.
**90'+
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