In a soccer scoreboards feature, we look at the most controversial moments in World Cup history. Soccer has been a very popular sport for over a hundred years now. Like every other sport soccer is also surrounded by controversy, injuries and some memorable moments.

England vs. West Germany, 1996:
England vs. West Germany was the final match of the World Cup in 1996. The soccer scoreboards showed that the game was tied at 2-2 till full time and was then moved to extra time. Without any goal being scored after 11 minutes of extra time, a controversial goal was scored by Geoff Hurst of England. The ball apparently landed on or just over the line; the referee was not certain whether it was a goal or not. He consulted his lineman who was from USSR and he signaled that it was a goal. The Swiss referee awarded the goal to England, leaving West Germany in utter despair. The goal has been controversial since the time it was scored and Germans believe that it was revenge from the USSR lineman because USSR had been defeated by West Germany in the semi finals.

Hand of God, Maradona, 1986:
Argentina vs. England was a quarterfinal match in the 1986 World Cup. The game had been held for 4 years due to the Falkland War between Argentina and the United Kingdom .The rivalry between the two nations was intense for the same reason. Maradona was one of the most famous players and was known for his arrogant attitude. He scored two of the most famous goals in this match. First was in the 51st minute of the game. The ball was in the air and the English goalkeeper rushed out of his goal to knock the ball away. However, Maradona managed to reach it first and hit the ball with his left fist. The Tunisian referee did not notice the infringement and allowed the goal. Later it was repeatedly shown on TV and newspapers that it was clearly a handball and Maradona should have been penalized.

Zinedine Zidane head butt, 2002:
Zinedine Zidane is a French footballer and the former captain of France soccer team. He was the one who single handedly brought France to a World Cup triumph. In the early part of the last decade, Zidane was considered one of greatest players of all times. It was the 2002 World Cup final between France and Italy. After 90 minutes of the game it was 1-1 due to which the game moved on to extra time. It was at this point when the Italian player, Materzzi hurled some abusive language towards Zidane, and he retaliated with a head butt to him in his chest. The referee then showed him the red card and his career ended in the most shameful manner. The match moved on to a penalty shoot out as both the teams failed to score in the extra time. France went on to lose the game.

For more information on the ‘Hand of God’, go to:
en.wikipedia.org