World cup 1978
The 1978 World Cup in Argentina was the stage for some of the most dramatic and unforgettable moments in the tournament’s history. But none was more controversial than the match between Brazil and Sweden. As the clock ticked down on the final minutes of the match, the stage was set for a moment that would go down in infamy and spark outrage among the Brazilian team, fans and the entire football community.
The Legendary Zico Leads Brazil
Brazil, one of the favorites to win the tournament, were led by the legendary Zico. He was known for his incredible ball control, vision, and passing abilities, and was widely considered as one of the best players in the world at the time. He was the heart and soul of the Brazilian team, and his performance throughout the tournament had been nothing short of spectacular.
Sweden’s Solid Defense and Midfield
Standing in Brazil’s way was a solid Sweden team, led by their captain Bjorn Nordqvist. The Swedish defense was rock solid, and their midfield was anchored by the likes of Lennart Larsson and Thomas Sjoberg. They were determined to cause an upset and were not going to go down without a fight.
The Tension Mounts
The match was not exciting. Sweden scored first, with Thomas Sjoberg making a goal with the outside of his foot from a pass from Bo Larsson. Brazil tied the game just before the end of the first half, with Reinaldo scoring from a cross from Cerezo by controlling the ball and hitting it into the top corner of the goal.
The match was tied at 1-1 in the closing stages, and the tension was palpable. The Brazilian team pushed forward, desperate for a win, while the Swedish defense held strong. As the clock ticked down, the match looked to be headed for a draw. But then, in the 89th minute, Brazil won a corner kick.
The Controversial Goal
Nelinho took the corner and sent in a perfect cross, where Zico jump highest to head the ball into the net. The stadium erupted in cheers as the Brazilian players and fans celebrated wildly. But their joy was short-lived. The referee, Clive Thomas, blew the final whistle with the ball in mid-air and the goal was not counted. He was already walking away, confused and Zico was left on his knees, with his head in his hands, not understanding why the goal was not counted. The final score remained 1-1, despite that the referee was confronted by several furious Brazilian players.
The Outrage The decision caused outrage among the Brazilian players, who felt that they had been robbed of a deserved victory. The match officials were criticized for their poor handling of the situation, and the incident is still remembered as one of the most controversial moments in World Cup history. The referee’s mistake was a bitter pill to swallow for the Brazilian team, who had fought so hard for a win.
A Moment That Will Never be Forgotten
The match between Brazil and Sweden is remembered as one of the most controversial matches in the history of football, and serves as a reminder of the importance of fair play and sportsmanship in the sport. The 1978 World Cup will always be remembered as a tournament of great drama, and the match between Brazil and Sweden will forever be remembered as one of the most controversial moments in the history of football.