The "Disgrace of Gijón": The Most Controversial Match In World Cup History

 



"When the U.S. Men's National Team lines up against Germany for their final World Cup group stage battle, there'll be a lurking subtext threatening to drag the match out to murky waters like an undertow: A draw means both teams go through. Now, only a cynic would think they'd alter their play and conspire for a mutually beneficial result. It's 110% rah-rah, gung-ho, give-it-your-all for the spirit of the game 'round these parts. But...

...it's rumored to have happened before. In fact, the reason USA-Germany is being played at the same exact time as Ghana-Portugal (and why all final group games are played simultaneously) is because of a controversial match at the 1982 World Cup. Take us back to Spain, Naranjito!"

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The "Disgrace of Gijón": The Most Controversial Match In World Cup History | Mental Floss