10 Most Ridiculous Fouls In World Cup History

Ben Kiely
By Ben Kiely
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Luis Suarez biting Giorgio Chiellini will go down as one of the most shocking moments in the history of the World Cup. However, the most famous tournament in world football has a tradition of ridiculous displays of unsportsmanlike behaviour. Here's 10 examples of astoundingly awful fouls in the competition.

Leonardo v Ramos - USA 94

This Brazilian player pioneered the technique which is now regularly used by professional mixed martial artists.

Pele Elbow

Continuing the elbow theme, here's a horrid foul from an unlikely source. Pele is known for his florid footwork but the Brazilian legend could also get nasty if needed.

Brazil Handball - Sweden 58

Completing the opening trio of Brazil fouls, this player must have been daydreaming about his Junior B Football days. It happens at around the 3:55 mark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXi_Y_lg_yw#t=3m55

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Song v Mario Mandzuckic - Brazil 14

The Suarez incident wasn't the only unbelievable foul at this year's tournament. God only knows what Alex Song was thinking here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKoc0rtCAAc

Schumacher v Battiston - Spain 82

This French defender's only reward for his bravery chasing this ball was presumably getting his jaw wired shut.

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De Jong v Xabi Alonso - South Africa 10

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Another recent one. Nigel De Jong's lunge here wouldn't look out of place in the Octagon, but on a soccer pitch?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCviVn0QebM

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Zidane v Materazzi - Germany 06

Probably the most famous incident on the list. If somehow you haven't seen this outrageous clip of Zinedine Zidane yet, prepare to be shocked.

The Battle of Santiago - Chile 62

Any one of these fouls merits an individual place on this list. This clash between Chile and Spain became infamous for the terrible fouls. Watch this video and you'll see why.

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Massing v Caniggia - Italy 90

This Italian made an amazing run, beating several defenders only to be stopped in his tracks by a brutal challenge. Notice how the force behind the tackle causes the defender to lose his boot.

Pereira v Cruyff - West Germany 74

A try-saving tackle here from the Brazillian. The show starts at 28:50.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqSInM7VlkQ#t=28m50s

 

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