While we all watch World Cups with the hope of witnessing great matches and brilliant goals, it cannot be denied that richly entertaining meltdowns have added immensely to the tournament’s rich tapestry.
From individual temper tantrums to a whole squad collectively losing their marbles, millions around the globe have reached for their popcorn and chuckled away while some of the game’s biggest names have defected upon their legacies.
We’ve taken a look at nine World Cup meltdowns that’d have embarrassed a screaming toddler.
France 2010
Having cheated their way into the finals – via Thierry Henry’s hand against Ireland – France disintegrated at South Africa 2010 to the mirth of fans across the world.
Two scoreless matches against Uruguay and Mexico were the prelude to Nicolas Anelka being sent home, the whole squad going on strike and manager Raymond Domenech being forced to read out the reasons why to a bemused media.
Caustic to the end, they did just enough to prevent South Africa from reaching the knockout rounds in their final match. France’s campaign was the subject of a government enquiry upon their return to Paris.
“Two days later we had a crucial game. You don’t do this in the middle of a World Cup.” 🏆@DjibrilCisse on why he stands by the France NT’s decision to strike at the 2010 World Cup after Nicolas Anelka was sent home 🛫
All To Play For w/ @Coral: https://t.co/y2TzIwBjBX 🎧 pic.twitter.com/iFCIPTggpV
— FootballJOE (@FootballJOE) February 12, 2021
Roy Keane
“Mick, you’re a liar… you’re a f*cking wanker,” Roy Keane spat with venom on a Saipan training pitch.
“I didn’t rate you as a player, I don’t rate you as a manager, and I don’t rate you as a person. You’re a f*cking wanker and you can stick your World Cup up your arse.
“The only reason I have any dealings with you is that somehow you are the manager of my country. You can stick it up your bollocks.”
And, with that, Keane was sent home from Ireland’s training camp. Even though McCarthy’s squad reached the second round, losing to Spain on penalties, many Irish fans believe they could’ve reached the final with a prime Keane patrolling midfield.
Brazil 2014
Brazil tearfully blustered their way to the semi-finals of their own tournament eight years ago until Germany ensured they’d become infamous.
At least 1950 doesn’t haunt Brazilian football anymore; it’s been replaced by something much worse…
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