Three England World Cup Blunders

1. US 1-0 England 1950

England, 3-1 to win the cup, US, 500-1 to win the cup. It would in fact surprise you to say this, but at the time, England was the kings of football, only 4 losses out of 30 after the war, this was an England side on form. For the first half, this showed, with England 6 shots on target in the first 12 minutes, and 3 succesive shots in 3 minutes, and only 1 American shot on target, England set to dominate. However, the goal came in on the 37th minute, a cross from Walter Bargh sent Joe Gaetjens into a cheeky diving header past an England player to put it out of reach of the England keeper. The second half was no different from the first, England quickly dominating, few American chances on well saved shots from American keeper Frank Borghi. In the last 8 minutes, Charlie Columbo brought down Mortensen on the edge of the penalty area, and guess what, the referee denied England the penalty (like always) and responded with a really bad free kick, and that practically ended England’s world cup run. Isn’t it a coincidence how the England cricket teams lost for the first time against the West Indies on the same day.

2. England 1(3)-(4)1 West Germany 1990

After England’s poor start to the world cup, they gradually got better, however,with only 6 goals before the semi-final, England were crushed when they found out they had to play West Germany. With football rivalry tensing up, England were surprised to match the stronger German side, with a Lineker equaliser in the 80th minute, spirits were lifted. This led to the England side’s first ever penalty shootout. This led to an embarassing shot over the bar from England.

3. England 1-2 Brazil 2002

England’s qualification from the group of death and 3-0 win over Denmark gave England high hopes, even against Brazil. A brilliant through ball from Emile Heskey gave Micheal Owen a quick breakaway, beutifully chipping the ball over the Brazillian keeper’s head, England was on cloud 9. Unfortunately, poor defending from Scholes and Beckham gave wonderman Ronaldinho a run which he perfectly passed to main man Rivaldo, who shot a beuty to the left of David Seaman, one all. England came out slightly rattled from Brazil’s goal, and they should’ve been. Shortly after, a seemingly harmless 42 YARD FREE KICK, ended up into the back of the net, the curled shot completely fooled David Seaman, whose reaction to the shot, injured his back and moreorless ended his football career. Just when England was forgetting they were actually winning at one point, the ref sent his red to… RONALDINHO!!! This is England’s chance to comeback, but England failed to impress as they contiued to be dominated by 10-man Brazil. For shame.