SO what are some of the biggest Politocal Showdowns at World Cups over the years and possible in 2010? I recall Argentina vs England being huge in 1986, just 4 years after the Falkland/Malvinas War. There was also the 98 USA x Iran game which we totally choked on. We gave them flowers before the game and they beat us 2 to 1 in a game that could have just easily ended 2 x 0. I imagine a North vs South Korea this year is highly unlikely but would be interesting to watch. In 06 didnt FIFA on purpose make a couple of countries avoid each other?
Yes but AT the WC and under the CURRENT political situation, I think it would make it a much bigger game.
This year is quiet as compared to previuous WC Finals. I can see a lot Croats on the Australian team. So Serbia vs Australia. Greece can meet Germany in the quaterfinal. I am sure that a lot of Germans ain't happy about the Greeks lately.
This isn't soccer but it definitely would fit your definition. India and Pakistan faced each other in the 1999 Cricket World Cup while they were directly fighting each other in the full scale Kargil War. The hype for that match was absolutely incredible.
In history, it must be East vs West Germany in 1974. That was the only time both teams ever met. Then, there was USA-Iran, but 1998 was actually a peaceful year. Billed as the new "ping pong" diplomacy, the American wrestling team also visited Iran in 1998. Poland also played the Soviets Union in 1982 shortkly after the Solidarity.
You're talking about a bygone era. They're Australian, and that's what they consider themselves. Not only that but I can only think of Culina and Vidosic. Where's the lot?
Again not soccer, but Hungary v. USSR in 1956 Olympics water polo semi final. the Blood in the Water match. It took place about a month after the Hungarian Uprising failed. The crowd was mostly made up of expat Hungarians, Americans and Australians. The water was not really tinged red, but players were bleeding and lots of punches were thrown. As for politically charged WC games, I agree that goes to the 1974 Inter-German game.
Yup. This has to be it. My father and my brothers went for the game in Manchester. They didn't take me along for this one, because my dad said that I'd hear a lot of stuff that I shouldn't. This game had all the hype, and had the highest ratio of policemen: spectators in any world cup event. My brother said that the atmosphere was really charged and then players on the boundary line were subjected to absolute verbal abuse by both sets of fans. A lot of jostling and mini fights were on that day. The cops had their hands full. After India won the match, the police had to instruct the Pakistani supporters to leave a little in advance and the Indian supporters were let out only after 25-30 minutes to avoid any confrontation there. There were lots of cops on the streets as well. Its so tragic that we (especially in the sub continent) mix sports and nationalism. In 2003 WC, India again played Pakistan, and this time the atmosphere was so much saner. I was watching when Tendulkar scored a match winning 98. I also shared Aalu Parathas and recipes with a Pakistani mother of two. Great atmosphere and great cricket.
