By Sean Goff | Sports Reporter
As the beautiful game shows signs of emerging from the Dark Ages, the Paddy Power blog team looks at five blatant goal line instances that left one side feeling cheated.
1. World Cup Final 1966, Geoff Hurst, England v Germany.
This digitally remastered colour version was needed to prove that Hurst’s shot didn’t cross the line to put England 3-2 up in extra-time of the 1966 World Cup final against Germany. They went on to win 4-2. All academic now and the technology was light years away from what it is today. For that reason, referee Tofiq Bahramov gets a pass.
2. World Cup 2010, Frank Lampard, England v Germany
There’s no doubt here about the validity of Lampard’s goal. Ball bounced a foot over the line but none of the officials spotted it. England were trailing 1-0 and this would have been the equaliser in a game they eventually lost 4-1. Will be looked on as the watershed moment in the goal-line technology debate in years to come.
3. Premier League Jan 2005, Pedro Mendes, Manchester United v Spurs.
Just in case anyone thinks it’s just big international games that this happens have a look at Pedro Mendes’ speculative lob against Manchester United keeper Roy Carroll in 2005. Carroll flaps at it, stumbles and then hauls the ball back from over the line in a game that ended 0-0 at Old Trafford.
4. FA Cup semi-final May 2012, Mata, Chelsea v Spurs.
At least Frank Lampard had the good grace to admit afterwards that this ‘goal’ at the end of the clip should not have been awarded. Mata’s shot hits a mass of players on the line including his captain John Terry. Chelsea ‘scored’ to lead 2-0, won 5-1 and beat Liverpool 2-1 in the final.
5. Premier League, March 2012, Clint Hill, QPR v Bolton
A relegation dog-fight, a real six-pointer and Clint Hill nods home for QPR. But the officials didn’t see it and Bolton went on to win 2-1. However, QPR had the last laugh as they stayed up and Bolton were relegated. No justification though.
Love the way Juan Mata wheels away celebrating – he of all people there could see it was nowhere near crossing the line. You gotta love the integrity/”RESPECT” at the “top” of the game !