Mysteries, Legends and Conspiracy Theories, Part Seven

1- Scandinavian collusion at the 2004 Euros

During the 2004 Euros at Portugal, on the Final Round of Group C, Sweden, Italy and Denmark were in the running to qualify to the quarterfinals.

The Italians defeated Bulgaria (2-1) on June 22^nd , 2004 at Guimaraes to have a fighting chance to advance, as simultaneously Denmark and Sweden were squaring off at Porto.

The match seemed headed for a (2-1) Danish win when Sweden tied up the match with a few minutes remaining.

The (2-2) scoreline advanced both Scandinavian Nations. Many Italians felt that the two teams had colluded for a tie score so that they could both advance at the expense of Italy.

Photo From: World Soccer, August 2004

(Jonsson’s equalizer, June 22, 2004, UEFA European Championships, Denmark 2-Sweden 2)

Photo From: World Soccer, August 2004

(Sweden players celebrating, June 22, 2004, UEFA European Championships, Denmark 2-Sweden 2)

Photo From: World Soccer, August 2004

(Italy’s Antonio Cassano, June 22, 2004, UEFA European Championships, Italy 2-Bulgaria 1)

2- Denis Law and Manchester United Relegation, 1974

For decades in certain outlets it is often misreported that Denis Law by scoring for Manchester City vs. his former club Manchester United on April 27, 1974 (Manchester United 0-Manchester City 1) was responsible for their relegation.

This is of course inaccurate, since his goal would have made no difference as even a tie score would have mathematically relegated Manchester United by that point due to other results in the day.

Photo From: World Soccer, June 1973

(Denis Law)

3- West and East Germany, 1974 World Cup

It has been suggested by some that West Germany on purpose lost to their Eastern neighbors during the 1974 World Cup on June 22^nd, 1974 (1-0 East German win).

The theory suggests that they lost to avoid being paired with Holland in the Second Round of that World Cup. 

Photo From: Mondial, Old Series, Issue 9, October 1977

(Franz Beckenbauer, June 22, 1974, World Cup, West Germany 0-East Germany 1)

4- Leonidas and Bicycle Kick

1930s Brazilian star Leonidas (top goalscorer at the 1938 World Cup) is often credited as being the inventor of the Bicycle (overhead) kick.

Most historians are doubtful of that claim and believe perhaps he popularized it but did not actually invent it.

 Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 21, July 1999

(Leonidas)

 Photo From: Calcio 2000, Issue 21, July 1999

(Leonidas with an overhead kick)

5- Scotland goalkeepers

Scottish goalkeepers have been for decades criticized and maligned in British soccer folklore (Alan Rough amongst others).

Much of it is because of Francis Haffey’s performance against England on April 15, 1961 at Wembley in the annual Home Championship match.

On that day Haffey, the Celtic Glasgow goalkeeper, gave up 9 goals in a (9-3) loss. This was only his second cap and of course his last.

He was the brunt of a famous joke:

Question: ‘What’s the time?’ 

Response: ‘Nine past Haffey’

Photo From: World Soccer, July 1961

(Francis Haffey unable to stop the 7^th goal, April 15, 1961, Home Championship, England 9-Scotland 3)

Photo From: Scotland, The Team, Author Andrew ward, 1987

(Francis Haffey after the match, April 15, 1961, Home Championship, England 9-Scotland 3)