Politics and The Game, Part Eight

1- Wim van Hanegem and Germany 1974

Dutch star Wim van Hanegem was known to be antagonistic towards Germans due to his experiences stemming from the Second World War.

His father, two brothers and one sister were killed in the War.

After the 1974 World Cup Final against West Germany (July 7, 1974, West Germany 2-Holland 1), he stated "I didn't give a damn as long as we humiliated them. They murdered my father, sister and two brothers. I am full of angst. I hate them."

Photo From: Panini, World Cup 1974

(Holland’s Wim van Hanegem)

2- Ruud Gullit and Nelson Mandela, 1987

When Ruud Gullit was awarded the 1987 Ballon d’Or, he dedicated his trophy to the then-jailed South African anti-apartheid leader Nelson Mandela.

Photo From: France Football, Issue 2177, December 29, 1987

(Ruud Gullit)

3- Spain and Czechsolovakia, 1967

Czechoslovakia hosted Spain on October 1, 1967 in a UEFA European Championship qualifier in Prague (1-0 Czech win).

The Spanish Federation protested since the Spanish Anthem that was played was that of the Second Spanish Republic (Himno de Riego).

The Second Spanish Republic governed Spain (1931/1939) before the takeover of General Franco.

Photo From: se Lvickem na prsou-Authors O.Bartunek, J.Kalat

(Czechoslovakia squad, October 1, 1967, EC Qualifier, Czechoslovakia 1-Spain 0)

Photo From: Todo Sobre La Seleccion Espanola, Felix Martialay, 2006

(Spain squad, October 1, 1967, EC Qualifier, Czechoslovakia 1-Spain 0)

Photo From: (Magazine Source unknown) / Contribution From a blog viewer (special thanks to Jose Luis Carbonell)

(October 1, 1967, EC Qualifier, Czechoslovakia 1-Spain 0)

4- Albania and Greece, 1985

Albania were initially scheduled to host Greece for a World Cup Qualifier on April 17, 1985 at Tirana.

However, after the death of Albania’s leader Enver Hodja, the match was postponed. It took place on October 30, 1985 (1-1 tie).

5- Angel Cappa

1960s and 70s player Argentinean Angel Cappa fled Argentina in exile in 1978 due to his opposition to Videla regime. He was also active in the ‘Peronismo de Base’ political party.

When Argentina played Holland on May 22, 1979 at Berne, Switzerland, Cappa along with some of his colleagues placed a flag that read "Videla Asesino”.