A
new addition about events that over the years have led to speculation without
any clear cut answer
1- Luisito
Monti –The 1930 World Cup Final display
There
has been much speculation over the decades about Argentina International and
hard-man Luis Felipe ‘Luisito’ Monti’s poor display in the Final of the First
World Cup (July 30, 1930, World Cup, Uruguay 4-Argentina 2).
By
his standards and in comparison with the previous matches in the World Cup
itself, he appeared to have a quiet game.
The
one theory speculated is that his life was threatened and as a result he played
below standard.
Photo
From: IFFHS-Argentina (1902-1940)-Uruguay (1902-1940)
(Luisito
Monti just prior the Final match , July 30, 1930, World Cup, Uruguay
4-Argentina 2)
|
2- Johann
Cruyff and 1978 World Cup exclusion
Johann
Cruyff’s self exclusion from the 1978 World Cup in Argentina has led to many
theories over the years.
One
theory is that he was threatened with kidnapping. The other often used theory
was his opposition to the General Videla Regime.
Photo
From: Mondial, old series, Issue 13, February 1978
(Johann
Cruyff)
|
3- The
1954 World Cup Champions and suspicions of doping
The
surprising 1954 West German triumph over the seemingly unbeatable Hungarians
has often baffled observers.
This
has led to the theory that perhaps the Germans had been doped.
One
reason this theory has taken hold was the fact that many of the German players
showed symptoms of jaundice a few months after.
The
fact that they lost their next 3 matches may have reinforced this, as they lost
successively to Belgium (0-2), France (1-3 at home) and England (1-3).
Another
story is that Hungary captain Ferenc Puskas went ot the Germans’ dressing room
and claimed to have seen syringes.
Photo
From: World Soccer, June 1969
(West
Germany squad, July 4, 1954, World cup, West Germany 3-Hungary 2 )
|
4- The
1990 Brazil and Argentina World Cup match
During
the 1990 World Cup, (June 24th), Argentina defeated Brazil (1-0) in
a match that Brazil completely dominated but just could not score.
Argentina
scored in one of their rare chances by Caniggia on a breakaway.
Over
a decade later, Brazil defender Branco said that during one of the breaks, he asked some water from the Argentine
physio. Branco claimed that the water tasted strange and he believes it may
have been ‘drugged’.
Photo
From: El Grafico, Historia de la Seleccion Argentina, 1986-1991
(Claudio
Caniggia scoring Argentina’s winner, June 24, 1990, World Cup, Argentina
1-Brazil 0)
|
5- Helmuth
Ducadam and Steaua Bucharest 1986
Steaua
Bucharest goalkeeper Helmut Ducadum was the hero of Romania following his
display during the 1986 Champions Cup match vs Barcelona where he saved all
four of Barcelona’s penalty kicks during the shoot-out.
However,
by the start of the following season he was suddenly out of the picture and
injured.
The
reason given was a blood disorder. Over the years there were stories that his
arms were broken and he was blacklisted because he would not toe the political
line (Ceaucesu days remember).
It
is unclear if these rumours are true or not.
Photo
From: Onze, Issue 126, June 1986
(Helmuth Ducadam, May 7, 1986, Champions Cup,
Steaua Bucharest 0-Barcelona 0) |
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