Random sadness is random.

[Commie Pinko Dirtbag]

So, my father used to grumble and moan and complain endlessly about how Spain was always unfairly screwed in in World Cups. And not without some reason.

In 1962, playing against Brazil, when the game was 1-0 for Spain, Brazilian defender Nilton Santos pushed a Spanish attacker inside the penalty area -- and very quickly took a small step to OUTSIDE the penalty area. The referee signed an out-of-area fault shot. Eventually Brazil won 2-1.

In 1986, again against Brazil, a shot by Spain kicked the upper bar, landed inside the goal, and bounced out again. Much like this recent goal by England against Germany, but much less egregious. I had to endure Dad's grunts and mumbles for weeks. However, this time both teams advanced out of the group stage.

In 1994, Italy beat Spain in the quarterfinals thanks to the referee failing to see (again!) an obvious penalty from an Italian. A violent one too, unlike the subtle one by Nilton Santos. Italy won 1-0.

And in 2002, two, count 'em, TWO legitimate goals by Spain against South Korea (who had been greatly helped by bad calls against Italy in the game before) were disallowed, the game ended in a tie, and Spain was kicked out in a penalty shootout. Least. Deserving. Semifinalist. Ever.

And now, just now, in the middle of doing things completely unrelated, it hit me that he didn't live to see Spain finally win one. :(

[PeaceNikki]

1. .

:hug: