The World Cup 1982 semi-final in Seville, Spain between France and Germany can be remembered for many reasons. It could be remembered for its dramatic finale. After 90 minutes it was a deadlock at 1-1 resorting to extra-time. The French cruised 3-1 in extra-time, only for the Germans to pull back with 12 minutes to go, ending the match 3-3 for a penalty shootout. But that’s not whats most remembered….

The match was also the first match in World Cup history to be decided by a penalty shootout. But still that’s not whats most remembered…

In the 65th minute , the French substitute, Patrick Battiston raced to an exquisite Michel Platini ball putting him straight in front of the German goal and their keeper Herald Schumacher. Herald raced furiously like a Mack truck toward the ball, recklessly leaping into the air, knees hoisted forward, and the collision happened. Battiston knocked out cold on the pitch, losing two teeth and fracturing his vertebrae, some thought he was dead. No words could accurately describe the gruesomeness of the tackle:

Whats even more shocking,  the Dutch referee Charles Corver did nothing and gave Germany a goal kick! Schumacher was whistled, booed and hissed at all match long. He was later called “The Beast of Seville” and Football’s “Jack The Ripper”. His mother told him “it’s dreadful Herald” and the Times condemned “that grotesque poodle-permed innocence feigned by the doyen of a long line of slightly deranged German goolkeepers.”

Schumacher was chosen as the most hated man in the world by a French newspaper poll, Hitler came second. Now wonder the world rejoiced when the Italians defeated them 3 days later in the World Cup final.