Exactly thirty years ago, a Brazilian defender hit an American player and was sent off in the round of 16 of the World Cup
Exactly 30 years ago, the round of 16 of the World Cup 1994 were marked by a strong movement. Leonardo, Brazil’s full-back, elbowed the American Ramos Tab and ended up leaving the team in difficulty in the match, saving himself with a goal from Baby in the second phase to continue the campaign in search of the fourth world championship.
Remembering the date of the match and the emblematic move, Lance! brought a list with some important elbows in the history of football. But it is worth repeating, of course: we are against any kind of violence on and off the field.
1️⃣ Pele x Fontes
We’ll start the list in a surprising way with the King. In the semi-final of the 1970 World Cup, Pelé elbowed Dagoberto Fontes of Uruguay. In the match, it was Celeste who opened the scoring, and the Brazilian number 10 was constantly hounded; after the comeback, with goals from Clodoaldo and Jairzinho, the revenge of the three-time world champion came, with a move to the left side of the pitch.
– I was grateful that I only hit him on the forehead, because if it had been on the nose or chin, it would have definitely been a fracture. I remember thinking: “God!” How my elbow hurts!” I imagine what his forehead must have been like – Pelé wrote in his autobiography.
2️⃣ Ibrahimovic x Tyrone Mings
A black belt in Taekwondo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic knows quite a bit about martial arts and how to apply them. In 2017, English defender Tyrone Mings was a victim during a clash between Manchester United and Bournemouth. With the Swede on the ground, the defender ended up stepping on his head, unleashing the fury of the attacker. A few minutes later, with a ball raised in the Cherries area, Ibra stood up with a shot ready and hit his opponent in the face, receiving only a yellow card.
3️⃣ Junior Baiano x Theodore
In their debut at the 1998 Gold Cup, Brazil did not come out clean against Jamaica. In the pre-World Cup tension, the Seleção did not react well and Júnior Baiano decided to resort to violence. At the end of the match, the defender, known for his excessive force in some movements, ended up hitting the fast Theodore and was sent home early.
4️⃣ Red x Diego Ribas
In the duel between Flamengo and Bahia, for the Brasileirão 2021, Diego Ribas and Rossi played a strong match. Already down 2-0 and with one less player on the pitch, the northeasterners lost their temper on the pitch, and the striker hit the Rossoneri captain with his elbow in a move that was practically dead in attack. The blow also drove Diego crazy, who strangled his opponent, generating a meme that was widely used on social media, in addition to both being sent off.
– Today I had a reaction that was incompatible with who I am and what I believe in! As much as my opponent was unfair and cowardly, the truth is that his mistake does not justify mine! For this I apologize to my teammates and all the fans – said Ribas shortly after the match.
5️⃣ Otamendi x Raphinha
To drive Galvão Bueno crazy, the classic Brazil-Argentina could not be missed. In the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, Otamendi clearly hit Raphinha and was not sent off. With blood dripping, the Brazilian had to be treated and received five stitches, in a violent and goalless match. After the final whistle, the Albiceleste defender mocked the action on his social media, saying that it was “just a ball”.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
