Most critical (missed) chance

There are some great missed chances in critical times that would have changed the history of the football, the way we know it

One was the great Dino Zoff save against Zico at the 90th minute of 1982 Italy Brazil famous quarter final. If that was scored, Brazil 1982 golden team would have qualified to the semi-final instead of Italy.




Another was a similar great save by Gianluigi Buffon 24 years later in 2006 WC final. This time it was from Zizou head at the extra time. France would have won the World Cup, and Zidane would end his career holding the trophy rather than by a red card. No one would have remembered Materazzi.

Paul Gascoigne almost scored the sudden death goal in the Euro 1996 Semi-Final vs. Germany. England would have played the final in Wembly, and nothing would have stopped them from winning their first trophy other than 1966 WC.

Also, Del Piero missing first chance, and another second chance in Euro 2000 Final.

However, no chance would have changed the history of World Cup and football in general more than Rob Rensenbrink chance hitting the post in the 1978 fianl vs. Argentina in the 90th minute, while the game was still 1-1.

(at 05:00 at this video)


If that goal was scored, look at the consequences:

- Netherlands would have won the 1978 World Cup, not Argentina.

- Rob Rensenbrink would have been the top scorer. Rob and Mario Kempes both had 5 goals each at that moment. Only several minutes later, in the extra time, Kempes scored his sixth goal.

- Netherlands would became the sixth nation to win the World Cup, not Argentina. Till 1978, there were only five countries that won the trophy. That night, a definite new country would have entered the golden record.

- We would not have missed Netherlands in 1982 WC.

- Menotti would not have continued to coach Argentina after that mondial. This means VERY different career for Maradona with his national team. It is well known that Menotti coaching delayed Maradona peak with his national team. Italy and Brazil would have faced very Argentina in 1982.

- What would be the political consequences in Argentina in 1978? Government took the world cup as a big media propaganda for its campaign.

Well, Rob didn't score.