CANOE -- SLAM! Sports - Soccer - South Africa 2010 - Gallery

Andres Escobar wasn't killed during the 1994 World Cup but many believe the Colombian defender died as a result of an incident against the United States during group play. Escobar scored an own goal, which led to a 2-1 win for the U.S. and eliminated Colombia. It is believed Colombian drug lords lost plenty to the bookies as a result of the loss. Less than two weeks later, Escobar was gunned down in Medallin. His killer reportedly shouted "Goal!" after each of the 12 shots that were fired. Colombian fans cheer on their team during a first-round World Cup Group G match against Romania June 15, as a giant banner with the picture of Andres Escobar hangs from the balcony. Escobar was killed after returning home from World Cup 1994, when he scored an own goal during a match against the United States. (REUTERS/Yves Herman)

There are upsets then there is Northern Ireland's win over Spain at the 1982 World Cup. On one hand you have Northern Ireland, with a population of less than two million and a mediocre soccer history. On the other, Spain, with a population of 45 million and a rich past in the sport. Still, Northern Ireland shocked the world with a 1-0 win despite, get this, playing a man down for the final 30 minutes. Northern Ireland Stuns Spain

Few incidents in recent World Cup history are as infamous as the headbutt France's Zinedine Zidane put on Italy's Marco Materazzi during the 2006 World Cup 2006 final in Berlin. The foul and ensuing red card came in extra time, making Zidane ineligible to take part in the penalty shootout, which Italy won to take the World Cup title. (REUTERS/Peter Schols/GPD/Handout)

During the group stage of the 2002 World Cup, it looked as though Senegal was in for a trouncing at the hands of France, the reigning World Cup champs. Didn't happen. The unheralded African nation, playing in its first World Cup, beat France 1-0 on a goal by Papa Bouba Diop, middle, in Seoul. As far as upsets go, few were bigger than this. (REUTERS/Dylan Martinez)

Best and Worst of the World Cup

Photo Gallery

Videos

More Sports News

Travel

Poll