With less than 50 days until the start of the World Cup in Brazil, Soccer Laduma takes a look at our Top 50 World Cup moments – today number 31: Gascoigne in tears.
Paul Gascoigne was one of the rising stars in England and helped the Three Lions into the semi-final of the 1990 World Cup. It was the first time England came this close to a World Cup final since they won it in 1966.
On 4 July 1990, England played West Germany in Turin. The game was level after 90 minutes and went into extra-time.
Then in the 100th minute Gascoigne received a booking which was his second yellow card in the knockout stages and meant he would have missed the final.
Gascoigne, realizing the implications, put both hands up in apology and it looked like he got away with it for 10 seconds, but then he received the card.
And 'Gazza', who had been the star of England's tournament, broke out in tears as if his whole world was collapsing.
The match culminated in a penalty shoot-out, which the Germans won after Stuart Pearce and Chris Waddle missed their penalties.
Gascoigne was supposed to take England's fourth penalty, the one Waddle missed, but he was an emotional wreck and had not been able to focus.
After the World Cup, it was Gascoigne, who became highly popular for showing his emotions on the pitch.
Do you remember this World Cup moment and which other tearful stars come to your mind? Have your say in the comment section below.
