We are down to only 20 days until start of the World Cup in Brazil and continue our Top 50 World Cup moments – today number 19: Rijkaard Spits At Voeller.
Holland and West Germany, as they were known as back then, were fierce rivals at World Cup Finals, and no where was this more evident than at the World Cup in Italy in 1990.
While the rivalry had its roots in World War Two, it became increasingly fanatical after Germany defeated the Dutch in the 1974 World Cup Final.
When the two teams met in the second round at Italia 90, it was a bad-tempered game and in the 20th minute Frank Rijkaard was booked for a challenge on Jurgen Klinsmann, which would see him miss the quarter-final. Angry, Rijkaard stormed back to his position, but as he passed Klinsmann's striker partner, Rudi Voeller, Rijkaard spat in the German's hair. The two began a verbal exchange, which led to the referee booking an unhappy Voller.
At the following set piece Voeller clattered into Dutch goalkeeper Hans van Breuckelen in mid-air. Rijkaard was not happy, and and tried to pull Voeller to his feet, then stamped on Voller's boot, and Voller went back down.
Referee Loustau had had enough and flashed the red card at Rijkaard, and then promptly showed one to a mystified Voeller too!
As Voeller stood mortified by what had happened, Rijkaard walked past Voller on his way off the field and spat in his hair again!
Do you remember this infamous incident at Italia 90? Have your say in the comment section below.
