On This Day – June 26: World Cup Shocks, Penalty Drama, and Maldini’s Birthday

Historic Football Events on June 26

1998 – Argentina Eliminates England on Penalties In one of the most dramatic World Cup matches ever, Argentina and England drew 2-2 in the Round of 16 in France. David Beckham was sent off for a kick on Diego Simeone, and the match went to penalties. Argentina advanced 4-3 in the shootout after an emotional thriller.
2006 – Switzerland Becomes First Team Eliminated Without Conceding Switzerland exited the World Cup after losing to Ukraine on penalties (0-0 AET), becoming the first team ever to be eliminated without conceding a single goal in normal or extra time during the tournament.
2010 – Portugal Held by Brazil in Group Stage Stalemate Two tournament heavyweights, Brazil and Portugal, played to a goalless draw in the final group stage match of the 2010 World Cup. Both teams advanced to the Round of 16.
2018 – Germany Crashes Out in Group Stage Reigning champions Germany were eliminated from the 2018 World Cup after a shocking 2-0 defeat to South Korea. It marked the first time Germany had failed to advance past the group stage since 1938.
2016 – Iceland Stuns England at Euro 2016 In one of the biggest upsets in European Championship history, Iceland defeated England 2-1 in the Round of 16. The loss led to the resignation of England manager Roy Hodgson and elevated Iceland into folklore.

Paolo Maldini (1968) – Legendary Italian defender and AC Milan icon, widely regarded as one of the best defenders of all time. Maldini won five European Cups and appeared in four World Cups.
Abdelkader Ghezzal (1984) – Algerian international forward who represented his country at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Sébastien Squillaci (1980) – French center-back who played for Lyon, Sevilla, and Arsenal.
Thomas Sørensen (1976) – Danish goalkeeper who earned over 100 caps and had long stints in the Premier League with Sunderland, Aston Villa, and Stoke City.
Aleksei Miranchuk (1995) – Russian attacking midfielder with technical flair, key to Russia’s Euro 2020 campaign.

Beckham’s Red Card Fallout (1998): His dismissal against Argentina sparked nationwide headlines in England, with Beckham vilified by the press. Argentina’s penalty win only added to the emotional intensity of the classic.
Germany’s Collapse (2018): After years of consistency, Germany’s group stage exit shocked the football world. South Korea’s late goals sealed the defending champions’ fate, ending an era of dominance.
Iceland’s Viking Victory (2016): A nation of just over 300,000 stunned global audiences by eliminating England. Iceland’s passionate fans and their now-iconic “Viking clap” became a symbol of underdog triumph.

Which team was the first to be eliminated from a World Cup without conceding a single goal?

Answer: Switzerland, in 2006.

“If I have to make a tackle then I have already made a mistake.” — Paolo Maldini