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South Korea Italy World Cup Officiating

2002 • Soccer • Referee Mistake • Tournament Officiating
South Korea Italy World Cup Officiating — SportsMistakes artwork

THE STORY

In the 2002 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 on June 18, South Korea faced Italy in Daejeon, South Korea. The match was marked by contentious officiating decisions, including a disputed penalty awarded to South Korea, a red card for Italy's Francesco Totti for alleged simulation, and a disallowed golden goal by Damiano Tommasi in extra time. South Korea won 2-1 after extra time, eliminating Italy from the tournament.

TEAMS / PEOPLE: South Korea, Italy

WHY IT MATTERS

The match remains one of the most controversial in World Cup history, with debates over the fairness of the officiating and its impact on Italy's elimination.

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