Everyone who watches football remembers at least one game they wish they could erase from memory, one match which was so bad that it made you want to give up watching the sport completely. These are some of those games … games which redefined the word “boring” and put a time and date on it for future reference.
England 0-0 Costa Rica, June 2014
England’s dismal World Cup in Brazil finished with an absolutely appalling game of football against Costa Rica, the last game of the group stage.
England had already been eliminated from the tournament after 2-1 defeats to Italy and Uruguay respectively. But England fans were hoping their team that they’d travel miles and miles to see would at least put in a good performance against a Costa Rica side that they really should be beating soundly.
This didn’t materialise, both teams together could only fashion 3 shots on target between them. This was a truly dreadful game.
Manchester United 0-0 Chelsea – 2013/2014
This was actually David Moyes’ first home league game of his controversial tenure as United boss. This may well have been a sign of things to come for him as United achieved their first 0-0 draw at Old Trafford for 5 seasons!
Not known for his fluid and attacking football, Moyes clearly just wanted to make sure that he didn’t lose the game. But unfortunately he was up against the king of bus parking, Jose Mourinho.
That may seem a little harsh on ‘The Special One’ as his sides have regularly played beautiful football over the years. But when Mourinho wants to make sure Chelsea don’t concede, they don’t concede and what should have been a high tempo affair with goals galore became a tedious battle of the defences.
Everton 0-0 Liverpool – 2014/2015
One of the worst games of last season. The 224th running of the Merseyside derby had all the attributes of a classic; Gerrard’s last derby, Everton still in a relegation battle, Liverpool still in with a chance of a top 4 place. This was a game that, at the time, both teams needed to win.
The notable points of the game were Jordan Ibe hitting the woodwork, 5 yellow cards, Steven Gerrard doing a bicycle kick and Everton having their 1st shot on target in the 87th minute.
Other than that, nothing happened.
Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United (Arsenal won 5-4 on penalties), 2005
No goals in 90 minutes is always disappointing with ticket prices as they are these days. But try no goals after 120 minutes. That’s exactly what happened in the 2005 F.A. Cup final between Arsenal & Manchester United.
Manchester United were probably just the better side, creating slightly more chances. But it was clearly visible that both sides were too scared to concede.
Jose Antonio Reyes was so bored, he got himself needlessly sent off at the end of extra time for a second bookable offence.
The penalties were exciting though, Vieira tucking away the decisive kick after Scholes missed one earlier in the shootout.
Chelsea 1-0 Manchester United (AET), 2007
At last a goal!! But it took 116 minutes to get it!
This was the first F.A. Cup Final back at Wembley Stadium. This was another game which both teams were trying not lose rather than trying to win.
Didier Drogba scored the only goal of the game giving Chelsea the win, but both teams were looking extremely tired after a gruelling title race. They also both reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. Chelsea won the league cup aswell.
In total, both teams played at least 60 games each that season. It certainly showed in this Cup final.
What are the worst games you’ve ever seen?