Eh! This is the saddest story in World Cup history. On 22 June 1994 in Los Angeles, Colombian defender Andrés Escobar deflected a cross into his own net during a 2-1 loss to USA. Colombia, one of the tournament favorites, were eliminated. Ten days later, back home in Medellín, Escobar was shot DEAD in a parking lot. Six bullets. Witnesses said the killer shouted 'GOAL!' with each shot. He was just 27 years old. The most tragic story in football history. MURDERED for an own goal!
Year: 1994 Match: USA vs Colombia Location: Rose Bowl, Los Angeles Round: Group Stage Category: Tragedy
The Moment
- Andrés Escobar deflected a cross into his own net in the 35th minute against USA in the group stage
- Colombia lost the match 2-1 and were eliminated in the group stage — tournament favorites OUT
- Ten days later on 2 July 1994, Escobar was shot six times in a Medellín parking lot
- Witnesses said the killer Humberto Castro Muñoz shouted 'GOAL!' with each bullet fired
- Castro was sentenced to 43 years in prison but served only 11 — the case stunned the world
The Verdict
Andrés Escobar's murder for an own goal is football's darkest moment. A 27-year-old defender, beloved by his country, killed in cold blood for ONE deflection on a Saturday afternoon in California. The story stunned the football world and revealed how dangerous combining football with cartels could be. NEVER FORGET ESCOBAR. A true tragedy of the BEAUTIFUL game!
Tomorrow: #9 — Stay tuned for the next magical World Cup moment!
