3. 1994: Own Goal Heartbreak
In the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Colombian defender Andrés Escobar scored an own goal in the 35th minute of a match against the United States, leading to a 2-1 defeat for Colombia. This loss eliminated Colombia from the tournament, despite their victory over Switzerland in the final group match. The own goal and subsequent elimination were seen as a national disappointment, and Escobar faced severe criticism upon returning to Colombia. Tragically, on July 2, 1994, Escobar was murdered in Medellín, with reports suggesting that his death was linked to the own goal and the country’s early exit from the World Cup (espn.com).
