Argentina Vs Germany 1990: The Controversial Referee

The 1990 World Cup Final between Argentina and Germany remains one of the most talked-about matches in football history, not just for the game itself, but also for the highly controversial officiating by the Edgardo Codesal, the referee in charge. This match, played in Rome, was filled with tension, tactical battles, and ultimately, contentious decisions that heavily influenced the outcome. Let's dive deep into the key moments and controversies surrounding Codesal's performance and the impact it had on the game.

The Stage is Set: A Rematch with History

Heading into the 1990 World Cup Final, both Argentina and Germany had compelling narratives. Argentina, led by the legendary Diego Maradona, was the defending champion, having won the 1986 World Cup in Mexico. However, their journey to the final in Italy was far from smooth. They struggled through the group stage, needing penalty shootouts to overcome Yugoslavia and then Italy in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively. Maradona, while still a key figure, wasn't at his peak fitness, and the team relied heavily on defensive solidity and moments of brilliance.

Germany, on the other hand, was a team on the rise, boasting a squad brimming with talent, including players like Lothar Matthäus, Jürgen Klinsmann, and Andreas Brehme. They had dominated their opponents throughout the tournament, displaying a blend of tactical discipline, attacking prowess, and physical strength. This final was also a rematch of the 1986 final, which Argentina had won 3-2, adding another layer of intrigue and anticipation.

Both teams had distinct styles. Argentina, under coach Carlos Bilardo, was known for its pragmatic and often cynical approach, focusing on stifling the opposition and capitalizing on counter-attacks. Germany, coached by Franz Beckenbauer, favored a more proactive and attacking style, aiming to control possession and create scoring opportunities. The clash of these styles, combined with the high stakes of a World Cup Final, set the stage for a potentially explosive encounter.

The atmosphere in the Stadio Olimpico was electric, with fans from both nations creating a vibrant and passionate spectacle. The world watched with bated breath as these two footballing giants prepared to battle for the ultimate prize. Little did they know that the referee would become such a central and controversial figure in the unfolding drama.

The Controversies Unfold: Codesal Under Scrutiny

From the opening whistle, it was clear that the match would be a physical and tightly contested affair. Referee Edgardo Codesal, a Mexican official, quickly found himself in the spotlight, making a series of decisions that drew criticism from both sides, but particularly from the Argentinian camp. His strict interpretation of the rules and perceived bias towards Germany became major talking points.

One of the earliest controversial moments was the penalty awarded to Germany in the 65th minute. Jürgen Klinsmann went down in the penalty area after a challenge from Roberto Sensini. Codesal immediately pointed to the spot, a decision that remains highly debated to this day. Replays suggested that the contact was minimal, and many argued that Klinsmann had exaggerated the foul. Andreas Brehme converted the penalty, giving Germany a 1-0 lead.

The Argentinian players and fans were incensed by the decision, feeling that Codesal had been too quick to award the penalty. The tension on the field escalated, and the game became even more fractious. Maradona, in particular, was visibly frustrated, arguing vehemently with the referee at every opportunity.

Adding to the controversy, Codesal sent off two Argentinian players during the match. Pedro Monzón was the first to receive his marching orders for a reckless challenge on Klinsmann. Later, Gustavo Dezotti was also sent off for a foul on Jürgen Kohler, further depleting Argentina's ranks and making their task of finding an equalizer even more difficult. Many felt that Dezotti's sending off was harsh, as the incident appeared to be a minor scuffle rather than a deliberate act of violence.

These decisions significantly impacted the flow of the game and tilted the balance in favor of Germany. Argentina, already struggling to create scoring opportunities, found themselves playing with nine men for the final minutes of the match. The Argentinian players and coaching staff were convinced that Codesal was biased and that his decisions had unfairly influenced the outcome.

The Penalty That Sealed It: A Defining Moment

The penalty awarded to Germany was undoubtedly the most controversial decision of the match. To fully understand the context, it's essential to analyze the incident from different angles. German striker Jürgen Klinsmann received the ball inside the penalty area, with Argentinian defender Roberto Sensini in close pursuit. As Klinsmann attempted to turn, he went to ground, and Codesal immediately pointed to the penalty spot.

Replays of the incident are inconclusive. While there appears to be some contact between Sensini and Klinsmann, it's difficult to determine whether it was enough to warrant a penalty. Many observers have argued that Klinsmann deliberately exaggerated the contact, using his body to initiate the fall. Others maintain that Sensini did make sufficient contact to justify the referee's decision.

The controversy surrounding the penalty is further fueled by Klinsmann's reputation for diving. Throughout his career, he was often accused of going to ground easily, and this incident only added to that perception. Argentinian fans and players felt that Codesal had been influenced by Klinsmann's reputation and had been too quick to award the penalty without clear evidence of a foul.

Andreas Brehme stepped up to take the penalty and calmly slotted the ball past Argentinian goalkeeper Sergio Goycochea. The goal gave Germany a 1-0 lead and effectively sealed their victory. Argentina, with ten men, struggled to mount a comeback, and their hopes of retaining the World Cup title faded away.

The penalty decision remains a subject of intense debate among football fans and pundits. Some argue that Codesal made the correct call based on his interpretation of the incident, while others believe that he was deceived by Klinsmann's theatrics. Regardless of one's perspective, there's no denying that the penalty had a significant impact on the outcome of the match and added to the controversy surrounding Codesal's officiating.

The Aftermath: Legacy of Controversy

The aftermath of the 1990 World Cup Final was dominated by discussions about Codesal's performance. The Argentinian team and fans were furious, accusing him of bias and incompetence. Diego Maradona was particularly vocal in his criticism, claiming that Codesal had deliberately favored Germany and had robbed Argentina of the World Cup title. These accusations fueled a sense of injustice among Argentinian supporters, who felt that their team had been unfairly treated.

Codesal defended his decisions, arguing that he had acted impartially and had applied the laws of the game fairly. He maintained that the penalty awarded to Germany was justified and that the red cards issued to Argentinian players were warranted. However, his explanations did little to appease his critics, and he remained a controversial figure in Argentina for many years.

The controversy surrounding the 1990 World Cup Final has had a lasting impact on the perception of referees in football. It highlighted the immense pressure that officials face in high-stakes matches and the potential for their decisions to significantly influence the outcome. The game also sparked discussions about the use of video technology to assist referees in making critical decisions, a debate that continues to this day.

For Argentina, the 1990 World Cup Final remains a painful memory. The team felt that they had been denied a fair chance to defend their title and that the referee's decisions had unfairly contributed to their defeat. The match is often cited as an example of how controversial officiating can overshadow the sporting contest itself.

Codesal's Perspective: Defending His Decisions

In the years following the controversial final, Edgardo Codesal has repeatedly defended his decisions, offering his perspective on the key incidents and the challenges he faced as the referee. He has consistently maintained that he acted impartially and made the best decisions he could based on what he saw on the field.

Regarding the penalty awarded to Germany, Codesal has stated that he saw a clear foul by Roberto Sensini on Jürgen Klinsmann. He has emphasized that he was in a good position to judge the incident and that he had no doubt in his mind that a penalty should be awarded. He has also pointed out that Klinsmann was a known target for defenders and that Sensini's challenge was reckless and deserved punishment.

As for the red cards issued to Pedro Monzón and Gustavo Dezotti, Codesal has argued that both players committed serious fouls that warranted expulsion. He has stated that Monzón's tackle on Klinsmann was dangerous and that Dezotti's foul on Jürgen Kohler was an act of aggression. He has defended his decision to send off both players, arguing that it was necessary to maintain order and discipline on the field.

Codesal has acknowledged the criticism he received from Argentinian players and fans but has insisted that he was not influenced by any external factors. He has stated that he treated both teams fairly and that his decisions were based solely on his interpretation of the laws of the game. He has also expressed his disappointment that his performance in the final has overshadowed his otherwise successful career as a referee.

Despite the controversy, Codesal remains a respected figure in the world of football officiating. He has served as an instructor and advisor for FIFA, sharing his knowledge and experience with aspiring referees. He has also been involved in various initiatives to promote fair play and improve the standards of officiating in the game.

Conclusion: A Match Forever Etched in Controversy

The 1990 World Cup Final between Argentina and Germany will forever be remembered for the controversies surrounding the refereeing of Edgardo Codesal. His decisions, particularly the penalty awarded to Germany and the red cards issued to Argentinian players, had a significant impact on the outcome of the match and sparked intense debate among fans and pundits.

Whether Codesal was biased, incompetent, or simply made honest mistakes remains a matter of opinion. However, there's no denying that his performance in the final was highly controversial and that it has had a lasting impact on the perception of referees in football. The match serves as a reminder of the immense pressure that officials face in high-stakes games and the potential for their decisions to shape the course of history.

For Argentina, the 1990 World Cup Final remains a source of frustration and disappointment. The team felt that they had been denied a fair chance to defend their title and that the referee's decisions had unfairly contributed to their defeat. The match is often cited as an example of how controversial officiating can overshadow the sporting contest itself.

Regardless of one's perspective, the 1990 World Cup Final will forever be etched in football history as a match marred by controversy and defined by the decisions of the referee.