101 most memorable World Cup moments: Rijkaard spits at Voller

Pa Doug McIntyre
Posted by FOX Sports Soccer

Editor’s note: Every day from now until the start of the first match World Cup 2022 On November 20, we will open another memory from the history of the World Cup. The countdown continues with Rijkaard’s well-deserved red card at 101.

Frank Rijkaard was literally crazy.

The Dutch central midfielder has just been shown a yellow card for a foul on opposing forward Rudy Voller. Netherlands and West Germany met in the second round of the 1990 World Cup.

The neighboring countries were already great rivals, having met in the 1974 final. And they already disliked each other very much, having played twice in qualifying games before Italia’90. This was shown in the main event. Tackle came from both sides. Emotions ran high.

In fact, Rijkaard was so upset after the warning that he committed perhaps the worst sin a footballer can commit: as the referee looked the other way, he spat a wad of saliva into Voller’s curly hair. The German was furious and he protested sharply to the official who booked him for complaining! However, this was not the end.

Later, after Voller hit Dutch goalkeeper Hans van Breukelen, Rijkaard pulled the striker by the mullet, prompting the referee to send both players off. However, the latter had the last laugh as the Germans won the game and their third World Cup 16 days later.

Frank Rijkaard and Rudi Voller see red

Frank Rijkaard and Rudi Voller received red cards in Germany’s match against the Netherlands.

One of North America’s leading soccer journalists, Doug McIntyre has covered the United States men’s and women’s national teams at numerous FIFA World Cups. Before joining FOX Sports in 2021, he was a staff writer for ESPN and Yahoo Sports. Follow him on Twitter @Written by Doug McIntyre.