by Matthew Adams

Created on: November 27, 2008

When we talk of famous soccer defeats, ultimately it is when the defeat had not been expected. Alternatively at least, were significant for some reason. There are a few defeats, which stand out in the sport's history.

England 3 Hungary 6: 1953

Before this game, England had never lost a game at home to foreign opponents. As such, they regarded themselves to be the best' team despite the fact that they had not competed in the world cup at the time.

That myth, would be finally disproven however, when Hungary made a visit to Wembley. Led by the likes of Puskas, and boasting a football style and system close to the Dutch total football, the Hungarians left England bamboozled. Scoring within the opening minutes of the game, they would outplay their opponents to run out 6-3 winners on England's turf.

Such was the defeat that England had to accept that they had come up against a better team. It was their first on home-soil, while Hungary would go on to reach the final of the next world cup.

England 1 Argentina 2: 1986

Another England match, this defeat was famous not necessarily with England as favorites to win. In fact, they had struggled initially in this world cup, but were looking more reassured against an Argentina side spearheaded by Maradonna, in the quarter finals.

For it is he, who would end England's run in this world cup, in controversial style. His first goal came courtesy of clear enough hand-ball over Shilton. That it was, but the goal was still given. England protested but to no avail, and later were on the receiving end to a brilliant second Maradonna goal as the player dribbled past England's defenders to score.

A consolation goal was scored later, to give England some chance. However, it was not to be, and the hand of God goal' had denied England in one of the poorest cases of refereeing. Argentina would go on to win that world cup.

Mansfield Town 3 West Ham 0: 1969

This was a FA Cup giant kill, and one of the most surprising in the competition. Mansfield Town, of the third division were playing West Ham, who were a well placed first division side featuring world cup players like Hurst and Moore in the fifth round of the FA Cup.

At any rate, the game was postponed a few times before being played. When it was, Mansfield Town ran out comfortable 3-0 winners over West Ham. It was undoubtedly, one of great FA cup giant kills' in the competition.

Undeniably, those are three famous defeats in soccer. The two regarding England, for different reasons, are famous. Mansfield Town's 3 0 win over West Ham, one of the great upsets in the FA Cup. There are more, of course, but these three results stand out.

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