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Introduction

In the world of sports, glorious victories and heartbreaking defeats are part and parcel of the game. However, some sporting events are remembered not for a jaw-dropping win, but for an unforgettable fail. This article delves into the annals of sports history to explore some of the most notorious blunders.

The Infamous Hand of God

In the 1986 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, an unforgettable incident unfolded when Diego Maradona scored a goal with his hand against England. Dubbed the "Hand of God," this goal became one of football's biggest controversies. Despite protests, the goal was allowed, contributing to Argentina's win.

The Boston Red Sox's Curse

The Boston Red Sox's heartbreaking game seven loss in the 2003 ALCS against the New York Yankees remains legendary. Despite leading in the 8th inning, a combination of managerial mistakes led to a spectacular collapse. The loss fed into the narrative of the "Curse of the Bambino," haunting fans until 2004.

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The Curse of the Billy Goat

In the 1945 World Series, the Chicago Cubs faced an unforeseen jinx tied to a goat. Banned from entering Wrigley Field, the goat's owner cursed the team. The Cubs subsequently didn't win a World Series until 2016, a drought intensely linked to the "Curse of the Billy Goat."

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Bill Buckner's Crucial Miss

During Game 6 of the 1986 World Series, the Boston Red Sox were one out away from breaking their championship drought. Then, first baseman Bill Buckner misfielded a routine ground ball, allowing the New York Mets to win the game. This pivotal shame marked another painful chapter for Red Sox fans.

Jean van de Velde's Major Meltdown

Golf has its fair share of sporting fails, but Jean van de Velde's 1999 Open Championship meltdown stands out. Needing just a double-bogey to secure victory, he made a string of errors, including hitting his ball into the water. By the end, he lost the lead and the championship, leaving fans incredulous.

The Butt Fumble

A moment laughably immortalized in NFL lore includes the "Butt Fumble." During a 2012 game, New York Jets' quarterback Mark Sanchez ran into his own lineman's rear end, causing him to fumble the ball to the rival team. This fiasco became a symbol of the Jets' struggles that season.

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Steve Bartman's Painful Intervention

The Chicago Cubs' 2003 post-season collapse is often attributed to fan Steve Bartman. During Game 6 of the NLCS, Bartman accidentally interfered with a catchable ball. The ensuing meltdown saw the Cubs lose the chance to reach the World Series. Bartman's blunder remains a cautionary tale in sports fandom.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, sports are filled with memorable moments, not all of them celebrated. From misfortunate players to infamous fans, fails serve as unexpected reminders of the game's unpredictability. Understanding these events adds color to the tapestry of sports history and enhances the appreciation of an unerring victory.

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