June 18

World Cup

1974 - On this day, at Germany '74, World Cup debutants Zaire were on the receiving end of a humiliating 9-0 defeat. In their only participation to date, the African nation conceded 14 goals in three games without scoring a goal. Yugoslavia's comprehensive win equalled Hungary's record set in 1954. African football has come a long way since, but Zaire - now the Democratic Republic of Congo - have yet to return to the big stage.

1994 - Roberto Baggio's missed penalty in the shoot-out handed the trophy to Brazil, but it was not the only time the Italians misfired during USA '94. Handed a relatively straightforward group, their campaign began with a 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland. An early Ray Houghton strike was the difference as Jack Charlton's men frustrated their opponents for the rest of the match. The Irish would reach the round of 16 before succumbing to a superior Dutch side.

2002 - In 2002, co-hosts South Korea shocked everyone when they beat perennial contenders Italy in the first knockout stage. An early penalty miss from Ahn Jung-hwan appeared costly with Italy leading thanks to a Christian Vieri header and just minutes left in the match. That all changed with Seol Ki-hyeon's 88th mintue strike which sent it into extra time. Then with Italy down to 10 men, Ahn climbed above Paolo Maldini to head past Gianluigi Buffon sending the delirious Koreans into the quarter-finals. The Germans finally put an end to their improbable run in the semi-final.

Also on this day

1812–War of 1812. The US declared war on Britain and Ireland

1815–The Battle of Waterloo lead to Napoleon Bonparte abdicating the French throne for the second and final time.

1946 - 64 years ago today, England's Italian tactician Fabio Capello was born.

1982 - Portsmouth and Algerian left-back Nadir Belhadj celebrates his 28th birthday today.

Eurosport