The inauguration of a World Cup It is, without a doubt, one of the most anticipated moments of any competition, since it not only marks the beginning of the most important tournament in football, but also the presence of featured artists, visual shows and an atmosphere of party and celebration.
Many opening events have remained in memory, such as those of South Africa 2010 and France 1998. However, there is one ceremony in particular which many consider the most embarrassing in the history of this competition.
This is the opening ceremony of the 1994 World Cup in the United States, starring the singer Diana Ross, whose most remembered moment was when he missed a penalty that was part of his presentation.
It all happened at Soldier Field in Chicago, in front of almost 60,000 spectators, where they faced each other. the teams of Germany and Bolivia.
Ross’ musical performance included a performance of his song “I’m Coming Out.” During the show, the singer, accompanied by other participants, He ran towards a ball placed in the penalty spot on one side of the court.
The original idea was that, at the time Ross kick the ball and score the goal, the goal split in two as part of the show.
However, when taking the shot, Ross sent the ball away from the goal. Not only did he miss the goal, but he starred in a moment that caused astonishment and humor.
The opening ceremony was also marked by other aspects. One of them was the weather conditions, since that day more than 38 degrees were recorded, which generated a suffocating heat for the audience and participants of the show.
Another factor was that the American public, according to media such as Clarín, was unaware of basic aspects of soccer, Well, some even applauded when Ross missed the penalty.
Despite the error, Ross continued with his presentation and gave way to the opening match of that World Cup, in which Germany beat Bolivia 1-0 with a goal from Jürgen Klinsmann.