France 1982
France at Spain 1982 gave the world one of the most dramatic matches ever played and one of its greatest injustices. Michel Platini, Alain Giresse, Jean Tigana, and Bernard Genghini formed the legendary Carré Magique a midfield of dazzling creativity. In the semi-final in Seville against West Germany, goalkeeper Harald Schumacher charged into Patrick Battiston with a horrifying collision that left the Frenchman unconscious, knocked out two teeth, and cracked vertebrae yet Schumacher was not even booked. France, leading 3-1 in extra time, were pegged back to 3-3 and lost the first ever World Cup penalty shootout. The Night of Seville became a symbol of cruel injustice, but France's football that summer fearless, elegant, and heartbreaking is remembered with reverence.