World Cup Intel: The Craziest Moments In The History Of The Tournament

Four Red Cards Awarded In Battle Of Nuremberg

Photo Credit: T. Quinn/WireImage via Getty Images

FIFA handed out a record four red cards and 16 yellow cards in the 2006 match between Portugal and the Netherlands. The bloody match has since been nicknamed “The Battle of Nuremberg.” Portugal advanced to the quarterfinals but was undermanned because of multiple suspensions.

FIFA President Sepp Blatter said the referee should have given himself a yellow card for his embarrassing performance. He never refereed another match. Not because of his performance, though. He actually reached the required retirement age of 45!