What Happended At The Battle Of Nuremberg Portugal vs Netherlands 2006 World Cup Football Match, Score And Total Cards List

Have a look at the unforgettable World Cup moments and highlights which can’t be forgotten at the 2006 World Cup and the story behind the battle of Nuremberg, its score and cards

The 2006 FIFA World Cup’s round of 16 football matches between Portugal and the Netherlands in Nuremberg’s Frankenstadion on June 25, 2006, is known as the “Battle of Nuremberg.”

What Happended At The Battle Of Nuremberg Portugal vs Netherlands Football Match, Score, Story And Total Cards List

At any FIFA-run international competition, the four red cards and 16 yellow cards given out by Russian referee Valentin Ivanov at the FIFA World Cup 2006 set a new record before it was overtaken in 2022.

Battle Of Nuremberg In 2006: The Dirtiest World Cup

The First Half

Prior to the goal, Dutch defender Khalid Boulahrouz was also cautioned for a foul committed by Mark van Bommel that hurt Cristiano Ronaldo and necessitated the star winger of Portugal being replaced. Following his tearful departure, Ronaldo stated that Boulahrouz’s tackle was “obviously an intentional foul to get me injured.” After 19 minutes, Maniche received a yellow card for a foul on Van Bommel.

After the goal, Portugal’s Costinha, a defensive midfielder, collided with experienced Dutch player Philip Cocu and was given a yellow card. Just before halftime, he was the first player to be dismissed after receiving a second yellow card for a handball.

The Second Half

There were eight more yellow cards and two red cards in the second half, which brought the intensity of the game to a new level. A fight broke out on the sidelines during the 59th minute of the game following a poor challenge on Luis Figo by Giovanni van Bronckhorst. Figo headbutted Van Bronckhorst during the fight, but only received a yellow card for his actions. Shortly after, Boulahrouz was sent off for fouling Figo, which led to a second brawl on the sidelines.

What Happened Later? 

Due to the outcome and the intensity of the game, Oranje was eliminated from the competition after Van Bronckhorst received another red card for a poor challenge on Tiago in the waning seconds of the game.

In the following round of the 2006 World Cup, Portugal would defeat England. This match is remembered for the controversial dismissal of Wayne Rooney by the referee. They would, however, receive justice in the semifinal matchup with France.
Returning to the Battle of Nuremberg, Ivanov broke a FIFA tournament record for the most cards issued in a single game by issuing a startling four red cards and 16 yellow cards overall.

Sepp Blatter, the president of FIFA, later criticised him for his refereeing during the match, and he skipped the rest of the tournament.

Who Won The Match?

Portugal won the match against the Netherlands with 1-0 as Maniche scored in the 23rd minute of the game.