The Spitting incident: Rudi Völler and Frank Rijkaard

In the wild world of football, where rivalries run deep and tempers flare hotter than a summer barbecue, the clash between Germany and the Netherlands at the 1990 World Cup was more dramatic than a soap opera marathon. Picture this: two powerhouse teams, one spitting incident, and enough drama to make Shakespeare blush.

In the midst of this soccer spectacle, Dutch dynamo Frank Rijkaard decided to add his own special ingredient to the mix by giving German striker Rudi Völler a surprise shower of saliva. Talk about adding some extra flavor to the game!

But wait, there's more! The referee, probably thinking he stumbled onto the set of a reality TV show, promptly showed both players the red card, sending them off like disgraced contestants.

Fast forward a few months, and Rijkaard, feeling more sheepish than a lamb caught in the rain, apologized to Völler, blaming his momentary lapse of reason on relationship drama. And just like that, the feud went from fiery to funny faster than you can say "goal!"

In a stroke of marketing genius, the two rivals buried the hatchet (and probably a few tubs of butter) by starring in a commercial together, proving that sometimes all it takes to smooth things over is a good laugh and a stick of butter. Who knew football could be so deliciously entertaining?

Ronaldinho bicycle kick vs Villarreal

Young Ronaldinho's bicycle kick dream came true in Barcelona's showdown against Villareal in 2006

Van Basten Euro 88 final goal

On June 25, 1988, Marco van Basten delivered a goal that would forever echo in the annals of European football history. In the final of the European Championship against the Soviet Union, the 23-year-old Dutch striker stunned the world with an audacious volley that defied belief, skill, and even a bit of physics.

The Dutch team had already taken a 1-0 lead, courtesy of Ruud Gullit, and were looking comfortable. But Van Basten, who had shown brilliant form throughout the tournament, decided to add a little magic. In the 54th minute, Arnold Mühren lofted a long cross from the left side of the pitch. The ball was high and floating, seemingly meant to buy the Dutch some time on the ball rather than set up a scoring opportunity. But Van Basten saw a chance and went for it.

As the ball descended, Van Basten launched into an almost acrobatic move, meeting it on the volley with his right foot at a sharp angle. The shot was struck so cleanly that it soared over Soviet goalkeeper Rinat Dasayev and into the far corner of the net. The crowd erupted as the ball nestled in, and Van Basten, for a moment, could only stand in disbelief. He’d just scored one of the most improbable goals in European Championship history.

That goal sealed the Netherlands' first major international trophy, with a 2-0 victory over the Soviet Union, marking an era for Dutch football and cementing Van Basten's reputation as one of the game's greats. The image of that volley—Van Basten mid-air, striking the ball with perfect technique—has become a lasting symbol of what makes football magical: the perfect mix of timing, skill, and a dash of audacity.

Johan Cruyff philosophy

So many incredible students have studied the Johan Cruyff philosophy 👨‍🎓

Tweet Follow @omomani

Frank Rijkaard

Franklin Edmundo Rijkaard is a Dutch football manager and former player who played as a midfielder or defender. Rijkaard has played for Ajax, Real Zaragoza and Milan, and represented his national side 73 times, scoring 10 goals

Tweet Follow @omomani

Germany 2014 Tribute

Germany GoalToons episode:

Tweet Follow @omomani

Frank Rijkaard of Saudia Arabia

Frank Rijkaard is now managing Saudia Arabia

Tweet Follow @omomani

Classic Derby