Sporting Witness

In 1950, Brazil hosted the World Cup and were the overwhelming favourites to win the tournament at the last match at the Maracana Stadium. But, in a defeat that hurts to this day, the Brazilians lost to Uruguay 2-1. Sporting Witness talks to Alcides Ghiggia, who scored the winning Uruguayan goal at what became known as the 'Maracanazo'.

(Photo: Alcides Ghiggia celebrates the winning goal. Credit: AP)

In 1989, the Chinese-American player became the youngest male winner of a tennis Grand Slam just days after the Tiananmen Square massacre. Michael Chang was gripped by tv coverage of the killings and dedicated his only major win to the people of China. He talks to Sporting Witness.

PHOTO: Getty Images.

In June 1985, the Irish boxer fought for the world championship in front of a huge crowd at a football stadium in London. McGuigan's boxing had united all sides in Northern Ireland, and the emotional bout would come to be regarded as one of the great moments in the history of the sport. He talks to Alex Capstick.

PHOTO: Getty Images Sport.

In May 1964, more than 300 people died in disturbances at a match between Peru and Argentina in Lima. It was the worst stadium disaster in football history. Piers Edwards speaks to two survivors of the tragedy.

PHOTO: Peruvian Institute of Sport.

In 2006, the legendary French player Zinedine Zidane was sent off in the World Cup final in his last game before retirement. In a shocking incident, Zidane had head-butted the Italian defender, Marco Materazzi. Witness speaks to Horacio Elizondo, the referee who showed him the red card. The programme is a Whistledown Production for BBC World Service.

(Photo: Horacio Elizondo (right) holds up a red card to Zinedine Zidane (centre). Credit: Getty Images)

In 1966, the footballers of communist North Korea travelled to England to play in their first World Cup. Against all expectations, they won a series of matches - including a shock victory over Italy - and charmed their hosts in the northern city of Middlesborough. Sporting Witness talks to the Italian forward, Sandro Mazzola, and one of North Korea's many English supporters. The programme is a Whistledown Production for BBC World Service.

PHOTO: North Korea celebrating their win over Italy (Getty Images).

In the opening game of the 1990 World Cup, rank outsiders Cameroon faced the reigning champions, Argentina - led by Diego Maradona. Few gave Cameroon a chance. Alex Last speaks to one of the Cameroon team about a defining game for African football.

(Photo: Getty Images Sport)

In 1999, the American footballer, Brandi Chastain, scored the winning penalty in the Women's World Cup final against China. She caused controversy by tearing off her shirt in celebration to reveal her sports bra. Brandi Chastain talks to Sporting Witness.

PHOTO: Getty Images.