Soccer, also known as football in many countries, is a game that can be marked by intense competition and strategy. While many games end with modest scorelines due to the defensive nature of the sport, there are rare instances where scoring reaches astonishing heights. The highest-scoring soccer game ever recorded offers a fascinating glimpse into a near-unimaginable aspect of the sport.
Aston Villa Reserves vs. Shepherd’s Bush
The record for the highest-scoring soccer game goes to a match played in 1894 between Aston Villa Reserves and Shepherd’s Bush. The scoreline was an extraordinary 27-0 in favor of Aston Villa Reserves. However, this doesn’t compare to some of the more extreme cases in lesser-known leagues and competitions.
AS Adema 149 – 0 SO l’Emyrne
The Guinness World Records recognizes the 2002 match between AS Adema and SO l’Emyrne as the highest-scoring soccer game of all time. This game ended in an unfathomable 149-0 victory for AS Adema. However, it’s important to note that the game was marred by controversy—SO l’Emyrne intentionally scored 149 own goals in protest against a referee’s decision in a previous match.
Reason Behind the Score
The match was part of a four-team round-robin tournament in Madagascar. Following a decisive referee’s call that went against SO l’Emyrne in a previous game, leading to them being unable to clinch the league title, SO l’Emyrne decided to make their frustration known in their next game against AS Adema. The players started scoring goals into their own net from the start, leading to the astronomical scoreline.
Reaction and Consequences
The aftermath of this bizarre game saw stern actions. The Madagascar Football Federation suspended SO l’Emyrne’s coach and several of its players for prolonged periods. They also issued fines and lengthy bans since their actions were deemed to have brought the sport into disrepute.
Other High-Scoring Games
While the AS Adema vs. SO l’Emyrne match is the most extreme case with unique circumstances, there have been other high-scoring games in professional soccer:
- Arbroath 36-0 Bon Accord (1885): In Scotland, Arbroath defeated Bon Accord by a staggering 36-0 margin. This remains a record in UK football.
- Australia 31-0 American Samoa (2001): In a FIFA World Cup qualifying match, Australia defeated American Samoa 31-0, which is the record for international matches.
Conclusion
While the AS Adema 149-0 SO l’Emyrne game stands out in terms of sheer numbers, it doesn’t reflect the competitive nature that defines soccer. High-scoring games, especially with legitimate competition like Arbroath vs. Bon Accord and Australia vs. American Samoa, display raw athleticism and skill. However, they are rare and unlikely to be surpassed under normal competitive circumstances.