The Dark Side of the Game: The 5 Worst Tackles in World Cup History

During the World Cup, over the years, fans have witnessed many sides of the beautiful game.

Unfortunately, the dark side of the game has shown its face as well.

With the intensity ratcheted up a few notches, aggressive plays on the ball can lead to devastating tackles, turning the world's most creative game into a field of horror. What follows is a list of what I feel are the five worst tackles in World Cup history.

Chime in with any I have left off this list.

5. Nigel De Jong on Xabi Alonso

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JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - JULY 11: Nigel De Jong of the Netherlands tackles Xabi Alonso of Spain during the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Final match between Netherlands and Spain at Soccer City Stadium on July 11, 2010 in Johannesburg, South Afric

In the 2010 World Cup Final, Dutch midfielder De Jong took out Xabi Alonso of Spain with a flying foot to the chest.

De Jong escaped with a yellow card only to be sent off later for a second caution in Spain's 1-0 win

4. Benjamin Massing on Claudio Caniggia

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Argentinian footballer Claudio Caniggia is closely followed by the Cameroon player Benjamin Massing during their match at the 1990 World Cup in the Giuseppe Meazza stadium, Milan, 8th June 1990. (Photo by Getty Images)

Argentina's Caniggia was a marked man during their opening-game encounter with Cameroon at Italia 90.

Massing's challenge just happened to be the worst, as no less than three lions all took their turn at chopping down the Argentinian striker.

3. Jose Batista on Gordon Strachan

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NEZAHUALCOYOTL - JUNE 13: Wilmar Cabrera of Uruguay has his shot at goal blocked by Richard Gough and Steve Nicol of Scotland during the FIFA World Cup Finals 1986 Group E match between Scotland and Uruguay held on June 13, 1986 at the Neza Stadium in Ne

It was only 56 seconds into the match at the 1986 World Cup when Uruguay's Batista came through the back of Scotland's Strachan with a horrific challenge.

The tackle was rightfully punished with a straight red card, earning the title of fastest red card in World Cup history, and set the tone for a physical 0-0 draw.

2. Mario David on Leonel Sanchez

Italy has a history of not playing nice with the South American sides, and 1962 was no different, as Italy's David introduced himself to Chile's Sanchez with a kick to the neck.

1. Harold Schumacher on Patrick Battiston

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Patrick Battiston of France is carried off the field on a stretcher badly injured with a damaged vertebrae, a broken jaw and the loss of four of his front teeth after a contentious collision with goalkeeper Harald Schumacher of the Federal Republic of Ger

No other challenge in World Cup history has been as devastating and unbelievable as Schumacher's flying hay maker on Battiston.

The 1982 World Cup Semi Final was already one of the most electrifying games, but tied at three in extra time, Germany's Schumacher came off of his line to take out France's Battiston with a hit that most NFL linebackers would envy.

Battiston, who had come on as a substitute a few minutes earlier, lost several teeth, had damage to his vertebrae and lost consciousness.

The result was a goal kick for Germany, as Schumacher escaped a foul call.

Germany would later win on PKs.