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Humiliation

The Magnificent Seven: sporting thrashings

Following United’s 8-2 defeat of Arsenal last week, here’s seven similar occasions in which severe sporting humblings took place.

7. 1996 Hingis defeats Seles aged 16

While Steffi Graf’s 1988 6-0 6-0 French Open Final win over Natasha Zveveva was technically even more emphatic, this thrashing was more stunning not only for Hingis’ consummate display, but also because she was a mere 16 years old at the time.

6. New Zealand destroy Japan at the 1995 Rugby World Cup

New Zealand recorded the highest points score in Rugby World Cup history when they beat Japan 145-17. You had to feel for the poor Japanese who clearly were out of their depth when faced with the task of containing Jonah Lomu et al, during a horrific 80 minutes of rugby. And who could blame them, having witnessed the intimidating spectacle of the haka beforehand (see below).

5. Mike Tyson knocks out Marvis Frazier after just 15 seconds

Frazier hadn’t lost a professional bout before this encounter, however he was swiftly brought down to earth by the 24-0 Mike Tyson, who did not waste any time in knocking out his opponent.

4. American Samoa 0-31 Australia (in soccer)

It was the highest score recorded in World Cup qualifying history. And in terms of sheer dominance, this would probably be number one on the list, but on the evidence of the video below, the American Samoans weren’t trying a leg, so the impressiveness of this most emphatic of victories is somewhat lessened.

3. Wexford 12-17 Antrim 2-3 – the highest-winning points margin in GAA history

Yes, this actually happened. And perhaps more incredibly still, Nicky Rackard scored 7-7 of his side’s points in the All-Ireland hurling semi-final in 1954. The game was the highest-ever score in a championship match and is more than likely to never be equalled or improved upon again.

No video available.

2. Australia 142-0 Namibia – the highest-winning points margin in Rugby World Cup history

It’s ahead of the New Zealand game on this list by virtue of the fact that the Australians secured a higher winning margin than their rivals. This ruthless victory, which featured a record-breaking 22 tries, made Ireland’s dismal effort against the Namibians four years later all the more depressing, despite the efforts of O’Driscoll and co (see below).

1. Leeds add insult to injury against Southampton

For younger readers, this is way back when Leeds were a decent football side. Not only did they saunter past their opponents, scoring seven goals in the process, but the game featured an incredible sequence just before the final whistle when Southampton simply couldn’t get the ball off their opponents – the type of game footballers have nightmares about.

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