The Drunk Goalie

Having talked about the diving goalkeeper we now focus another one who still has something that is not so plausible either. being drunk during a match. 

Latvia's national team was playing a match against Andorra in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers on October 6, 2017. It was a fairly routine match in terms of stakes, as both teams were struggling in the qualification process. The game ended 1-0 in favor of Latvia, but what happened after the match raised eyebrows and became a viral sensation.

The Controversy Unfolds

Latvia’s goalkeeper, Aleksandrs Koļinko, who had been playing for the national team since 2001, was visibly out of sorts during the game. His performance was uncharacteristically poor, and observers started to notice something strange about his behavior on the pitch. His reactions were slow, and at times, he seemed to be off-balance.

Late in the match, Koļinko was seen making a series of clumsy and hesitant movements. Some fans, commentators, and even his teammates started questioning whether he was intoxicated. His mannerisms were too noticeable for it to be ignored.

The Post-Match Drama

After the game, rumors started circulating that Koļinko had been drinking before the match. Speculation grew after Latvia’s coach Mareks Koņeļevs made the following comment:
🗣 "I don't want to make any accusations, but something was definitely off. He was not his usual self."

Koļinko’s Response: Was He Drunk?

At first, Koļinko strongly denied being drunk. He stated that he was “not in the right mental state” but insisted that he hadn’t consumed alcohol before the match. However, a bombshell came when he admitted to having had a few drinks the night before the game. In his words:
🗣 “I was not drunk during the game. But yes, I did have some drinks the night before. I admit that. But it was nothing serious.”

This revelation caught the media by surprise, and many were left shaking their heads at his honesty. While he wasn’t drunk during the match itself, his admission of drinking the night before was considered unprofessional by many in the football community. It raised questions about his commitment to the team and the sport.

What Happened Next?

After the incident, the Latvian Football Federation took immediate action. Koļinko was dropped from the national team for their subsequent matches. His career, which had once been considered a stable part of the Latvian setup, took a major hit.

Koļinko’s Career Decline

• After this, Koļinko’s career never fully recovered. He went on to play for several clubs in the lower leagues but was no longer considered a serious contender for top-flight football.
• He retired from international football soon after this scandal and was never called up again for national duty.

Reactions and Legacy

The 'drunk goalkeeper' incident remains one of the most bizarre in World Cup qualification history. Here are some notable reactions:

The Latvian Fans' Reaction

Latvian fans were split. Some sympathized with Koļinko, noting that his years of service to the national team were worth overlooking a single mistake. Others felt it was an embarrassing and unprofessional moment that tarnished Latvia's reputation.

Media and Football Experts

Football pundits weren’t as forgiving. Many pointed out that for a national team player to admit to drinking before a crucial World Cup qualifier was unacceptable and went against the values of professionalism and preparation.

Koļinko’s Legacy

Despite this scandal, Koļinko still has a legacy as one of Latvia’s most experienced and reliable goalkeepers. However, this incident has overshadowed much of his international career. When people recall his name, they often remember the night he couldn’t keep his composure, both physically and professionally.

The Bigger Picture: Alcohol and Professional Sports

This incident raised discussions about alcohol consumption in professional sports, especially when it comes to preparing for high-stakes matches. While some players may indulge in a few drinks off the pitch, it is generally expected that they will remain in peak physical and mental condition during matches. Koļinko’s case highlighted the danger of drinking the night before a match, even if it's just a social drink. It can have serious consequences for performance and reputation.