For the 1990 FIFA World Cup, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) received 3.5 berths (including Argentina who already qualified as title holders).

In the 67th minute, Chilean goalkeeper Roberto Rojas fell to the ground, bleeding, pretending to be hurt by a flare thrown by Brazilian fans.

Immediately, Chilean players and officials, led by captain Fernando Astengo, left the pitch in protest, while Argentinian referee Juan Carlos Loustau unsuccessfully tried to convince them to continue with the game.

With that evidence, CONMEBOL managers discredited Rojas' account of an "attack" by Brazilian fans, casting doubt on the origin of his injury, which showed no signs of burning or gunpowder traces but seemed to have been caused by a blade.

After questioning, Rojas confessed to having cut himself with a razor blade hidden in one of his gloves[5] to fake an attack by Brazilian fans,[6][7] and that Chilean coach Orlando Aravena had asked Rojas and team doctor Daniel Rodríguez to stay on the pitch to force a scandal, with the purpose of nullifying the result of the game and either forcing a third match on neutral soil or disqualifying Brazil from the competition in favour of Chile.