Can you imagine this happening today?

[A Horse With No Name]

On 27 January 1994, Barbados and Grenada clashed in a qualification match for the 1994 Carribean Cup.

Due to an unusual rule, Barbados needed to win by a margin of two goals or more to qualify while a draw would take the game into extra time.

Also, according to the rule, which was a variant of the Golden Goal rule, a goal scored in extra time not only won the match, but also counted as two goals.

By the 83rd minute, Barbados were leading 2-0 and had hopes of qualifying. But Grenada scored a late goal to make it 2-1 and Barbados had limited time to score and restore their two-goal advantage.

So they decided to score an own goal and force the match into extra time, where they hoped to score a golden goal, which would count as two goals and restore their two-goal advantage.

With the scoreline at 2-2, Grenada just needed to score in either goal to qualify (since a 1-goal win margin would knock Barbados out).

The Barbadians realizing what was going on, had to defend both goals- and they succeeded in doing so. The game progressed to extra time and Barbados scored a golden goal which ensured their qualification.

The Grenadian manager James Clarkson did not find it funny, saying;

"I feel cheated. The person who came up with these rules must be a candidate for a madhouse. 

"The game should never be played with so many players running around the field confused. Our players did not even know which direction to attack: our goal or their goal. I have never seen this happen before. In football, you are supposed to score against the opponents to win, not for them."

[Slacker]

What I would have given to be at that game!

[Lanterne Rouge]

I wonder if Greg Goodridge and/or Jason Roberts played?

[phantom]

One thing not mentioned in the OP, was that draws were not allowed, hence why there was the "Golden goal"

The double golden goal rule was used five times over the course of qualification in 1994, and the Caribbean Cup organisers scrapped the rule after the tournament. Although the Barbadians' own-goal was highly unconventional, FIFA decided not to penalise the team because they were playing optimally under the circumstances.

 

[Offside]

That’s absolutely insane! 

[Out of his pie crust]

Priceless

[wendyredredrobin]

Reminded me of that game at Highfield Road many years ago.