2008 has been a spectacular sporting year by all accounts, but that doesn't mean the year went by without error. iafrica.com's Barend Prins investigates some of the worst howlers of 2008.

Ferrari's automated fueling system:

In a Formula One season where the eventual winner finished just one point ahead of his closest rival ? the slightest mistake during the season was always going to end up being crucial... In the end, Ferrari's decision to replace the traditional 'lollipop man' with an electronic system linked to the refueling rig proved a flawed one. Twice during the season (Hungary and later Singapore) a flying Felipe Massa entered the pits, only to find the refueling rig still attached to his car upon exit ? ruining his chances during both races. Ferrari eventually admitted their mistake and reverted back to the 'lollipop' system after the debacle in Singapore.

SA Olympic team:

Much has been said about the South African Olympic team at Beijing already, so I am not going to dabble with too many details. From the team's ridiculous outfits and rumours of in-fighting (especially in the swimming team) to ridiculous travel arrangements and the actual performances, Beijing 2008 was pretty much a disaster for Team South Africa.

John Terry in Moscow:

The scene: Moscow's Luzhniki Stadium. The event: The 2007/08 Champions League Final - Manchester United versus Chelsea. With the scores tied at 1-1 after extra-time, a penalty shootout would decide the winner. Cristiano Ronaldo missed Man United's third spot-kick, and with the scores tied at 4-4, Chelsea captain John Terry stepped to take the penalty that would win the most coveted trophy in club football for the first time for his team. Despite sending the 'keeper the wrong way, Terry's standing foot slipped and his shot hit the post and went agonisingly wide. United didn't miss another penalty and won 6-5. The scenes on opposite sides of the field couldn't be more different ? on the one side the 'Red Devils' were celebrating their third European Cup/Champions League title, on the other Chelsea's normally lion-hearted captain was left wailing like a girl.

Mark Boucher's Cobras career:

In an attempt to shore up their batting line-up (after yet another trophyless season), the Cape Cobras were quite proud to announce the signing of Proteas wicketkeeper Mark Boucher for the 2008 domestic season. Whoever sanctioned the move obviously didn't take into account how little Boucher would actually play for the Cape Town-based franchise ? considering his involvement in the IPL, the home series against New Zealand and the West Indies, as well as tours to Bangladesh, India and England. Boucher eventually walked out on the Cobras, along with long-time Cape-based players Jacques Kallis and Ashwell Prince, without playing a single match for them.

Sireli Naqelevuki's 'try' against Boland:

Western Province started their 2008 Currie Cup campaign indifferently with surprise losses to Griquas and the Valke. With two games left in the competition and some results going their way, Province needed nine points to ensure a spot in the play-offs. Before facing the Lions at Newlands ? in what was a quarterfinal of sorts ? a tricky trip to the Boland Stadium against neighbours Boland awaited WP. There was some speculation that the match would be moved to Newlands ? a move that would be advantageous to a Province side desperate to achieve the four-try bonus point against their local rivals ? but at the last minute it was decided to play the match in Wellington after all, despite the poor condition of the playing field. WP won the ensuing battle in the mud ? touching down three times ? but the match will be remembered for Fijian winger Sireli Naqelevuki's howler, knocking the ball on just as he was about to score a try from a kick-ahead that, in hindsight, would have put Province in the semifinals. As things stood, a close victory over the Lions the following week wasn't enough for Province to advance, missing out by one point.

Petr Cech against Turkey:

Many believed Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech to be the best goalie in the world ahead of the European Championships in Switzerland and Austria earlier this year. In the final match of the group stage, the Czech Republic seemed to be coasting into the Last Eight of the tournament, until Cech dropped a routine cross in the final minutes of their fixture against Turkey, allowing Nihat Kahveci to score a late equaliser. Turkey went on the win the match, knocking out their more esteemed opponents. Cech took full responsibility for his team's exit from the tournament and even contemplated retiring, despite being just 26 years old.

Ricky Ponting's bowling changes:

The Australian cricket team is not used to losing, and being 1-0 down with one Test in the series to play is not a position Ricky Ponting's team has found themselves in all too often. During day four of the final Test against India, with the Aussies badly needing a victory to square the series, Ponting decided to bowl part-timers Simon Katich, Mike Hussey and Cameron White in an attempt to speed up his team's tardy over-rate, instead of bowling his frontline fast bowlers. Several former Australian captains and players were dumb-founded by Ponting's apparent concern to avoid a one-match suspension rather than trying to level the series in India.

Juande Ramos:

Juande Ramos arrived at Tottenham in October 2007 with high expectations. A double UEFA Cup winner, the Spaniard was seen as the man to take Spurs into the promised land of the Champions League and the financial benefits that go with it. A Carling Cup Final win over Chelsea gave the London side their first trophy since 1999, but the honeymoon would soon end for the former Sevilla boss. The 2008/09 season saw Ramos lead Spurs to their worst-ever start to a league campaign ? scoring just two points from their opening eight matches. Ramos was unsurprisingly sacked on 25 October, 2008 ? exactly a year after his predecessor Martin Jol was relieved of his managerial duties.

The Proteas tail:

Since readmission, the Proteas have always boasted a very impressive lower-order. With the likes of all-rounders Lance Klusener, Andrew Hall, Nicky Boje, and Shaun Pollock coming in down the order, the team could always count on a fair amount of runs from the 'tail'. But, of late, the Proteas have struggled for runs down the order... In the six Test matches since Polly hung up his boots, the last four wickets have fallen for an average of 17 runs a piece. Gone are the days of substantial contributions from the lower order it seems ? although the Proteas could do with a few lower-order contributions against the Aussies.

AJ Venter/ Wylie Human/ Willem de Waal:

Many see Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus as something of a genius, and he probably is pretty close to being one, but the signings of Wylie Human, AJ Venter and Willem de Waal haven't worked out quite as well as the former Cheetahs coach would have liked. AJ was exposed on the flank, De Waal ? aside from his goalkicking ? was not a major success before picking up a season-ending injury and Wylie, well, he's no Habana is he?

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