Saudi Arabia's shocking win over Argentina in the ongoing FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 on Tuesday was an example of a dramatic underdog comeback and the latest in a long list of World Cup shocks.
With the entire world watching, participating teams at the World Cup create remarkable, unforgettable, and jaw-dropping moments, with many David and Goliath moments as tournament dreams are made and broken on a global stage.
The Eight Biggest World Cup Surprises
1. Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia (2022)
Argentina was one of the favorites to win the ongoing 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but they were stunned in their first match as underdogs Saudi Arabia defeated them 2-1 in a resilient performance.
Despite having arguably the greatest player in the world on their side, seven-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, the Copa America champions struggled throughout the match and could not earn a point, with Messi's penalty being the only goal for the South American side.
Scaloni's players needed to avoid defeat to equal Italy's record of 37 unbeaten international matches, and they were expected to break it against Mexico in their next game. As it was, their tenacious opponents deservedly held on for one of the most memorable outcomes in history.
Saleh Alshehri's goal in the 48th minute leveled the game with Argentina, and Saleh Aldawsari's goal in the 53rd minute won it for Saudi Arabia.
2. South Korea 2-0 Germany
During the 2018 event, South Korea defeated Germany 2-0. Kim Young-Gwon scored from a corner, and Son Heung-min scored in the dying minutes, as Germany failed to advance to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time since 1938.
3. Senegal 1-0 France
Despite the talents of Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira, Roger Lemerre's France struggled without Zinedine Zidane in their opener at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
Senegal capitalized on France's stage fright to make their World Cup debut, thanks to Papa Bouba Diop's iconic winner.
Switzerland 1-0 Spain
Spain's Euro 2008 victory put La Roja among the favorites in South Africa, but Vicente del Bosque's team struggled on their first night in Durban.
With an unfamiliar lack of cohesion opening the door for the Swiss, Gelson Fernandes scrambled them in front, and Spain simply failed to react.
The defeat did not derail Spain, but del Bosque was clear about the impact it had on refocusing his players, as Andres Iniesta went on to win their first-ever world title.
5. Republic of Ireland 1-0 Italy (1994)
Ireland's run to the quarter-finals of Italia '90 established the Boys in Green on the international stage, but their defeat to the hosts will live long in the memory.
In the sweltering heat of New Jersey, Jack Charlton was out for vengeance.
Ray Houghton's early strike put Ireland ahead, but as Italy pressed for the Irish goal, they were repeatedly repulsed by a Paul McGrath wall.
Paolo Rossi delivered one of the greatest individual World Cup performances, scoring a ruthless hat trick to knock Brazil out and inspire his team to victory in the final.
Cameroon 1-0 Argentina
defending champions Argentina arrived in Italia '90 hoping to win a third title in 12 years and become only the third team to defend the World Cup.
La Albiceleste, led by Diego Maradona, eventually lost to West Germany in the final, but they were dealt a major blow in their first game.
Cameroon were looking to improve on a poor World Cup debut in 1982, and they surprised Argentina in Milan with a late winner from François Omam-Biyik.
Valery Nepomnyashchy's team was eventually eliminated by England in the World Cup's last eight, breaking new ground for African nations.
Cameroon 1-0 Argentina (1990)
Argentina has a long history of upsets. They were the World Cup holders going into the tournament, led by their talisman, Diego Maradona. Cameroon used rough tactics to deny their skilled opponents in the tournament opener at San Siro. They got their chance halfway through the second half. Francois Omam-Biyik leapt over the Argentine defense and headed in the winner.
8. USA 1-0 England (FIFA World Cup 1950)
When it comes to football, the United States isn't exactly a powerhouse. However, in the 1950 World Cup, they stunned the mighty Englishmen, who included names like Alf Ramsey and Tom Finney. Joe Gaetjens' 38th-minute header sent shockwaves around the world.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0