Biggest upsets in the FIFA World Cup
The biggest sporting event in the world, the FIFA World Cup is a spectacle unlike any other, with an impressive array of players and countries lined up for the top prize and a place in the history books. This incredible sporting event has had its share of ups and downs, shocking fans and players alike.
Here we’ve compiled a list of the biggest upsets in the history of the FIFA World Cup, which changed the fortunes of many who had bet on these matches. With the upcoming tournament this year, even you can try your hand at World Cup betting, but hopefully you’ll have a smoother run than the folks who bet on these matches. Let’s now take a look at some of the results which changed the world of football forever.
Germany vs Brazil, 2014
In what was one of the most anticipated matches of the 2014 World Cup, the showdown between the two titans of the footballing world was expected to be a hotly contested affair, but turned into a rather one-sided affair with the German side demolishing Brazil with a whopping 7-1 score line. The extent of the domination becomes evident from the fact that the Germans managed to net 5 goals before even the 30 minute mark, setting the record for the most number of goals scored in a World Cup semi-final, shattering Brazil’s dream of winning the cup on their home turf.
Spain vs Switzerland, 2010
Spain were regarded as the favourites of the tournament, riding on a wave of accomplishment after their 2008 Euro Cup win, and each one of their qualifying matches for the 2010 World Cup. So it came as an incredible shock when the Spaniards collapsed 0-1 to the Swiss side, giving the latter its first victory in the opening match of a World Cup since 1954. The stalwarts of the team, Iniesta, Xavi, Torres and Pedro failed to perform at this match, but the anguish was short lived as the Spanish side later went on to win the cup.
South-Korea vs Spain, 2002
Besides having a surprising outcome, this game was also one that was marred by controversies, with the Korean side defeating the Spaniards 5-3 in a penalty shootout. Despite being the stronger side, Spain was unable to convert their attacking approach into goals, while the Koreans able to organize themselves well to defend against Spain’s attempts on the goal. The match went into a shootout after neither team succeeded in breaking the deadlock, ending in Korea’s favour after they managed to convert all five of their penalties.
Senegal vs France, 2002
Fresh from their victory in the 2000 Euro Championship, France was considered to have the odds in its favour in the 2002 World Cup, and more so against Senegal, with its first ever appearance in the World Cup. Much to everyone’s surprise, the match ended 1-0 in Senegal’s favour after Papa Boupa Diop deflected a low cross into the goal, being enough to secure a comfortable win for them. France’s bad run continued throughout the group stage, eventually being knocked out, whereas Senegal managed to make it to the quarter finals.
These upsets shocked audiences across the world, but they’re also representative of what football stands for, as a sport where things never go as expected.
