The 5 Most Shocking Football Upsets of All Time
June 6, 2019
There are so many shocking football upsets that have happened.
An interesting situation whereby the underdog can come from nowhere, or beat all the odds to win and cause a huge upset when no one had given them a chance.
The stories about these football upsets are what make the sport as intriguing and unpredictable.
Here are the most shocking football upsets of all time.
5. Greece vs Portugal (2004 European Championship)
In the opening game of the 2004 Euros, Greece stunned hosts Portugal; many believed it was just a one-time shock and that Greece will later be eliminated in the tournament.
The Greek team was an underdog going into the European tournament, but the players managed to defy all odds by beating France and the Czech Republic in the knockout stages to reach the final.
In the final, Greece faced Portugal again and beat then again. That was how Greece pulled off one of the biggest upsets in football history.
4. Cameroon vs Argentina (1990 World Cup)
In the opening game of 1990, World Cup hosts Argentina were up against minnows Cameroon. Argentina had Diego Maradona in their squad and was also the defending champion.
However, in the game, it was a powerful header from Cameroon forward, Francois Omam-Biyick which ensures that Cameroon would stun the world and create a huge upset.
3. Senegal vs France (2002 World Cup)
Senegal arrived at the 2002 World Cup as debutants, for the first time they were in the biggest international football tournament. In one of the group games, they would be facing defending champions and reigning European champions France in the World Cup.
It was a France side that boasted of players such as Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira, Lilian Thuram and Fabien Barthez. Senegal matched France toe to toe, and Senegalese player, Papa Bouba Diop scored the only goal of the game.
France ended up crashing out in the group stage; while Senegal went on to reach the quarterfinals.
2. North Korea vs Italy (1966 World Cup)
North Korea has never been known to be a top footballing nation, so when they faced Italy in the 1966 FIFA World Cup, many expected Italy to come out victorious. In Ayresome Park, Middlesbrough, North Korea defied all the odds to beat Italy 1-0. It was a North Korean player, Pak Doo-Ik, who scored the only goal.
The upset was so stunning that the Italian players were welcomed by angry fans that hurled rotten tomatoes at them, when they arrived back home, after crashing out of the World Cup.
1. Uruguay vs Brazil (1950 World Cup)
The 1950 World Cup was hosted in Brazil, football-crazy nation. They built the Maracaña stadium especially for this World Cup, and many football fans expected Brazil to clinch the trophy. Brazil met fellow South Americans, Uruguay in the last game of the tournament at the Maracaña. Brazil was the better side, with home advantage, and full support from the crowd.
However, it was Uruguay who claimed the win, two stunning second-half goals from Juan Alberto Schiaffino and Alcides Ghiggia made sure Uruguay won the game and embarrassed Brazil.
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This article is brought to us by our Sports Writers Club resident columnist – Collins Michael Nwokolo. Follow him on Twitter and Pinterest.
