As the FIFA World Cup 2018 continues to enthrall fans with lower-ranked teams keeping up the pace with the giants, it’s indeed been a telling story. World Cups, over decades, have witnessed some quality games where ‘minnows’ have beaten the giants. In this edition, we have seen Japan beating Colombia 2-1 and Mexico upsetting Germany 1-0.
Here are three shocking upsets in tournament’s history.
Slovakia stunned 2006 holders Italy in 2010
2006 World Cup champions Italy were placed alongside Slovakia, New Zealand and Paraguay in Group F. Italy needed to beat Slovakia in order to progress to the next round after managing two draws earlier. Robert Vittek scored a brace to stun the Italians. Antonio di Natale pegged a goal back, but Slovakia went ahead 3-1. Italy scored another a minute later, but bowed out.
Senegal conquer the French in 2002
1998 world champions France faced first-timers Senegal in the 2002 World Cup. The opening match between the two sides saw the African team stun France 1-0. Papa Bouba Diop’s solitary goal bruised France and they were knocked out of the tournament. The European giants drew against Uruguay next before losing 0-2 against Denmark. But the match against Senegal was the turning point.
Cameroon stun holders Argentina in 1990
This is probably the most shocking upset in the history. This time it was Argentina at the receiving end. The 1986 champions lost to Cameroon in their opener, when Omam-Biyik scored the only goal in 67th minute. Cameroon were reduced to 10 men at the stroke of an hour. They not only scored a goal, but defended with their skin. Argentina were left embarrassed.