8 surprising results in a match that overturned expectations in the history of the World Cup

The 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar kicked off on November 20. While the fans’ enthusiasm continued with all their enthusiasm, the first big surprise of the tournament was when Saudi Arabia beat Argentina 2-1. Saudi Arabia ranks 53rd in the world ranking. As such, it was a great surprise that Saudi Arabia defeated Argentina, who had emerged as one of the favorite teams in the cup. After Messi’s first goal in the match, the Argentine national team scored 3 more goals against the Saudi national team. However, all of these goals were disallowed due to offside.

And in Saudi Arabia, in the first minutes of the second half, the score was equalized with the goal scored by Al-Shari. Saudi Arabia advanced 2-1 as Al-Dosari scored another goal in the 53rd minute. These unexpected results undoubtedly make the tournament even more special. So let’s take a short trip through history and look back at some of the shocking moments in the history of the World Cup together.

1 – South Korea – Italy / 2-1 (2002)

In the 2002 World Cup, South Korea beat Italy 2-1 and advanced to the quarter-finals with a goal scored in extra time. At that time, Italy had a lot of stars like Alessandro Del Piero and Paola Maldini. Therefore, South Korea’s defeat of Italy was a great shock.

2. Netherlands – Spain / 5-1 (2014)

The Netherlands and Spain qualified for the previous World Cup (2010). Spain won the cup that year with a score of 1-0. In the next World Cup group match, the Netherlands beat their opponent 5-1 with a different score. It was the biggest defeat for the champion in the World Cup.

3- East Germany-West Germany / 1-0 (1974)

East and West Germany only faced each other in the 1974 World Cup. The host country for the tournament that year was West Germany. At the same time, Gerd Müller, who is emerging as one of the best players in world football, was also wearing the shirt of the West Germany national team. West Germany had already been declared the winner long before the match even started! However, East Germany recorded a historic victory with a goal by Jurgen Sparwasser.

4 – Senegal – France / 1-0 (2002)

The opening match of the 2002 World Cup was between Senegal and France. Thanks to Pope Bouba Diop’s goal, Senegal achieved a huge victory over France. On the other hand, France managed only one point during the group matches and could not leave the group.

5. Switzerland – Spain / 1-0 (2010)

Spain went into the 2010 World Cup as European champions and the tournament favourites. That year the tournament was held in South Africa. Before the Spain-Switzerland match, Spain’s victory was certain. However, Switzerland managed to beat their rival Spain with a score of 1-0.

6- USA-England / 1-0 (1950)

At the 1950 World Cup held in Brazil, England were among the favorites for the tournament. On the other hand, the USA was seen as an amateur and semi-professional team. Therefore, at the end of the match, there was no doubt that England would inflict a historic defeat on the USA. However, the opposite happened. Joe Getgens, working as a courier in a Brooklyn restaurant, sent the goal that would seal one of the most impossible victories in history against England.

7- Cameroon-Argentina / 1-0 (1990)

Argentina won the 1986 World Cup, which was held in Mexico. Four years later, in 1990, when they lost to Cameroon in the opening match of the tournament, they shocked the entire world.

8- North Korea-Italy / 1-0 (1966)

Another moment in World Cup history that turned expectations upside down was the North Korea-Italy match. The Italian national team was aiming to reach the quarter-finals by defeating North Korea in the 1966 tournament. However, thanks to a goal by Pak Doo-ik instead of Italy, North Korea made the round and invited Italy to the World Cup.