Here is a list of TOP 10 World Cup Upsets The list is selected according to: i. Match Importance (ex. Stage of Elimination or Significant Group Game) ii. Level of SHOCK the result produced, maybe becasue of the margin of victory, or the difference in the historical football hierarchy between the two countries. The period considered here is between World Cup 94 and World Cup 10 #10. USA 3-2 PORTUGAL (Group Stage, WC 2002) Note: Portugal was having its so called golden generation of players such as Figo and Rui Costa. They were considered one of the teams to beat at WC 02 having played fantastic football at Euro 2000. USA was arriving after a very bad WC 98 where they lost all of their games. This was supposed to be a cake walk for Portugal. It wasn't. # 9. SENEGAL 1-0 FRANCE (Group Stage, WC 2002) Note: France had entered this game as World and Euro Cup Winners. Before kick off, they were at the peak of their glory. And they were facing their former colony (Senegal) which had never played a match at the WC finals. Nevertheless, Senegal won the match, which ended a period of French domination in the international game (lasting since WC 98) # 8. SLOVAKIA 3-2 ITALY (Group Stage, WC 2010) Note: Italy, the WC 06 winner had been struggling greatly in WC 10. This wasn't the strongest edition of the Azzuri, however, they needed a good result against an average Slovakian team. They failed. As a result of this, they did not progress from a very, very easy group. #7. SWITZERLAND 1-0 SPAIN (Group Stage, WC 2010) Note: Spain were huge favorites prior to kick-off. The Euro 2008 winners were build around great players such as Xavi and Iniesta. They were considered undisputed favorites for glory. They had a deadly and effective possesion style which they adopted from, some would argue, the best club side in history (FC Barcelona). Although they dominated the match, they were unable to score against an ultra defensive Swiss team. In the end, they still won WC 10. #6. ROMANIA 3-2 ARGENTINA (2nd Round, WC 1994) Note: Prior to WC 94, Romania had been very weak at the WC. In 94, they had some good results in the group stage (against Colombia), but it was suppose to end with Argentina. Yet, the types of Hagi, Petrescu and company produced a shock result and eliminated a struggling giant. Its important to remember that in 94, Argentina had a status of an absolute World Cup favorite (ARG took part in 3 (78,86,90) of the last 4 WC Finals, winning in 78 and 86). This great victory marked the start of Romania's golden era. #5. KOREA 2-1 ITALY (2nd Round, WC 2002) Note: This Italian team was loaded with world-class players. They were Euro 2000 finalists and probably had enough talent and depth to win WC 02. However, the WC co-hosts had other ideas. With great determination, and some controversy, Korea (who was making their 1st ever WC knockout round appearance) made things really difficult for the Azzurii. In the end, Korea progressed....Soon they would to be at the heart of another shocking result. #4. KOREA 0-0 SPAIN... KOREA WIN 5-4 PK (Q-F, WC 2002) Note: A very disputed result. Korea had been impressive but also very fortunate. As a result of their team unity, and very clear officiating mistakes, the co-hosts, managed to make it into the WC semi-finals. This was a match of bizzare officiating flops. With all due respect to a hardworking Korean team, this wasn't a classic underdog upset. It was more like a robbery. #3. BULGARIA 2-1 GERMANY (Q-F, WC 1994) Note: In 94, Bulgaria had a very strong team. Such players like Balakov and Stoichkov had been the stars of this World Cup. However, Germany was Germany. The 90 WC Winners were suppose to progress and wake up Bulgaria from its cindarela dream. They had the players capable of stopping the East Europeans, with Klinsman, for example, having a fine World Cup. Nevertheless, Bulgaria and Stoichkov progressed to the semi-finals. Regardless of Bulgaria's impressive 1994 squad, back in those days, it was a major surprise. #2. CROATIA 3-0 GERMANY (Q-F, WC 1998) Note: In 98, Croatia copied Bulgaria. However, they had done it with even better style. Unlike the WC 94 (Q-F) game between (Germany1-2 Bulgaria), this was a very one-sided encounter. The Croatians demolished the German Team (Euro 96 Winners). Like Bulgaria in 94, they had world class players in their squad, for example, Suker and Boban. This beating send Germany into a depression which lasted for a few years. Croatia justified this result by finishing 3rd in the WC 98 (later winning against Holland). 1. FRANCE 3-0 BRAZIL (Final, WC 1998) Note: In 98, France had a strong team which rightly won the World Cup. Defensively they were the best in the world. They were also light years ahead in tactics. They functioned very well as a unit. They had great leadership. Their weakness had been mainly upfront. They didn't have a world class striker (Thierry Henry was still very young and very far from his peak). Their main offensive players weren't really in the same league with the likes of Brazil's Ronaldo or Rivaldo. In addition to this, Zidane (their most talented player) was having a bad World Cup (prior to the final). In 98, Brazil was having a sensational World Cup. The team had been an upgrade from an already strong WC 94 squad (which managed to win the previous World Cup). It looked like Brazil were going to easily dominate world football for the next decade. It really looked this way. Players such as Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Roberto Carlos were magical up until the final. For these reasons, this was a match not many expected France to win. They had already achieved a very good result by reaching the final of the World Cup. First time in history. Nevertheless, France managed not only to contain Brazil's explosive attack (which included a sick, injured Ronaldo). They also dominated the game. 3-0 was the result. France would rule international football.
Denmark 4 Nigeria 1 in WC98 seemed like a big upset at the time, given the form that Nigeria had shown in the group stage, while Denmark had merely qualified second to France and ahead of two minnows (Saudi Arabia and South Africa). However, they completely blitzed the Africans from the start of the match and never looked back. USA 1 England 1 at WC10 has to be some kind of upset, at least given how confident of a win most of the English posters on this board sounded at the time.
They are upsets for sure. But I wouldn't put them ahead of the 10 matches I've described. Denmark 4-1 Nigeria was a surprise. Nigeria was pretty good at that time, however, Denmark was not a weak side either. They had players like M.Laundrop and P.Schmiechel in their squad. They had also won Euro 92 a few years before. So, they had lots of potential. Nigeria was favored in 98 (there were huge expectations regarding them, like winning the WC, for example), but Denmark always had a chance. The level was similar, although on paper that Nigeria team looked much stronger. England 1-1 USA. I would have included this game if USA won. I think the tie was a surprise, but then again USA isn't that bad of a team. With good play and some luck they were capable of getting a result against a struggling England. Algeria was a little more of an upset (Algeria 0-0 England). Still I don't think it was a shock.
The Euro 1992 was six years before. Denmark had not done much since. They were not an upcoming team. Nigeria, on the other hand, had a wonderful performance in the group stage. They also had a strong run 4 years earlier in USA 1994. Two years before, Nigeria won the Gold medal at the Atlanta 1996. This might not sound impressive in 2011. But Argentina, Brazil, and Nigeria featured the basic same team in 1996 and 1998. That Olympics were the dress reheasal for 1998
You are right. Nigeria was a very good team in 1998. However, Denmark wasn't out of their leauge. Just look at Denmarks game in the Q-Finals vs Brazil. They lost 2-3, but they were equal if not maybe a little better than a strong Brazilian team. I don't consider the 4-1 Denmark win over Nigeria as a great upset. It was a surprise against the run of form, but Denmark always had the potential to pull it off.
Well your list is reasonable made, but I would NOT put the WC98 final as #1 UPSET at WC history! It is one of the big upset but might NOT make into TOP10 "most upset"!: Brazil were always a "favorite winner" by default! But that particular team 98 had suffered 2 major self-destructive causes that affected their WC win severely: 1- Before the WC: a missing of Romario (Ro-Ros is among the best duos ever played the games) 2- During the WC: Coaching: That team was among the "WORST EVER" Brazil NT in term of IMPROVISATION or baeutyful samba attacking style! They played with 2 DM (Dunga + Vambeta) and 1 half midfielder (old Leonardo) and relied totally on Ronaldo and the help of Rivaldo (who was forced to play on the left side which he hated) and veteran Bebeto - who replaced Romario in starting line up) 3- Before the FINAL game: a mysterious sickness of Ronaldo (who happened to be their best player in attack) Those things hindered the team playing style and quality to win the WC as people fantasized ...
I'm surprised by your choice for the #1 spot. France beating Brazil in their own stadium barely even qualifies as upset, let alone the greatest in the last five World Cups. What were the odds for a French victory? In the 2.0 - 2.5 range, I guess.
I selected France 3-0 Brazil (as #1) due to the magnitude of the match and its lasting impact. To begin with, try to remember that France prior to 1998 wasn't really a powerhouse in international football. They didn't qualify for the last two World Cups (1990, 1994)! In the years leading upto the 1998 World Cup, especially between 1995-97, they were as good as Sweden or Portugal are right now. However, they were highly talented and young (after abandoning such veterans like Cantona, Ginola, etc) As a result of this, they were able to put together a very talented team for the 1998 World Cup (Desalily, Zidane, Djorkaef, Deschamps, etc...) however, few people believed that it would be enough for a gold medal. Also, it was significant that a toothless France with a very weak center forward (who hasn't scored a goal all WC) along with an "out of form" Zidane (until the final) was able to KNOCKOUT a very strong Brazilan side. Sure, that day the Brazilan team, wasn't itself, mainly due to Ronaldo's sickness. This likely played a factor. However, what happned that day, defined the next 7-10 years of football. It had a huge impact. And I really think, that if it wasn't for that win, Brazil would have won 3 straight World Cups (94,98,02). Hence, in 2006, Brazil was knocked out by a very similar French team. I think also that Brazil lossing in 2006 (to a French team) had some connection to 1998, even if only tactically or pschologically.... Also, its possible that if Brazil won in 1998, Ronaldo (without a question) would have gone ahead of Pele, Maradona, etc..... So, I think it was the biggest underdog victory, with potentially the greatest impact. That's why I placed it ahead of other upsets.
I don't think it was a big surprise, although almost everyone had penciled in Nigeria to meet Brasil in the 1/4 final. There was a lot of talk about infighting with the Nigerian FA about money before the Denmark game and that really disrupted match preparation. Some players said that they didn't even know if they would enter the field. I am however surprised no one mentioned Nigeria - Spain 3:2 at the same world cup, as Spain was one of the favourites to win the cup. Also Ghana - Czech Rep. in 2006, given the Czechs were ranked no3 in the world that year and the unrrated Africans absolutely steam-rolled over them (although the 2:0 scoreline may not suggest that). Holland - Brazil 2010 also was a big upset in my books.
If you look closely at the global results of the 1994-98 period, you will see that France was probably the thoughest team to beat in the world back then with only 3 losses in 53 games (in friendly games vs Denmark, England and Russia) thanks to a historically great defense. You can't compare them to the current Sweden and Portugal teams.
France was GETTING stronger in the mid-1990's, however, they were not a Top Level SIDE, until they exploded in the WC Final. This was becasue they had a problem scoring goals (something, I still think they have today) Look at some of France's competitive results leading up to 1998: Euro 96 Qualifing: Isreal 0-0 France Poland 0-0 France Slovakia 0-0 France France 0-0 Romania France 1-1 Poland That's 5 games. 50% of their Euro 96 Qualification and only 1 goal.... They clearly lacked effective goalscoring. They couldn't score against some really weak or average teams, like Isreal, Slovakia or Poland. Look at crucial Euro 96 games: France 0-0 Holland (Quaterfinal) France progress on PK France 0-0 Czech Rep (Semi-Final) France get knocked out Conclusion: In the mid-1990's France was a good team, very good at the back. However, they weren't an international powerhouse. That doesn't mean they didn't have potential. They did.... alot. But they also, dissapointed alot. Especially due to the fact that they had missed WC 1990 and WC 1994. They had their problems, especially with scoring goals. I don't think they were a TOP team leading up to WC 98. They were a little bit behind. Mainly due to their "toothlessness."
Well no need to dig deep in their games 96-98, France were NOT among the favorites to win that cup (besides their advantage as HOST). The last time they were "favorite" to win a cup was back in 1986 with their "carre' magiques". Even right after crowning with WC trophy (not enough to lift them up to "numero un" caused by their dark decade between 86-96 ), they were still #2 ranked behind Brazil for months - blamed on 2 copa97 and 99 of Brazil.
Exactly. It's not quite like the French victory itself was completely unexpected. After all, the world cup final features the best two teams. Other than that, it's a good list. Too bad 1990 was not included, a tournament that had a few big shockers (CAM 1-0 ARG, CR beating SCO and SWE). I'd have Bulgaria - Germany at the top, it was a fantastic match to watch and as much as Bulgaria had a brilliant Stoichkov and were kind of on a roll after beating a decent Mexican side, the Germans were the reigning world champions and had many major names in their squad.
Of course they were. Behind Brazil -the number 1 favourite- they were among a group of 3-4 teams (mainly Italy, England and Argentina) that were considered among the most serious contenders.
Look at their results vs the 'tradional powerhouses' (Brazil, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, England, Germany, Portugal) between 1994 and 1998 prior to the WC final : 13 games, 7 wins, 5 draws, 1 loss. How come they were not a powerhouse whereas they were able to cope with them (or even to often dominate them) ? That's not coherent. Looking at these results France beating Brazil in the final was not an upset - only maybe the margin (3-0) was. The issue is that you only refer to the years 94-96 during which France was in a phase of rebuilding and transition after they didn't qualify to WC 90-94... It was obviously a weaker and significantly different team than the 97-98 one : - Zidane took the lead of the team only after EC96 from the moment he joined Juventus (not only that but he played EC96 while being injured). Before that France only relied on Djorkaeff to create and score. France was indeed quite poor offensively. - It's only after EC96 that the French backline + GK + midfield was definitely built (Barthez - Thuram, Desailly, Blanc, Lizarazu - Deschamps, Karembeu, Petit - Zidane). - Thuram was still a young, promising player before EC96. He became world class the next season when he joined Parma. Now look at their games in 1997-1998 : France was not always brilliant but was remarkably consistent and tough to beat. They had resolved some of their offensive problems (1.55 gpg between 96 and 98) but still kept their defensive sturdiness. Prior to the WC it was obvious that France was on par with the best teams in the world. Nothing shows they were 'a little behind'
Well yes, just prior to the WC, they were really good (although I will still continue to say, they were toothless, not really want a World Cup winning side should be expected). However, my point is that since, they had been a world-class team for so short (you said 97-98) they were really UNPROVEN as a powerhouse, and thus not favored to WIN WC. Semi-final was the aim of this team. Everyone knew there were other "traditional" BIG DOGS who would likely be 1st instead. France proved everyone wrong.