Football World Cup’s Biggest Upsets

Switzerland scored 2010 World Cup’s biggest upset when they defeated hot favourites Spain by a single goal by Gelson Fernandes. Fernandes himself was surprised as he netted the goal from a close range past goalie Iker Cassilas and defender Gerard Pique. The big loss of Catalans underscores the fact that the game is highly unpredictable and that even the best squad is vulnerable to defeats.We also saw the mighty Spanish armada giving up before the little known Swiss army. France, Italy and even the indomitable Argentinians have met with such disastrous defeats before. Here’s a look at biggest upsets of World Cup history.


                                SENEGAL TOPPLES  FRANCE  1-0

 Senegal, a little country located in West Africa was no match for the mighty France – the 1998 World Champions. France had a league of first class players like Zidane, Henry, Viera and all. A lesser-known Papa Bouba Diop’s shot pierced right through the heart of the French army, Senegal made history, and France was shown the exit doors.




                             SOUTH KOREA BEATS ITALY 2-1

Remember the 2002 World Cup that witnessed the rise of Asian power? 3-time world champions Italy were facing Korean Republic in the second round. Striker Christian Vieri gave Italy an early lead scoring in the 18th minute (his 9th goal in WC). As the Italians were about to win the match, Seol Ki-Hyeon scored an equaliser stretching the game to extra time. During the extra time Ahn Jung-Hwan scored the golden goal sending off the Azurris.
  


                                       CAMEROON DEFEATS  ARGENTINA 2-1
Diego Maradona’s Argentina too got a real shock during the 1990 World Cup when Roger Milla’s Cameroon defeated them 1-0 in the opening game of the 1990 finals in Italy. Argentina later survived the shock and reached the finals where they eventually lost to Lother Matheus’s German squad.

NORTH KOREA DEFEATS ITALY 1-0

Italy’s Korean jinx can be traced back to history. If it was South Korea in 2002, it was North Korea way back in 1966. Then North Korea stormed past Italy to reach the quarter finals. Their World Cup anthem – “We can beat everyone, even the strongest team,” proved them right during that WC.

 

NIGERIA DEFEATS SPAIN 3-2

In 2010, it was Switzerland; and in 1998, it was Nigeria. Spain suffered a shocking defeat at the hands of Nigerian squad who edged past them 3 goals to 2 then.