MORE SURPRISES IN STORE?
Second tier teams dream big in KO stage
Vatutinki,
June 29: A few months ago such scenarios would have been considered surreal but two weeks into this tournament of surprises, the prospect of lower- ranked nations competing in the sport’s showcase match in Moscow on July 15 has gained more credence.
Following Wednesday’s shock exit of four- times champions Germany, the knockout draw could now harbour more surprises than ever before.
Add to that the absence of
Italy, who have also won four trophies and three- time finalists Netherlands.
It has left a rare void. Yet in the bottom half of the last 16 draw, nations with not a single World Cup triumph to their names like Switzerland, Russia, Sweden, Croatia, Denmark and Colombia have every right to remain hopeful.
One of them is likely to make it all the way to the last four or further with Spain, winners in 2010, and England, winners in 1966, as the only established forces in that half of the draw. The Spaniards take on Russia in their round of 16 game. The Swiss, who in 1954 made it to the last eight for their best performance, face Sweden, whose own best showing — a final — dates back to their home event 60 years ago. Croatia, outstanding so far in Russia, face Denmark while Colombia play England.
With football fans complaining for years about the sport being dominated at both club and international level by only a handful of teams, this World Cup in Russia has certainly enjoyed a gust of fresh air being breathed into its knockout stages.