BIG SHOCKS, UPSETS AND TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED
SAUDI ARABIA produced one of the great World Cup shocks as they beat Argentina 2-1. On the back of that stunning result we take a look at 10 of the biggest upsets in the tournament’s history...
United States 1 England 0 (Brazil, 1950)
The most humiliating defeat in England’s history. The tournament favourites dominated to start with but in the 37th minute the United States stunned them by taking the lead through Larry Gaetjens. Walter Winterbottom’s side could not hit back and suffered a hugely embarrassing loss.
North Korea 1 Italy 0 (England, 1966)
Arguably the most surprising World Cup scoreline ever. Italy were expected to thump the Asian minnows but, against all the odds, the North Korean defence held firm against the might of the Europeans. Pak Doo Ik was on hand to score a scarcely believable winner.
Cameroon 1 Argentina 0 (Italy, 1990)
Cameroon, reduced to nine men after a double sending-off, produced another strong candidate for the biggest-ever World Cup shock against the reigning champions. In only their second appearance in the finals, they stunned the South Americans and stole the hearts of supporters when Omam Biyik headed home the winner.
Republic of Ireland 1 Italy 0 (United States, 1994)
Even Ireland’s travelling army could surely not have believed their side would defeat the mighty Italy. But Jack Charlton’s men did exactly that, thanks to Ray Houghton’s 25-yard strike. The Irish defence then kept Italy at bay.
France 0 Senegal 1 (Japan and South Korea, 2002)
The world and European champions were left shellshocked in their opening game of the tournament through a goal from El Hadji Diouf. Les Bleus went close and hit the woodwork twice, but the African nation held on for victory.
Algeria 2 Germany 1 (Spain, 1982)
Rabah Madjer reacted quickly after a shot was saved by Harald Schumacher to give Algeria a deserved lead on 54 minutes. KarlHeinz Rummenigge equalized from close range on 67 minutes. But Algeria conjured a minor miracle. From the kick-off, a 10-pass move concluded with Lakhdar Belloumi getting on the end of Salah Assad’s low cross to restore the lead.