The just concluded Fifa world cup has been full of surprises. Thrilling finishes, the use of Video Assistant Referee(VAR),a record number of penalties taken and some of the biggest shock results that will go down football history.
There's good reason behind the title “The World Cup of upsets”,as this time around the World cup has produced a hand full of unexpected results.
Here we take a look at 3 of the biggest upsets that stunned us all in this edition of the tournament.
Russia (4)1-1(3) Spain
Russia defeated Spain on penalties to earn victory after the inaugural shootout of the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Koke saw his effort saved by Igor Akinfeev, before Iago Aspas's unsuccessful spot kick sent the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow into delirium.
It had all started so well for La Roja who silenced the crowd in Luzhniki in the opening moments as a set-piece providing the opportunity for Spain to take the lead. Sergio Ramos proved a nuisance to Sergei Ignashevich, and the veteran defender turned the ball into his own net for an own goal. In the 40th minute, the Russians were handed a lifeline when Gerard Pique handled Artem Dzyuba's header towards goal in the box.Dzyuba stepped up and scored the resultant penalty. The second half settled into a pattern of Spanish possession and Russian counter-attacks, but beside a late save by Akinfeev from Andres Iniesta, neither side looked ready to win the game in normal time. A brave defensive performance from Russia in extra time earned them a penalty shootout against the 2010 world champions, where the Russian goalkeeper Akinfeev was ultimately the hero after saving two very crucial penalties to knockout the mighty Spaniards.
Croatia 3-0 Argentina
Croatia advanced to the Round of 16 for the second time in their history after cruising to victory over Argentina. With Lionel Messi lacking in inspiration, Argentina paid for their defensive errors on a dark night.
The eastern Europeans were content to sit back in the first half, aware that Jorge Sampaoli’s side had the greater need to attack. Though Argentina tried to take the initiative and enjoyed the most of the possession, they were unable to convert it into chances, with Sergio Aguero and a visibly ill-at-ease Messi largely anonymous. And when the South Americans finally carved out a clear-cut opportunity, Enzo Perez’s shot was wide of the goal.
Showing a lot more ambition after the restart, the Croatians promptly revealed the shortcomings of their opponents’ defense. Ante Rebic capped a fine display by capitalising on a Willy Caballero error with a superb finish
Taking full advantage of Argentina’s lack of composure at the back, Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic both scored to compound their misery in what will be one of the darkest nights in Argentinian football.
Taking full advantage of Argentina’s lack of composure at the back, Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic both scored to compound their misery in what will be one of the darkest nights in Argentinian football.
South Korea 2-0 Germany
Arguably the most shocking upset of this edition of the World Cup,the Germans faced South Korea in their last group stage match needing a win to qualify for the last 16. South Korea had lost their other two group matches and were already eliminated from the World Cup.As expected, it was the Germans with most of the possession and chances at goal. However, South Korea defended bravely with the standout performer being their goalkeeper Jo Hyeonwoo.
The Germans failed to score and with time running out, panic started creeping into the German camp and they duly conceded. First, Kim Young-gwon was left unmarked following a corner and he was able to steer the ball past Neuer from two yards out.Second,in the 96th minute with Germany desperately needing to score, Neuer left his goal area and went upfield help out his outfield players.There was always the danger of a South Korean counter attack and that materialised. Son Heung-min sprinted half the length of the field to score into the empty net with no marker in sight. The South Koreans were eliminated with pride as Germany finished rock bottom of the group.
This meant Germany became third successive reigning champions to be eliminated in the group stages after Spain in 2014 and Italy in 2010.
Labib Rahman,
Editor, Sports
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