Which shock win has been the greatest and why?
Australia beat Denmark today and Tunisia beat France. Literally, nobody predicted these wins, coming as they are from two of the lowest-rated teams in the tournament,
A caveat applies: France had already won their group and rested their all their regular starters. However, even a Franc B team is easily more talented than an average tournament team. Tunisia goes out but with a major scalp and for a small football nation, that is not nothing.
For me, the Australia team was a bigger shock. The 2006 team also got to the knock-out stages but that was a much much more talented side. The Denmark team is packed with players who earn a living in the biggest European leagues and were many people's hipster choice to go deep in the tournament. By contrast, the Aussie squad wouldn't look out of place in the English second division. They have tremendous grit though.
Also, in this contest: Saudi Arabia beat Argentina, Morrocco beat Belgium and Japan beat Germany. Costa Rica's victory over Japan also has to count as a shock, given they had just lost 7-0 to Spain. They then beat the team who beat Germany.
Through hard work and organisation, it is possible to narrow the gap between yourself and a much more talented side. There is still a gap between the top-level football nations and the rest, but only when the big team plays well. This is what the WC is all about: journeyman professionals raising their game on the biggest stage they will ever play and getting the glory by slaying a giant.
The Qatar team was not involved in an upset. Good.
A caveat applies: France had already won their group and rested their all their regular starters. However, even a Franc B team is easily more talented than an average tournament team. Tunisia goes out but with a major scalp and for a small football nation, that is not nothing.
For me, the Australia team was a bigger shock. The 2006 team also got to the knock-out stages but that was a much much more talented side. The Denmark team is packed with players who earn a living in the biggest European leagues and were many people's hipster choice to go deep in the tournament. By contrast, the Aussie squad wouldn't look out of place in the English second division. They have tremendous grit though.
Also, in this contest: Saudi Arabia beat Argentina, Morrocco beat Belgium and Japan beat Germany. Costa Rica's victory over Japan also has to count as a shock, given they had just lost 7-0 to Spain. They then beat the team who beat Germany.
Through hard work and organisation, it is possible to narrow the gap between yourself and a much more talented side. There is still a gap between the top-level football nations and the rest, but only when the big team plays well. This is what the WC is all about: journeyman professionals raising their game on the biggest stage they will ever play and getting the glory by slaying a giant.
The Qatar team was not involved in an upset. Good.
41-45, M
