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In football, there is a possibility of only three outcomes at the end of a match. It is not uncommon to see managers and even players declare their sides as underdogs prior to kick off. Some of these teams have gone on to defy the odds stacked against them by pulling off a major upset. For instance, who knew that a small nation of 300,000 people like Iceland could eliminate the mighty Three Lions of England from a major competition?
The FIFA World Cup is undoubtedly the biggest stage in world football for players to perform. In the competition's history, there have been some wild, bizarre and outright shocking results that no one expected. These six World Cup moments proved that indeed football can be unpredictable in nature.
#6 Spain 0 Switzerland 1 (2010)
This was a shocking result for Spain given that they were reigning European champions (2008). The Spanish were firm favourites to win the trophy. They had won 15 out of 16 matches played in 2009 and all their four matches in 2010 prior to the World Cup. Having 19 wins out of the last 20 matches certainly put Spain at the pinnacle of world football.
Despite going on to win the 2010 World Cup, the Spanish had a nightmare start in the campaign as they fell 1-0 to minnows Switzerland. This was in their opening Group H match on June 16, 2010. As expected, Spain dictated much of the play and had 67% of the ball possession. It was at the peak of the famous 'tiki-taka' style of play.
Spain had 24 attempts on goal to Swiss' eight but it was Gelson Fernandez who had the final say with his 52nd-minute winner to silence Spain's supporters. Fernandes had poked the ball into the empty net as Iker Casillas had rushed out of his line and failed to clear the danger.
#5 Ghana 2 Czech Republic 0 (2006)
On June 17, 2006, Ghana upset a star-studded Czech Republic 2-0 in their Group E encounter. The Czechs were placed second in the FIFA rankings in that period. Ghana, on the other hand, was ranked 48th in the world. The gulf in class was evident on paper as the Czech Republic had players like Pavel Nedved, goalkeeper Petr Cech and Tomas Rosicky in their ranks.
In this match, Asamoah Gyan gave Ghana an unexpected lead inside two minutes. The Africans dominated for long spells of the match and only Cech's heroics prevented further damage. Sulley Muntari put the result beyond doubt in the 82nd minute to cap off a fine performance.
#4 South Africa 2 France 1 (2010)
It was a case of karma coming back to haunt the French in this World Cup. The side controversially qualified to the 2010 tournament in South Africa courtesy of Thierry Henry's open handball incident which led to France's victory over Ireland in 2009.
On June 22, 2010, South Africa humbled France 2-1 in their final Group A match. As hosts, Bafana Bafana received overwhelming support. Goals by Bongani Khumalo (20th minute) and Katlego Mphela (37th minute) enabled the African nation to prevail. There was also a rift reported in the French camp that involved captain Patrice Evra, coach Raymond Domenech and Nicholas Anelka who was later sent home.
It was France that started the match stronger with Domenech making six changes to the side that lost to Mexico in their second match. Les Blues threatened early in that match through Andre Gignac and Abou Diaby whose efforts were easily saved by Moneeb Josephs in goal.
Substitute Florent Malouda pulled one back for the French after being set up by Frank Ribery but the African side defended brilliantly. South Africa had 21 attempts on goal to France's 10, figures that summarised how this match turned out.
#3 South Korea 2 Italy 1 (2002)
Hosts South Korea sealed a comeback 2-1 win over giants Italy in extra time to qualify for the quarter-final. The Italians, blessed with attacking talents such as Alessandro del Piero, Francesco Totti and Christian Vieri, were taught a lesson by the spirited Asians.
Vieri powered home the opening goal in the 18th minute. A defensive lapse in the 88th minute allowed Seol Ki-Hyeon to rifle home the equaliser and subsequently forced extra time.
Totti was sent off in the 104th minute to change the shape of the match. In the 117th minute, Anh Jung-Hwan headed home Lee Young-Pyo's chipped ball to ensure South Korea's golden goal victory.
#2 Brazil 1 Germany 7 (2014)
This was by far the most shocking result of the 2014 World Cup held in Brazil. The host nation crumbled under a well drilled German football efficiency. Neymar's back injury suffered in the previous match against Colombia and Thiago Silva's suspension meant that two important components were taken away from the football-mad nation.
Germany capitalised in ruthless fashion. By the 30th minute, the Germans were 5-0 up in this one-sided semi-final. Thomas Muller opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Miroslav Klose added a second in the 23rd minute. Toni Kroos' strikes in the 24th and 26th minute ensured a solid lead at halftime.
Sami Khedira and Andre Schurrle's brace piled more misery on Brazil in front of their fans. Oscar's consolation goal in the 90th minute did little to mask the shocking events that unfolded before our very eyes. It was Brazil's heaviest defeat at a World Cup. Surprisingly, it was Brazil that had more shots (18) to Germany's 14 on top of a solid 52% ball possession.
#1 Senegal 1 France 0 (2002)
On May 31, 2002, Senegal shocked the world by beating reigning world and European champions France in the opening match. The French were overwhelming favourites after their 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 triumphs.
The French threatened to score early on with striker David Trezeguet crashing his shot against the right post. Henry and Patrick Viera also squandered their chances with efforts straight at goalkeeper Tony Sylva.
Speedy El-Hadji Diouf was tormentor-in-chief as the French played without inspirational superstar Zinadene Zidane. Diouf made one of his trademark runs on the left wing in the 30th minute and sliced a low cross that left goalkeeper Fabien Barthez and Emmanuel Petit in a defensive mix up. This allowed Papa Diop to collect the spoils and apply the finish into an open net.
Senegal would go on to reach a historic quarter-final while France unceremoniously crashed out in the group stage.
