Top 5 forgotten upsets in World Cup history

4. Morocco 3-1 Portugal: 1986

Morocco pulled off a shocking upset in 1986

Morocco has been one of the pioneers among African nations as far as World Cup records are concerned. They were the first African side since Egypt in 1934 to play in the tournament (1970) and made more history 16 years later when they became the first nation from the continent to make it out of the group stages - that too finishing top of the group.

What made the achievement even more special is that they were drawn in a group comprising of England, Portugal and Poland - all strong sides considered to be tactically way ahead of the Arab nation. However, the Moroccans shut out both England and Poland in their first two games and when Portugal came calling for the final group game, all four teams had realistic hopes of making the next round.

Portugal had already beaten England in the competition and despite a doping controversy and reports of a player strike, were still considered favourites to beat the Africans. But by halftime, the Europeans playing for the likes of Porto and Benfica were 2-0 down courtesy of a brace from FAR Rabat striker Abder Khairi.

Portugal's hope for a second-half comeback ended at the stroke of the hour as Krimau Merry was virtually unopposed by the Portugal defence while making the score 3-0 for the Moroccans. A late consolation was mustered by the Portuguese, but the contest never threatened to go the way of the famous 5-3 comeback against North Korea in 1966.

Portugal finished bottom of the group and were bundled out of the World cup, whereas Morocco topped the group ahead of England and Poland.