Everyone loves an underdog story. There’s something beautiful about an outsider rising to glory, and that is no more poignant than in the case of the World Cup. As football fans gear up for Qatar, many with one eye on World Cup odds 2022, the unpredictability of a first-ever winter tournament could lead to plenty more upsets.
Who knows, the likes of Uruguay, South Korea and Denmark are all dark horses that possess strong squads, but any of the 32 nations jetting off to the Middle East would throw their name in the hat when it comes to making a ploy for the final. As modern football evolves, more and more underdogs are rising to prominence.
With that in mind, read on, as we take a look at some of the best underdog stories from recent World Cups, and how each team ended up doing.
Senegal – 2002
The 2002 World Cup was one that saw many heroes emerge. Although South Korea made it to the semi-finals, the host nation had a much better side than Senegal, who despite being one of the lowest-seeded nations heading to the tournament, made it to the quarters. With the likes of Papa Bouba Diop, El Hadji Diouf and top scorer Henri Camara, the African nation dared to dream in Asia, but ultimately fell to Turkey in the last eight. It was a year that made massive strides for the Lions of Teranga, inspiring a bright modern side that includes Kalidou Koulibaly and Champions League winners Sadio Mane and Edouard Mendy.
Costa Rica – 2014
When Costa Rica were drawn into an alleged ‘group of death’ alongside Uruguay, Italy and England at the 2014 World Cup, few gave them much of a chance. Seen as the whipping boys of the group and an easy three points en route to the round of 16, the small nation shocked all of Brazil as they finished top, winning their first two games before a goalless draw saw them earn a place in the knockouts.
Despite beating Greece next, they failed to score against the Netherlands and lost on penalties. With three-time Champions League winner Keylor Navas in goal and experienced defender Michael Umana in front of him, the Costa Ricans were hard to break down, and you wonder how far they could have gone with a clinical striker on hand to convert more chances.
Croatia – 2018
Although Croatia still had a lot of quality in their 2018 side, not many would have expected them to go all the way to the final in Russia. Despite many believing their Golden Era had come and gone, having risen from war in 1998 to defy the odds, the Croats did even better at the most recent edition of the World Cup.
Inspired by eventual Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric, a talented side topped a tough group including Lionel Messi’s Argentina before dumping out the hosts and then beating England in extra time to reach the final. Alas, it was a step too far Croatia, who lost 4-2 to France in Moscow, but the pride they restored in their national team is something that will inspire them to try and win it in Qatar.
