As we enter the final group matches in an increasingly unpredictable World Cup 2018 – Pf90 investigates the rise of the underdogs.
Here we examine not just nations who have never quite won the competition, but teams not to progress far at all. This tournament is yet to endure a nil-nil match, incredible.
Along with a record number of goals, proving the intent from all involved. Household names are not the only ones to watch.
Germany, Argentina, Brazil and France all struggled to beat lesser rated opposition – or underdogs – at this World Cup. In some cases, they even drew or lost. It is the opposite to standards simply dropping.
How have these underrated national teams succeeded beyond their means? By examining their structure, leading players, progress and potential, I can hopefully provide insight and reason.
Semi-final entrants since 2002
Following the turn of the century, 11 national teams have progressed to the semi-finals of the World Cup. These nations are: Germany (4), Brazil (2), Holland (2), Spain, Argentina, Italy, France, Portugal, Uruguay, Turkey and South Korea.
As you can tell, the usual suspects reappear successively. Some did not feature as regularly as you may have thought. There were also two underdog teams: Turkey who defied expectation. Incidentally, they beat Senegal in the quarter-finals, a selection of ours this time.
In addition to hosts in 2002, South Korea. Support, familiarity and comfort may explain further why their competence. Now, let us inspect three countries who may go further than foreseen in the current competition.