Five biggest upsets in World Cup history
· Yahoo Sports
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Argentina, France, Spain, Brazil and England are being regarded as favourites, but Portugal and Belgium are also stocked with quality players and can beat any top team on their day.
The best sides usually come out on top in the end, but not always, as the following World Cup matches prove it.
England 0-1 USA (1950)
England’s defeat, despite having the likes of Alf Ramsey, Tom Finney and Billy Wright, was one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history.
The United States team was made up of part-timers, including a dishwasher, a letter carrier and a teacher.
However, Joe Gaetjens scored a 38th-minute goal and their lead stood until the final whistle, thanks to Frank Borghi’s brilliance in goal.
Argentina 0-1 Cameroon (1990)
Argentina went into the 1990 World Cup as defending champions and pre-tournament favourites, with legendary footballer Diego Maradona as their captain.
The Albiceleste were expected to easily prevail against Cameroon, who were making their World Cup debut.
But the African nation stunned their mighty rivals with an excellent performance. Francois Omam-Biyik scored halfway into the second half, and they held on to record a memorable victory at the San Siro.
Spain 1-5 Netherlands (2014)
The 2010 World Cup final was a heartbreaking moment for the Dutch supporters, as their team lost 1-0 to Spain.
Netherlands got their revenge four years later, as they inflicted a crushing defeat on their opponents in Brazil.
Spain scored through a Xabi Alonso penalty, but then conceded five to suffer an embarrassing loss. The defending champions failed to make it past the group stages that year.
Argentina 1-2 Saudi Arabia (2022)
Argentina were on a 36-match unbeaten run and had won the Copa America before the 2022 World Cup.
The Albiceleste went ahead through Lionel Messi and they had three goals ruled out in the first half.
But Saudi Arabia made a stunning comeback after the break, scoring twice through Saleh Al-Shehri and Salem Aldawsari to seal a huge victory.
Spain 0-1 Switzerland (2010)
Spain’s 2010 World Cup campaign got off to the worst possible start in South Africa.
La Roja slipped to a 1-0 defeat by Switzerland courtesy of a goal from Gelson Fernandes.
But despite their shaky start, Vicente del Bosque’s side recovered to top the group and went on to lift their first World Cup trophy.