Saudi Arabia’s Saleh Al Shehri scores their first goal against Argentina. REUTERS
The FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 which ended with an epic final between Argentina and France last night had its moments of surprises and upsets from the first round itself. Here is a shot glance at some of the upsets at Qatar 2022.
Saudi shock for Argentina
The biggest upset of the tournament – if not for the whole history of the world showpiece event – came on the third day when Saudi Arabia beat Lionel Messi’s Argentina. The 2-1 come-from-behind victory by Saudi Arabia, ranked 51st, was a real jolt for Argentina.
Although the victory could not propel the Green Falcons to the Round of 16 it handed the eventual champions their only loss of the whole tournament.
Japan surprise Germany and Spain
Germany came to the Qatar 2022 determined to do better than what they did four years ago in Russia where they were eliminated in the first round. But they were in for a real shock up front. The Samurai Blues’ 2-1 victory meant that once again Germany failed to emerge from the group stage.
Japan didn’t stop there. In their final group stage game, Japan scored two goals in three minutes to beat 21st-ranked Spain 2-0 to emerge winners in Group E with six points.
Japan were eventually stopped by Croatia through a shootout in the Round of 16.
Tunisian players celebrate scoring against France. REUTERS
Tunisia overcome France
Tunisia in Group D first played out a draw against Denmark, before losing to Australia 1-0. But the North African country did well to add up to its huge fan following when they beat holders France 1-0 in their final group match.
France though had already qualified to the knockouts as group leaders by that time.
Australia stun Denmark
Australia were pitted alongside defending champions France and Denmark in Group D and a few people gave them a chance of reaching the Round of 16.
However, the Socceroos silenced their critics with a clinical 1-0 win over Denmark who were touted as dark horses in the tournament. Australia would go on to lose to Argentina in the round of 16.
South Korea 2, Portugal 1
South Korea is another team that sprang a huge shock at Qatar 2022. The Asian team caused an upset when they beat Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal 2-1, their first win in the tournament. When Uruguay beat Ghana the door opened for South Korea to reach the next round where Brazil prevailed over them 4-1.
Morocco 1, Portugal 0
Portugal blanked Switzerland 6-1 in the Round of 16 and were clear favourites against Morocco in their quarter-final clash.
Morocco reached that stage hard way after a penalty shootout against Spain. Yet the best Atlas Lions team showed up and gallantly held Portugal after scoring a goal in the first half.
The result made Morocco the first African team to advance to the World Cup semifinals. Although they lost to France 2-0 their successful run would put the whole region in focus when it comes to football.
