2018 FIFA World Cup | Mexico, Iceland and the curious case of the underdogs
It has been only five days since the World Cup started and we have already witnessed a string of surprises.
Karan Anand | New Delhi | June 18, 2018 5:39 pm
It has been only five days since the World Cup started and we have already witnessed a string of surprises. First time in the history of the tournament, Brazil, Germany, and Argentina, all have failed to win their opening matches.
So far, this tournament has belonged to the underdogs. On Sunday, in the biggest upset of the tournament so far, Mexico stunned the world champions Germany with a 1-0 victory. Germans looked slow against the pace of Mexico and were caught sleeping on various occasions.
Mexico, on the other hand, looked lively and created many chances. If not for their poor finishing, they could have easily scored two or three goals. If you think 1-0 was surprising, just imagine what 3-0 would have been like.
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Later in the day, tournament favourites Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw. Brazil looked mesmerizing for 15 minutes around Philippe Coutinho’s goal but failed to impress otherwise. They looked completely out of place and once Switzerland equalised, Brazil just flattered to deceive.
Although Switzerland themselves did not create many chances, they were solid in their defensive play and Brazil never even looked like scoring against them.
On Saturday, Brazil’s South American counterparts, Argentina, were also held to a 1-1 draw against debutants Iceland. Iceland has a total population of 3,50,000 people and no one expected them to hold Argentina to a 1-1 draw.
Iceland proved that their Euro 2016 performance was no fluke and they are capable of performing on the biggest stage of it all. Their goalkeeper Hannes Halldorsson became a national hero as he saved a penalty by Lionel Messi.
Australia is another underdog that played remarkably well. Although they lost to France by a one-goal margin, they were exceptional and almost held France to a 1-1 draw. They conceded in the 82nd minute as their fans were left heartbroken.
The FIFA World Cup is the most awaited sporting event of the year and the expectations are always high. So far, the World Cup has not disappointed as there has been plenty of entertainment.
The underdogs have shone so far and with all the big teams looking rusty, don’t be surprised if they end up causing a few more upsets.
Australia all-rounder Ashleigh Gardner has moved up in all three lists in the ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings after a fine run with both bat and bowl in the first two matches of their ICC Women’s Championship series against Bangladesh in Mirpur.
Australia has guaranteed their progression to the third round of Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a victory against Lebanon on Tuesday.