Underdogs leaving a mark, making name for themselves at World Cup
It usually happens that a football tournament will come up and a unfancied team will arrive at the tournament and leave an everlasting impression. So too at various World Cup editions.
DENMARK, MEXICO, 1986: Incredibly, it was Denmark’s first time to qualify, and they were not fancied in a group containing West Germany, Uruguay and Scotland. But they beat Scotland 1-0 in their opener, thrashed South American giants Uruguay 6-1 in a result that sent shock waves in the tournament. They saw off Wall. Germany 2-0. But in the round of 16 were brushed aside 5-1 by Spain. Denmark went home, but their vibrant football won over many admirers.
CAMEROON, ITALIA, 1990: When Francois Omam-Biyik’s goal and an unheralded team defeated Diego Maradona’s world champions in the opening Group B match. An ageing team, with a unknown coach, Valeri Nepouniachi, from Russian third division league. Cameroon progressed to the quarters, becoming the first African country to do so at the World Cup. They were eliminated in the quarters by England 3-2. But Cameroon had made their mark, especially the ageing super sub Roger Milla.
SENEGAL, JAPAN/SOUTH. KOREA, 2002: Became the second African country to reach the quarter-finals, qualifying for the knock out stages, from a group containing defending champions France whom they beat 1-0 in the opener, Denmark and Uruguay. The goal they scored in a 1-1 draw with Denmark, was one of the best in the tournament. A counter attacking move finished off by Salif Diao. They were eliminated in the quarter-finals by Turkey, with a golden goal. But that Senegal squad became household names. El Hadj Douf, Khalilou Fadiga, Bouba Diop, Henry Camara, Tony Silva (Gk), Salif Diao etc.
COSTA RICA, BRAZIL, 2014: Said their coach of the group of death(D). “We love the group. The braver the bull, the better the bull fight.” The group contained three former world championship, Italy, Uruguay and England. But Costa Rica beat Uruguay 3-1, Italy 1-0 and drew 0-0 with England, to qualify for the round of 16. There they met Holland and were eliminated 4-3 on penalties after a 0-0 in 120 minutes. Costa Rica had announced itself to the world.
*The writer is a three-time winner of the Ugandan League with SC Villa and played in two continental finals (1991 & 1992)
