The waiting game begins as we look forward to the opening ceremonies of World Cup 2018 in Russia. With 32 national teams now in their respective groups, football fans around the globe anticipate the excitement that football matches bring. In addition to that, many fans might be praying so hard right now that they can still get hold of that elusive yet highly-desired World Cup tickets.
We’re pretty sure football fans are now predicting world cup odds even before the games begin. But before that, let’s take a journey back to memory lane and find out the five biggest surprises during World Cup qualifiers.
1. USA lost their chance to qualify.
USA’s football team (or should we say “soccerâ€) lost to Trinidad and Tobago through an upsetting 2-1 score. While it was almost victory and a sure spot in the top 32 when they triumphed over Panama at 4-0 win, the Americans just didn’t make the cut. Team USA usually prevails in any sport, but it’s definitely a pain not qualifying this year when they have been appearing in the World Cup since 1986.
2. Iceland made it through the top 32.
Imagine a country of less than 350,000 inhabitants, made it to FIFA World Cup for the first time! They are the smallest country (in population) to have joined the famed international football competition. It was such a proud moment for the Icelanders when they won a 2-0 score against Kosovo. Fun fact: their coach Heimir HallgrÃmsson is a former football player and part-time dentist.
3. Panama got in despite the controversy.
Panama’s striker Gabriel Torres’ kick was clouded with controversy when it appeared as if it did not clear the mark. However, the referee allowed it, granting Panama a win over Costa Rica, 2-1. Though Costa Rica wasn’t happy about it, Panamanian fans were rejoicing, that even the President himself, Juan Carlos Varela, declared the day after the match a national holiday.
4. Argentina almost missed getting through the top 32.
Would FIFA World Cup be the same without Argentina? La Albiceleste has been in five World Cup finals and they have always been one strong team to beat. For a moment, it seems Argentina won’t be stepping on Russian soil, but here comes the star player and team captain Lionel Messi to the rescue. Messi scored a breath-taking hat-trick and won a 3-1 victory against Ecuador. Their coach Jorge Sampaoli expressed, “Messi does not owe Argentina a World Cup, but rather football owes him a World Cup.â€
5. Netherlands loses its chance and loses its team captain.
While the Argentinians celebrate with Messi’s saving grace, the Dutch weep with regret over Netherlands’ failure to get into Russia in time for World Cup 2018. Team captain Arjen Robben announced his retirement from the national team after they failed to make it to the top 32. Netherlands is the only country that has the most number of appearances in the World Cup even without bagging the championship title.
What are other World Cup surprises have you heard during the qualifying matches? Comment down below and share your thoughts!