MOSCOW, RUSSIA – JUNE 19: Senegal players acknowledge the fans during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Poland and Senegal at Spartak Stadium on June 19, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
As we enter the final group matches in an increasingly unpredictable World Cup 2018 – Pf90 investigates the rise of the underdogs.
Here we examine not just nations who have never quite won the competition, but teams not to progress far at all. This tournament is yet to endure a nil-nil match, incredible.
Along with a record number of goals, proving the intent from all involved. Household names are not the only ones to watch.
Germany, Argentina, Brazil and France all struggled to beat lesser rated opposition – or underdogs – at this World Cup. In some cases, they even drew or lost. It is the opposite to standards simply dropping.
How have these underrated national teams succeeded beyond their means? By examining their structure, leading players, progress and potential, I can hopefully provide insight and reason.
Semi-final entrants since 2002
Following the turn of the century, 11 national teams have progressed to the semi-finals of the World Cup. These nations are: Germany (4), Brazil (2), Holland (2), Spain, Argentina, Italy, France, Portugal, Uruguay, Turkey and South Korea.
As you can tell, the usual suspects reappear successively. Some did not feature as regularly as you may have thought. There were also two underdog teams: Turkey who defied expectation. Incidentally, they beat Senegal in the quarter-finals, a selection of ours this time.
In addition to hosts in 2002, South Korea. Support, familiarity and comfort may explain further why their competence. Now, let us inspect three countries who may go further than foreseen in the current competition.
World Cup</a>. In some cases, they even drew or lost. It is the opposite to standards simply dropping.</p>
<p>How have these underrated national teams succeeded beyond their means? By examining their structure, leading players, progress and potential, I can hopefully provide insight and reason.</p>
<p><iframe src=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"https://art19.com/shows/31efb96c-5138-4f6b-b781-f0d25a8975d0/episodes/5208bd6f-bf30-45ca-be9c-70d4b464084b/embed?theme=dark-green%22 style="width: 100%; height: 200px; border: 0 none;" scrolling="no"></iframe></p>
<h3>Semi-final entrants since 2002</h3>
<p>Following the turn of the century, 11 national teams have progressed to the semi-finals of the World Cup. These nations are: <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/04/5-reasons-germany-always-world-cup-favourites/">Germany (4), Brazil (2), Holland (2), Spain, Argentina, Italy, France, Portugal, Uruguay, Turkey and South Korea.</p>
<p>As you can tell, the usual suspects reappear successively. Some did not feature as regularly as you may have thought. There were also two underdog teams: Turkey who defied expectation. Incidentally, they beat Senegal in the quarter-finals, a selection of ours this time.</p>
<p>In addition to hosts in 2002, South Korea. Support, familiarity and comfort may explain further why their competence. Now, let us inspect three countries who may go further than foreseen in the current competition.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Russia </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 19: Denis Cheryshev of Russia celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Russia and Egypt at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 19, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>1. Russia</h3>
<p>Hosting the event and great performances seal Russian Football’s place on the main stage. First of all, winning your opening two matches by scoring eight, earns the world’s attention.</p>
<p>Incredibly players like Denis Cheryshev and Aleksandr Golovin replaced underperforming <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/23/world-cup-2018-reaction-whoscored-best-xi/">superstars like Thomas Muller, Lionel Messi and Robert Lewandowski in football fans’ minds.</p>
<p>Yet, in their final group match, Russia capitulated. Well at least their form did. Twice champions Uruguay convincingly beat the 10-man Russians 3-0.</p>
<p>Although, Sbornaya – as the hosts are known – rested multiple players for the match. This is because they have qualified. Possibly a mistake in regards to momentum.</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Red card 😱 Russia are all over the place out there, outplayed in every department by Uruguay. <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldCup?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>#WorldCup</a></p>
<p>— Playing For 90 (@PlayingFor90) <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"https://twitter.com/PlayingFor90/status/1011256991682097152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>June 25, 2018</a></p></blockquote>
<p><script async src=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div>
<p>If you assess it an error, you are probably correct. Consequently they drew enigmatic Spain unfavourably, in the Round of 16.</p>
<p>However, Portugal and Cristiano Ronaldo were the other option. A true definition of being in between a ‘rock and a hard place.’ Regardless, expect their <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/">FIFA rank of 70 to reduce by two thirds post finals.</p>
<h3>Style switch</h3>
<p>But how did Russia get to such a dignified footballing position? A combination of fiscal investment and ultimately developing excellent youth.</p>
<p>A rise in popularity always helps underdogs to consolidate their attributes. Progressing for a debut (since USSR) at the knockout stages will rapidly increase the country’s interest and remove their status as underdogs.</p>
<p>Head coach Stanislav Cherchesov played for Russia in his youth. Having that bond and connection with the squad helps infinitely with morale and conveying instructions.</p>
<p>Radically, he changed formation leading up to the finals. Scrapping the attack minded 3-5-2, which led to a leaky defence: implementing a 4-4-3.</p>
<p>Described as having the ‘will and spirit to succeed’; he vowed to do his work with ‘<a href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"http://welcome2018.com/en/journal/materials/stanislav_cherchesov_becomes_head_coach_of_russian_national_football_team_/">dignity and a smile</a>‘. Emphasising balance in order to make his team competitive and successful. That seems to be working. However next round, <a style="background-color: #ffffff;" href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/11/barcelona-winger-completes-move-premier-league/">Spain will triumph against the underdogs.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Senegal </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">YEKATERINBURG, RUSSIA – JUNE 24: Ismaila Sarr of Senegal hugs teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Japan and Senegal at Ekaterinburg Arena on June 24, 2018 in Yekaterinburg, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>2. Senegal</h3>
<p>Senegal are my favourite lower placed FIFA ranked side. At 24th place, they are punching way above. Yet teams like Costa Rica, Austria and USA rank higher. However, the Lions of Teranga – as they are called – look more solid and swift than many above.</p>
<p>Players like Sadio Mane, Mbaye Niang, Ismaila Saar and the rapid full-back Moussa Wague lit up Russia in the win against Poland. In addition to rousing neutrals versus Japan, in a keenly fought draw.</p>
<p>Japanese fans joined the Senegalese once again, in tidying their allocated supporter areas. In what are arguably the most heart warming moments of the tournament so far.</p>
<p><a href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jun/20/japan-and-senegal-fans-tidy-up-after-themselves-at-world-cup">The Guardian</a> outlines the ‘litter-bug-antithesis’. Group H is wide open for all but the Poles, as we look at FIFA standings with <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/world-cup-2018-group-h-fixtures-standings-squads-full-details-on-/r4ticp6gxfio1j2ut6dlt2rgo">goal.com.
<p>How did a rather small west African country with a population around 16 million produce such a great team? We know they have a thorough French colonial heritage, and one can glance at France’s international record and see they are a global powerhouse.</p>
<p>Yet it is something more, a general physical and mental toughness. Players with astonishing fitness and resolve. Flair and skill is found in abundance. It also helped them qualify for the World Cup quarter-finals in 2002.</p>
<h3>The boss</h3>
<p>Their manager, Aliou Cisse, was familiar or friendly with players under his scope as a fairly recently retired international. One of only two African coaches in Russia, the young boss at 42-years-of-age will feel monumentally proud.</p>
<p>Technically they make correct football decisions, in dangerous opposition areas, with a certain aptitude.</p>
<p><a href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/24/sports/world-cup/senegal-aliou-cisse.html">New York Times</a> tells us, like Gareth Southgate’s England apprenticeship, Cisse coached national youth teams for two years.</p>
<p>Before another two destroying and rebuilding the senior side with ‘bonhomie.’ Geniality off the pitch is certainly replaced by solidarity and aggressive play on it.</p>
<p>Cisse was publicly upset after his team threw away their lead to Japan. So there are definately defensive questions.</p>
<p>While I cite the prowess of attack, or more convincingly, their breakaways. Senegalese counter-attacks are a thing of beauty: overwhelming for opponents.</p>
<p>Their football is described as ‘controlled or even cerebral’ by the <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/japan-vs-senegal-world-cup-2018-preview-alan-sugar-racist-tweet-team-news-latest-tactics-a8413501.html">Independent. It will certainly need to be against possibly <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/10/world-cup-preview-group-g-far-england/">Belgium or <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/19/england-player-ratings-vs-tunisia-reaction-winning-start/">England next round. That is, if a point minimum is gained versus Colombia.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Switzerland </a>
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<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">KALININGRAD, RUSSIA – JUNE 22: Xherdan Shaqiri of Switzerland celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group E match between Serbia and Switzerland at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 22, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>3. Switzerland</h3>
<p>Underrated and seemingly enjoying it. Switzerland do not seem to mind their lesser status. They are confident in their ability, have little fear of opponents and boast many elite European league star players.</p>
<p>A current FIFA ranking of sixth makes them our highest ranked side. Some would suggest they are not underdogs; however, teams like Poland and Switzerland played a suspiciously low number of friendlies in the previous two years.</p>
<p>A manoeuvre of this type ensures a higher placement, if the team in question is winning qualifiers. Basically it guarantees a seeding for the World Cup Finals for lesser sides, as previously mentioned.</p>
<p>Ploys aside, this is a technically adept, vastly mixed group of fast, and on average, young players.</p>
<p>The Swiss’ population comes from many areas of the globe. Therefore a balanced blend of qualities and characteristics occur multi-culturally.</p>
<p>Two standout Swiss squad members scored against Serbia: Granit Xhaka and Xherdan <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/13/analysis-xherdan-shaqiri-suit-liverpool/">Shaqiri. Both players were born in Kosovo, of Albanian descent. Hence their politically charged celebrations provoking Serbian outcry. FIFA decided not to impose bans, as we learn from <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"http://www.skysports.com/football/news/13958/11416713/granit-xhaka-xherdan-shaqiri-and-stephan-lichtsteiner-avoid-bans-for-double-eagle-celebration">Sky Sports</a>.</p>
<h3>Style</h3>
<p>Again, a rapid counter attack and solid consolidation of midfield and defence when not in possession seemingly prevails for underdogs against strong competition.</p>
<p>Nati, short for national team in Switzerland, under the control of Vladimir Petkovic, a Bosnian-Herzegovinian born manager, are stylish.</p>
<p>Petkovic approaches matches pragmatically. Whether it be Juventus as Lazio head coach or Brazil as Swiss boss.</p>
<p>His management skills are highly respected in Europe. Italian midfielder Iacopo La Rocca recalls a great footballing man:</p>
<blockquote><p>“He is meticulous in his pre-game approach and knows exactly what he can get from his players, so he pushes them to their limits and ensures they provide to the team what he wants them to.” – Iacopo La Rocca (Via: <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2018/06/26/three-underdogs-impressed-world-cup/"https://thesefootballtimes.co/2018/05/10/vladimir-petkovic-the-migrant-who-struggled-his-way-to-the-top-of-swiss-football/">thesefootballtimes.co.uk.)
<p>Tactically the formation 4-2-3-1, with licence to roam forward for fullbacks, is implemented again. This format gives the underdog ample possession in layout. A keen counter-attacking setup. And, when chasing the ball, they have the integrity and shape to stifle opponents.</p>
<p>Desperately in need of at least a point against Costa Rica, the Swiss should gain qualification. After impressing against Brazil and beating Serbia, could we see an underdog in the semi-finals? Perhaps not, as Germany or Mexico are plausible opposition.</p>
<h3>Honourable mentions</h3>
<p>Much talk was about Nigeria’s beautifully glowing shirts before the tournament. Unfortunately for Nigerians in their first game in the away kit, they floundered.</p>
<p>They meet Argentina for the fifth time at the World Cup, Tuesday. Previously, at the competition, Ahmed Musa scored twice against them as he did against Iceland.</p>
<p>Sweden qualified from a group containing France along with Holland. Consequently they even beat Italy in a playoff.</p>
<p>The Swedes saw off South Korea 2-0 in their first game. Then came the substantial Germans. Ola Toivonen’s stunningly deft chest control and chip gave the Swedes the lead.</p>
<p>Although, predictably Germany won in injury time. Sweden need a result while facing the conspicuously decent Mexicans, in order to qualify.</p>
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