The 2018 World Cup has seen plenty of shock results so far, and with the quarterfinals onwards still to come there’s still time for some more.
Our friends at Football Whispers have ranked the most shocking World Cup results since the turn of the century.
No. 8. France 4 Argentina 3, 2018
The 2018 World Cup has seen too many dramatic and goal-laden matches to mention them all, but this one is perhaps the most iconic.
Seven goals, the lead switching hands twice, some wondrous strikes, Argentina and Lionel Messi going out - it’s hard to believe that this match really happened.
France’s quarterfinal isn’t expected to be as goal-laden. Over 5.5 goals is priced at +2500 with bet365. The Under 2.5 is at -200.
No. 7. Colombia 1 England 1 (England win on penalties 4-3), 2018
While not strictly a shock result, penalties had begun to feel like a curse that needed to be broken for England, having brought an end to three World Cups and three European Championships since 1990.
But against Colombia, the Three Lions won their first shootout since beating Spain in 1996. A curse of a generation, lifted.
No. 6. Spain 1 Russia 1 (Russia win on penalties 4-3), 2018
Before the tournament, even Russians were pessimistic about their team’s chances. But they defied the odds to knock out Spain on penalties to send the 2010 world champions home.
Russia was a +275 to qualify for the quarterfinals heading into that Round of 16 game.
No. 5. USA 3 Portugal 2, 2002
Sixteen years ago, the USA was not the soccer-loving country it is today, so little was expected of them when they met star-studded Portugal in their opening group game.
However, Luis Figo’s side, the 2000 European Championship semifinalists, were caught by surprise.
Make sure to check out our World Cup Odds page for the latest odds on all of the quarterfinal games.
No. 4 Costa Rica, 2014
Costa Rica were favourites to come bottom of a group that contained England, Italy and Uruguay, but they defied expectations to top it.
They were achingly close to a semifinal spot as well, eventually losing on penalties against the Netherlands in the quarterfinal.
No. 3 South Korea 2002
South Korea had never made it past the group stage in a World Cup before co-hosting in 2002 where they reached the semifinals, beating Italy and Spain en route.
Sixteen years later, Russia are hoping to emulate their unexpected run, and are +150 to reach the semifinal.
No. 2. Spain v Netherlands/Chile 2014
With four of the past five World Cup winners to have now crashed out at the group stage at the following tournament, there are too many shocking results to mention.
Germany losing 1-0 to Mexico this World Cup, France losing their opening game in 2002 to Senegal, Italy drawing with New Zealand to finish below them in 2010 – but the most incredible was Spain in 2014.
Spain came into the Brazil World Cup having won the past three major tournaments, but a dramatic 5-1 loss to the Netherlands was followed by a 2-0 defeat to Chile, and suddenly the reigning World and European champions were out after only two games.
No. 1. Brazil 1 Germany 7, 2014
By the time this semifinal was just half an hour old, Germany were 5-0 up, having scored four goals between the 23rd and 29th minutes.
In front of a home crowd, hosts Brazil were dumped out in one of the most humiliating demolitions the World Cup has ever seen. With that in their minds spurring them on, they’re +275 to lift the trophy this time around.
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